Globalization and Urbanization: China's Urban Transformation and What It Means for the World

This course introduces students to the recent literature on China's immense urban transformation process, spatial restructuring and urban problems it causes. Much of the course focuses on the post-1978 period, which fundamentally differs from the preceding 30 years of state socialism. The topics are mainly divided into three parts. Part 1 is on the process and the uniqueness of urbanization in China. Issues such as the socialist ideology, the household registration (hukou) system, rural-urban migration and globalization will be discussed. We will also pay special attention to the process of urban development in Shanghai. Part 2 is on the spatial restructuring of Chinese cities. We will study the dominant work unit (danwei) compounds in pre-reform era, urban renewal and expansion and the diversified urban landscapes in post-reform era, urban renewal and expansion and the diversified urban landscapes in post-reform era. Part 3 will examine various urban issues emerging with the rapid urbanization, such as the massive migration and assimilation, housing problems, urban inequality and discontent.