The study of transition economies is one of most prevailing subjects in social science. Undoubtedly, Chinese government’s economic reforms over the last couple of decades have led to rapid economic growth at a national scale, significantly restructuring the economic geography and international relations of Asia and the world. However, many empirical studies on the post-Mao China show that the economic transition towards market economy is in large part actually propelled by active local governments. Therefore, a local/urban/regional/environmental perspective is needed to further understanding of China’s development.

Undergraduates interested in development of post-Mao China are more than welcomed. Priority go to students who are able to show their ambition in learning issues on urban/regional, environmental, and local development of China since 1978. Students taking the course are expected to understand three main themes. The first part focuses on the issues of China’s economic performances at national and local scales. The comparison between transition models (like: China as gradual reform vis-à-vis Soviet Union as shock therapy) is also discussed. Second, the political and social background of understanding local economic development are offered, including power structure within one-party- control, evolving central- local relations, and state-society dynamics. The third part of the course is to explore different ‘geographic’ perspectives of local economic development, including rural industrialization, controversial roles of FDI and innovation, urbanization, uneven regional development and territorial competition, energy and environment, and a ‘special case study on Hong Kong and Macao.