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This course is an overview of China’s national trajectory since the 1970s and places its historic transformation firmly in comparative perspective. We will examine the evolution of the economy from the days of its Soviet-style system to the present version of a state-directed market economy. We will examine the ways that China’s trajectory differs from other countries that have departed from the Soviet model, as well as other economies in East Asia that have experienced “miracle” growth in recent decades. We will consider the limits of China’s model and the anticipated changes that will be needed to shift to a new growth model. Throughout, the course will emphasize the ways in which China’s economy is organized in ways that differ from virtually all other major economies. We will conclude with an assessment of current dialogues about the strengths and weaknesses of China’s economic model and China’s possible future. The course is lecture-based, with ample time for structured discussion and debate. Students must come to class fully prepared to make arguments based on familiarity with the week’s readings.