Contemporary Chinese Politics This introductory course provides students with a background in how the party-state political system functions, and then investigates the major political issues in China today. We will focus first on economic reform issues, such as income inequality, the floating population, and changes in the socialist welfare model, and then on political reform issues, such as the liberalization of news media, NGO and civil society activity, protest and social movements, environmental protection, and legal reform. China is a quickly changing country, so students will focus on analyzing current events but also have an opportunity to explore a topic of interest in more detail.

Chinese Political Economy Over the past 30 years China has undergone a tremendous transition. The purpose of this course is to consider the extent to which China's experience has challenged theories of market reform. First, we will examine the role of the state in Chinese economic development and market systems more broadly. Second, we will analyze challenges in Chinese state-society relations, from public service provision to protest, that have emerged after such rapid economic growth. Finally, we will discuss the political implications of the Chinese state's responses to these issues in terms of authoritarian durability and governance.

Qualitative Methods in Political Science This seminar offers a broad introduction to qualitative methodology with a focus on comparative methods for the analysis of a relatively small number of cases (small-n). This course will enable students to create and critique qualitative research designs in political science. The course focuses on recent methodological writings and includes several substantive examples from various subfields. Topics covered include causal inference, case studies, cross-case comparison, typological theory, case selection, process tracing, counterfactual analysis, and set theory. We will also discuss approaches to multi-method research and the use of mixed methods in political science.

Authoritarian Politics The purpose of this course is to examine the characteristics and dynamics of non-democratic regimes. First, we will define autocracy and consider different forms of authoritarianism and how their leaders come into power. Next, we will investigate why some authoritarian regimes are able to sustain their rule while others collapse. Finally, we will explore how citizens of these regimes bolster, comply with, or revolt against their governments. Throughout the course, adopting a comparative standpoint, we will draw on various country cases. (Comparative Politics)/

Water Conflict in Vietnam and Thailand Students will research water conflict between China, Vietnam, and Thailand through extensive field research in both Vietnam and Thailand. Specifically, students will conduct group interviews exploring water politics and conflict transformation comparing the two countries, such as how do they secure Chinese investment but also balance local environmental and water use concerns to avoid conflict over scarce water resources? How do they strike a balance between their economic dependence on China and security dependence on the US? How have the China-led Lancang Mekong Cooperation group (LMC) and the US-led Mekong River Commission (MRC) competed as multilateral institutions governing water politics in the region? How do they strike a policy balance between meeting energy demand and mitigating negative social and environmental impacts of dam-building? How do they coordinate various interests and impacts between the upstream and downstream states through regional institutions? Studying these important questions will help students learn more about water politics in the region as well as tools and methods of conflict transformation, while also deeply immersing themselves in local politics and culture in each country.

Jessica Teets

Reviews and ratings for Jessica Teets at Middlebury College.Jessica Teets teaches Contemporary Chinese Politics, Chinese Political Economy, QualitativeMethods in Poli Sci and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Jessica Teets good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

This course is ridiculous. I believe that Jessica Teets is upset that students were not engaged in this course. While this would be a perfectly reasonable response to students not being engaged, it became far less reasonable given that she appeared entirely disengaged as well. You can easily get an A. The issue is Jessica Teets. 

Prof. Teets is a great story teller/presenter. Even though I was not initially that interested in China, I really enjoyed listening to her lectures. She has an extensive experience working in China overall, so she is very enthusiastic. 

I overall really enjoyed this course. There are only three grading components, a take-home exam, paper, and group presentation, so if that is not your thing, I wouldn't recommend, but for me it worked well, especially since I could front-load the workload based on the dates that I picked and have a more relaxed end to the semester. Professor Teets is super knowledgable and enthusiastic about material and receptive to student questions, and I walked away with an enhanced understanding of how the modern Chinese government and party system work. 