This course will offer a fresh look at China, including everything from changing cultural trends to evolving security perspectives. The first part of the course will focus on the rise of China in the 20th and 21st centuries, and then we will turn our attention to the ways that China has engaged with global institutions and how it has tried to reshape them to support its own vision and grand strategy on the world stage. We will also explore the economics involved with the rise of China, from the Belt and Road Initiative to its efforts to build an alternative financial order.

Faculty Bio

Darren Zook teaches global studies and political science at UC Berkeley. His areas of interest include comparative politics, human rights, international law, cybersecurity, and the politics of art.

This is an In-Person, Livestreamed + Recorded Course

• Classes meet in person at the Golden Bear Center, Suite 202/204, at 1995 University Ave., Berkeley
• Classes will also stream live simultaneously, and be recorded
• You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program.

Schedule Highlights

• Course starts on Thursday, Jan. 21, and ends on Thursday, Feb. 11
• Classes meet for 4 weeks, 2 hours per session (10 a.m.–noon)
• All course materials will remain available to view and enjoy in Member Dashboards through Mar. 28

Member Praise for Darren Zook

Dr. Zook is one of the best teachers I've ever had and I'm 80!

Darren Zook is an amazing teacher. He's a well-organized, extremely knowledgeable, and always engaging.

I have taken several classes with Darren Zook and will take several more. His scope and depth of knowledge is extraordinary. And he is able to communicate it effectively and effortlessly. 

Faculty Q&A

• Read an interview with Darren Zook from our archive.