Of those admitted in 2011 more than 60 percent have a master's degree. In order to cater to the higher demands of these bright young minds, the school has had to significantly modify its curriculum.

"It's not easy to sell your ideas to these young leaders who have both high education and rich experience in governance. Our teachers face higher expectations than those in other colleges," acknowledged Wang Chengzhi.

The courses offered at the Party School are hence designed to have historical depth, international scope and realistic values. The study of real-life cases and research projects has been introduced, as well as more courses focusing on topics that are of wide concern in the economy, society and culture, as well as in Party building. The school's goal is to acquaint these future leaders not only with the latest technologies and management techniques, but also give them a greater understanding of a broader world and the society that they are someday expected to run.

A Curriculum for Leading a Nation

The history of the CPC theory from Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, and the Three Represents (the CPC represents the developmental needs of China's advanced production capacity, the progressive direction of China's advanced culture, and the fundamental interests of the broad majority) to the current scientific outlook on development is the principal part of the Party School's curriculum. "Knowing the past of the CPC enables officials to better understand key Party theories," explained Xie Chuntao. "They are all based on the experience and expertise the CPC has garnered in the course of revolution and nation building. If one is familiar with Party history one can have deeper comprehension of these doctrines."

"By looking back at the gains and losses of previous generations," Xie continued, "incumbent officials learn how to handle their work in the best possible way. They can also look to past state leaders as role models. For example, Mao Zedong is admired for his strategic thinking; Zhou Enlai is remembered for his personal charisma; and Deng Xiaoping has a reputation for pragmatism."

With this background in mind, students are taught about and do independent research on many complicated contemporary issues, including the expansion of domestic demand, stability for a society in transition, and changes in the global economic and political setups and Chinese response to it. Lectures are also provided on subjects such as traditional Chinese culture, psychology, and media communication skills.

Two of the Party School's courses – "Strategic thinking and the ability to lead" and "Strategic science" – aim to develop their strategic thinking and global vision in a changing world. Course content is modified every semester to reflect the latest happenings inside and out of the nation, and lectures are given by visiting experts, including top leaders of the CPC and central government, on all topics of interest, from politics to science and technology and law and justice to ethnic affairs and religion.

Bringing Their Own Expertise to the Classroom

Unlike students in generic higher-learning institutions, those who fill the classrooms of the Party School are mature adults already at the helms of establishments exercising state power. The weight of their positions and expertise means they are more than mere passive receivers. They have a lot to share with others, and are encouraged to share the hot issues in their respective realms of work in class.

The students put forward a slew of existing and emerging problems, some of which are not yet on the radar of relevant authorities. "Though we professors cannot answer all the questions the students raise," said Xie Chuntao, "we can give them theoretic and methodological advice that may be of help. As well as this, we present some of the issues to state leaders, who then work to find a solution. It is not rare for top central government officials to summon students of differential ranks, including those from county governments, to gatherings in order to solicit their opinions," said Xie Chuntao.

To make the best use of the resources of its expert students, the school set up forums for them to lecture on the subjects they are specialized in, and Party School students love class debate and find inspiration in solving examples of real-life problems that might pop up in their precincts some day, such as river pollution or mass protests. The exchanges that go on in the Party School classrooms have serious effects on the world outside. This is particularly true when participants are the nation's political elite, and the annual seminar of ministers and governors held at the school, now in its ninth year, is always closely watched by the media.

Every year, time is also set aside for group discussions on all issues high on the agenda of the CPC and the state. The theme for the 2011 session is "social management and innovations to it," while those of previous sessions have included the scientific outlook on development, transforming the pattern of economic growth and China's accession to the WTO.

"This is not merely a teaching course. It is more of a venue for the Central Committee of the CPC to disseminate its latest thoughts and policies to its linchpin members, get their backing for them and eventually have these thoughts and policies passed down to and accepted by lower-level officials in their ministries and regional governments. Its significance can never be overestimated," explained Xie Chuntao.