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Understanding China, 1700-2000: A Data Analytic Approach, Part 1

Approx. 8 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course provides an introduction to the history of China from ancient times to the Tang dynasty. The course covers the major events, ideas, and figures that shaped Chinese civilization over this period.

Key Learning Points

Learn about the key events, figures, and ideas that shaped Chinese civilization
Understand the social, cultural, and political changes that occurred during the various dynasties
Explore the unique features of Chinese civilization, including its writing system, philosophical traditions, and artistic achievements

Learning Outcomes

Gain a deeper understanding of Chinese history and civilization
Develop critical thinking and analytical skills
Learn to appreciate the unique features of Chinese culture and society

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

No prior knowledge of Chinese history or civilization is required
A willingness to engage with primary sources and historical texts is recommended

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Video lectures
Quizzes
Readings

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Notable People in This Field

Professor of the History and Politics of Modern China, University of Oxford
Author and Translator

Related Books

Description

The purpose of this course is to summarize new directions in Chinese history and social science produced by the creation and analysis of big historical datasets based on newly opened Chinese archival holdings, and to organize this knowledge in a framework that encourages learning about China in comparative perspective.

Our course demonstrates how a new scholarship of discovery is redefining what is singular about modern China and modern Chinese history. Current understandings of human history and social theory are based largely on Western experience or on non-Western experience seen through a Western lens. This course offers alternative perspectives derived from Chinese experience over the last three centuries. We present specific case studies of this new scholarship of discovery divided into two stand-alone parts, which means that students can take any part without prior or subsequent attendance of the other part. Part 1 (this course) focuses on comparative inequality and opportunity and addresses two related questions ‘Who rises to the top?’ and ‘Who gets what?’. Part 2 (https://www.coursera.org/learn/understanding-china-history-part-2) turns to an arguably even more important question ‘Who are we?’ as seen through the framework of comparative population behavior - mortality, marriage, and reproduction – and their interaction with economic conditions and human values. We do so because mortality and reproduction are fundamental and universal, because they differ historically just as radically between China and the West as patterns of inequality and opportunity, and because these differences demonstrate the mutability of human behavior and values. Course Overview video: https://youtu.be/dzUPRyJ4ETk

Outline

Orientation and Module 1: Social Structure and Education in Late Imperial China
Course Overview
1.1: Introduction
1.2: Who Gets What and Why?
1.3: Social Mobility and the Examination System in Late Imperial China
1.4: Cultural Reproduction and Education in Late Imperial and Contemporary China
Assignments and Grading
Module 1 Suggested Reading
Quiz 1

Module 2: Education and Social Mobility in Contemporary China
2.1: Comparing Inequality in Education and Income between China and the West
2.2: Student Diversity at Peking University 1950-1999 and Suzhou University 1950-2003
2.3: China’s Silent Revolution’s Ladder of Success
Module 2 Suggested Reading
Quiz 2

Module 3: Social Mobility and Wealth Distribution in Late Imperial and Contemporary China
3.1: Wealth Distribution in the UK and US, 1700-2000
3.2: Population Categories and Wealth Entitlements in China
3.3: Land Distribution in Shuangcheng, 1870-1906
3.4: Property Distribution in Contemporary China
3.5: Comparative Wealth Distribution: Past/Present and East/West
Module 3 Suggested Reading
Quiz 3

Module 4: Wealth Distribution and Regime Change in Twentieth Century China
4.1: Wealth Distribution and Regime Change
4.2: Wealth Distribution in Pre-Revolutionary China
4.3: Political Processes and Institutions of Regime Change in Shuangcheng, 1946-1948
4.4: Revolutionary Victims in Shuangcheng and Elsewhere
4.5: Course Conclusion
Module 4 Suggested Reading
Quiz 4

Final Exam and Farewell
A Farewell Message from Professor James Lee
Rate this course
Final Exam
Post-course Survey

Summary of User Reviews

The Understanding China: History, Memory, and Identity - Part 1 course on Coursera has received positive reviews from users. Many have praised the engaging and informative lectures that provide a comprehensive understanding of China's history.