Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/social-science-study-chinese-society
Are you curious about how social scientists unravel the complexities of society, particularly in a vast and dynamic nation like China? Coursera’s ‘Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society Part 1’ is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to become a more informed and critical consumer of social science research.
This course, designed for the interested non-expert, does a commendable job of introducing foundational concepts, standards, and principles of social science research. It doesn’t just throw jargon at you; instead, it carefully guides learners through the origins and development of social science, shedding light on the process of discovery in contemporary research. By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped to better assess evidence and critically evaluate claims made about significant social phenomena.
The syllabus is thoughtfully structured. Week 1 sets the stage by defining social science and differentiating it from humanities, natural, and life sciences. Weeks 2 and 3 then delve into the ‘Big Questions’ that drive social science inquiry, with a specific focus on current research pertaining to China. Week 4 provides a valuable overview of the major social science disciplines and their unique emphases. The subsequent weeks, 5 through 7, are crucial for understanding the practicalities of research, covering study designs, common challenges in interpretation, and the fundamental approaches to establishing cause and effect.
What truly makes this course shine is its accessibility. It breaks down complex ideas into digestible parts, making social science research feel less intimidating and more approachable. The focus on being a ‘consumer’ of research is particularly empowering, as it shifts the learner’s perspective from passive recipient to active evaluator. While the course has a specific lens on Chinese society, the skills and knowledge gained are universally applicable to understanding any social science research.
I highly recommend ‘Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society Part 1’ to students, journalists, policymakers, or anyone who wants to understand the world around them with a more critical and informed perspective. It’s a solid foundation that prepares you not only to understand research on China but to engage thoughtfully with social science findings across the board. Be sure to check out Part 2 to build upon this excellent introduction!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/social-science-study-chinese-society