Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/understanding-china-history-part-1
Coursera’s ‘Understanding China, 1700-2000: A Data Analytic Approach, Part 1’ offers a fascinating and modern lens through which to explore the complexities of Chinese history and society. This course is not your typical historical overview; instead, it leverages the power of big historical datasets, derived from newly opened Chinese archival holdings, to redefine our understanding of China’s past and present.
The course is structured to guide learners through key thematic areas, beginning with an orientation and then diving into ‘Social Structure and Education in Late Imperial China.’ This initial module sets the stage by examining the foundational elements of Chinese society before the modern era. Following this, the course progresses to ‘Education and Social Mobility in Contemporary China,’ highlighting how educational systems have shaped social progression in more recent times.
A significant strength of this course lies in its comparative approach. Modules like ‘Social Mobility and Wealth Distribution in Late Imperial and Contemporary China’ and ‘Wealth Distribution and Regime Change in Twentieth Century China’ excel at drawing connections and contrasts between different historical periods. This allows for a deeper appreciation of the continuities and transformations that have characterized China’s journey.
The instructors effectively demonstrate how new scholarship, powered by data analytics, is uncovering novel insights that challenge existing narratives. By organizing this knowledge within a framework that encourages comparative study, the course empowers learners to understand China not in isolation, but in relation to global historical trends. The syllabus is clear and logically sequenced, culminating in a final exam to consolidate learning and a farewell section with a post-course survey to gather valuable feedback.
For anyone interested in a rigorous, data-informed exploration of Chinese history, from the Qing Dynasty to the turn of the 21st century, this course is highly recommended. It’s an excellent starting point for those looking to understand what makes modern China and its history unique, through the lens of cutting-edge social science research.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/understanding-china-history-part-1