Monthly Subscription Starting at AED 99 + VAT

Chinese Culture and Contemporary China
  • Level Foundation
  • Duration 12 hours
  • Course by Nanjing University
  • Offered by

About

This course of Chinese Culture and Contemporary China will explore the foundations of Chinese civilization and the dimensions of Chinese culture. It will pay particular attention to the relationship between Chinese culture and the present-day life of the Chinese people and to the different elements of the culture which are under the present social structures, belief systems, literature, arts, customs, etc. The course aims at providing students with a deeper knowledge of Chinese culture, thus enabling them to better understand China. The course will cover the following main areas of topics: (1) the foundations of Chinese civilization: its geography, language, and history; (2) the core concepts in Chinese philosophies and religions: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism; (3), literature and arts, including Chinese calligraphy, painting, Tang poetry, and classical fiction; (4) society and life, including education, the role of women, Chinese food, and traditional holidays; (5) travel and landscapes, including well-known Chinese cities, mountains, ethnic regions and customs; (6) Chinese media, culture and sports, including TV and movies, fashion, Chinese gongfu and taiji. In addition, students will be expected to participate in a buddy program beyond curriculum if they have a chance to come to Nanjing. Ideally they will be paired up: an international student with a Nanjing University student to allow students to learn firsthand about Chinese customs, culture, and language. Students will be required to complete various projects and homework assignments as well, which will encourage them to use Nanjing University and the city of Nanjing as a laboratory to apply what they learn during their stay at Nanjing University.

Modules

I. 礼 Li / Confucian Rituals

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Quiz on Rituals

1 Videos

  • Rituals

II. 仁 Ren / Benevolence

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Quiz on Benevolence (True/False)

1 Videos

  • Benevolence

III. 道 Dao / Tao

    • 1 Videos
    • 2 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Quiz on Tao

2 Discussions

  • In accordance with the Confucian concept, how exactly do we enact ren?
  • What is the fundamental difference between a yes man and a true benevolent?

1 Videos

  • Tao

I. Why are Chinese Paintings Usually not Framed?

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Quiz on un-framed Chinese Paintings

1 Videos

  • Unframed Chinese Paintings

II. Why are Chinese Paintings Usually Black and White?

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Quiz on Black and White Chinese Painting

1 Videos

  • Chinese Paintings of Black and White

Are Chinese Paintings a Kind of Abstract Art?

    • 1 Videos
    • 2 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Quiz on Are Chinese Paintings a kind of Abstract Art?

2 Discussions

  • Open Disscusion on Chinese Painting and Reality
  • Open Discussion on Chinese Painting and Colors

1 Videos

  • Are Chinese Paintings a kind of Abstract Art?

I. Essence of Chinese Music

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Quiz on Essence of Chinese Music

1 Videos

  • Essence of Chinese Music

II. Chinese Traditional Thought of Music

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Quiz on Chinese Traditional Thought of Music

1 Videos

  • Chinese Traditional Thought of Music

III. Popular Music in Modern and Contemporary China

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Quiz on Popular Music in Modern and Contemporary China

1 Discussions

  • Open Discussion on Chinese Music

1 Videos

  • Popular Music in Modern and Contemporary China

I. The Relationship between Traditional Costume and Social Status

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Quiz on Chinese Traditional Costume and Social Status

1 Videos

  • The Relationship Between Traditional Costume and Social Status

II. How Costume Reflected Woman's rights?

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Quiz on Costume and Woman's rights

1 Videos

  • How Costume Reflected Woman's rights?

III. Chinese-Red and its Opposite

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Quiz on Chinese Red and its Opposite

1 Discussions

  • Open Discussions on Chinese Costume

1 Videos

  • Chinese-Red and its Opposite

I. Introduction & Huaiyang Cuisine

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Quiz on Introduction and Huaiyang Cuisine

1 Videos

  • Huai Yang Cuisine

II. Guangdong Cuising, Sichuan Cuisine and Northern Cuisine

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Quiz on Guangdong, Sichuan and Northern Cuisine

3 Videos

  • Guangdong or Cantonese Cuisine
  • Sichuan Cuisine
  • Northern Cuisine

III. Eating for Harmony

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Discussion
Show info about module content

1 Discussions

  • Open Discussions on Chinese Cuisine

1 Videos

  • Eating for Harmony

I. Chinese Traditional Festivals

    • 1 Videos
Show info about module content

1 Videos

  • Chinese Traditional Festivals

II. Spring Festival

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Quiz on Spring Festival

1 Videos

  • Spring Festival

III. Dragon Boat (Duanwu) Festival

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Quiz on Dragon Boat Festival

1 Videos

  • Dragon Boat Festival

IV. Mid-autumn Festival

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Quiz for Mid-autumn Festival

1 Discussions

  • Open Discussions on Chinese Traditional Festivals

1 Videos

  • Mid-autumn Festival

Auto Summary

Embark on an enriching journey through the "Chinese Culture and Contemporary China" course, designed to immerse you in the vast and intricate tapestry of Chinese civilization. Curated for enthusiasts in the Arts & Humanities domain, this course delves into the bedrock of Chinese culture and its influence on modern-day China. Led by distinguished instructors from Coursera, this comprehensive program spans approximately 720 hours, offering a profound exploration of China’s geography, language, and historical evolution. It meticulously covers core philosophies and religions like Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, alongside the illustrious realms of Chinese literature, calligraphy, painting, and classical fiction. Engage deeply with societal aspects such as education, the role of women, traditional Chinese cuisine, and cultural festivities. The course also guides you through China’s stunning landscapes, famous cities, and ethnic regions, enhancing your understanding of the country's diverse travel and cultural fabric. Additionally, discover the vibrant Chinese media landscape, from TV and movies to fashion and martial arts like gongfu and taiji. For those who can visit Nanjing, the course offers a unique buddy program pairing international students with local Nanjing University peers, fostering firsthand cultural exchange. Practical projects and assignments encourage students to utilize Nanjing University and the city as a living laboratory, applying their newfound knowledge in real-world settings. Ideal for foundation-level learners, this course is available under Coursera’s Starter and Professional subscription plans, making it accessible to a wide range of learners eager to deepen their understanding of one of the world's oldest and most fascinating cultures. Join us and gain a nuanced perspective on contemporary China through its rich cultural heritage.

程爱民
Instructors

程爱民

张斌
Instructors

张斌

杨居柳
Instructors

杨居柳

敖雪岗
Instructors

敖雪岗