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Understanding China, 1700-2000: A Data Analytic Approach, Part 1
  • Level Foundation
  • Duration 8 hours
  • Course by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  • Offered by

About

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

Modules

Orientation

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • Meet and Greet

1 Videos

  • Course Overview

1 Readings

  • Assignments and Grading

Module 1: Social Structure and Education in Late Imperial China

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quiz 1

4 Videos

  • 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

1 Readings

  • Module 1 Suggested Reading

Module 2: Education and Social Mobility in Contemporary China

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quiz 2

3 Videos

  • 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

1 Readings

  • Module 2 Suggested Reading

Module 3: Social Mobility and Wealth Distribution in Late Imperial and Contemporary China

    • 5 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quiz 3

5 Videos

  • 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

1 Readings

  • Module 3 Suggested Reading

Module 4: Wealth Distribution and Regime Change in Twentieth Century China

    • 5 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quiz 4

5 Videos

  • 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

1 Readings

  • Module 4 Suggested Reading

Final Exam and Farewell

    • 2 Readings
    • 2 Assignment
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2 Assignment

  • Final Exam
  • Post-course Survey

2 Readings

  • A Farewell Message from Professor James Lee
  • Rate this course

Auto Summary

Unlock the secrets of China's history through big data with "Understanding China, 1700-2000: A Data Analytic Approach, Part 1." Ideal for those interested in Big Data and Analytics, this course, taught by expert instructors on Coursera, delves into comparative inequality and opportunity in China over three centuries. Over 480 minutes, explore unique perspectives and case studies that redefine modern Chinese history, without needing prior knowledge. Perfect for learners seeking foundational insights into China's past and its implications on human behavior and social theory.

James Z. Lee
Instructor

James Z. Lee