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

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HomeData ScienceData Analysis

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

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

About this course: 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

Who is this class for: Anyone interested in understanding China through its empirical data may join.


Created by:  The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

  • James Z. Lee

    Taught by:  James Z. Lee, Dean and Chair Professor of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Commitment5 weeks of study, 2-3 hours/week
Language
English
How To PassPass all graded assignments to complete the course.
User Ratings
4.3 stars
Average User Rating 4.3See what learners said
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Orientation and Module 1: Social Structure and Education in Late Imperial China
Before you start with the content for Module 1, please watch the Course Overview, review the Assignments and Grading page, and introduce yourself to other learners who will be studying this course with you.
5 videos, 2 readings
  1. Video: Course Overview
  2. Reading: Assignments and Grading
  3. Discussion Prompt: Meet and Greet
  4. Video: 1.1: Introduction
  5. Video: 1.2: Who Gets What and Why?
  6. Video: 1.3: Social Mobility and the Examination System in Late Imperial China
  7. Video: 1.4: Cultural Reproduction and Education in Late Imperial and Contemporary China
  8. Reading: Module 1 Suggested Reading
Graded: Quiz 1
WEEK 2
Module 2: Education and Social Mobility in Contemporary China
3 videos, 1 reading
  1. Video: 2.1: Comparing Inequality in Education and Income between China and the West
  2. Video: 2.2: Student Diversity at Peking University 1950-1999 and Suzhou University 1950-2003
  3. Video: 2.3: China’s Silent Revolution’s Ladder of Success
  4. Reading: Module 2 Suggested Reading
Graded: Quiz 2
WEEK 3
Module 3: Social Mobility and Wealth Distribution in Late Imperial and Contemporary China
5 videos, 1 reading
  1. Video: 3.1: Wealth Distribution in the UK and US, 1700-2000
  2. Video: 3.2: Population Categories and Wealth Entitlements in China
  3. Video: 3.3: Land Distribution in Shuangcheng, 1870-1906
  4. Video: 3.4: Property Distribution in Contemporary China
  5. Video: 3.5: Comparative Wealth Distribution: Past/Present and East/West
  6. Reading: Module 3 Suggested Reading
Graded: Quiz 3
WEEK 4
Module 4: Wealth Distribution and Regime Change in Twentieth Century China
5 videos, 1 reading
  1. Video: 4.1: Wealth Distribution and Regime Change
  2. Video: 4.2: Wealth Distribution in Pre-Revolutionary China
  3. Video: 4.3: Political Processes and Institutions of Regime Change in Shuangcheng, 1946-1948
  4. Video: 4.4: Revolutionary Victims in Shuangcheng and Elsewhere
  5. Video: 4.5: Course Conclusion
  6. Reading: Module 4 Suggested Reading
Graded: Quiz 4
WEEK 5
Final Exam and Farewell
Now is time to test your understanding on the entire course. Take the final exam and complete the post-course survey. Your valuable feedback will certainly help us improve future iterations of the course.
2 readings, 1 practice quiz
  1. Reading: A Farewell Message from Professor James Lee
  2. Practice Quiz: Post-course Survey
  3. Reading: Rate this course
Graded: Final Exam

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Creators
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
HKUST - A dynamic, international research university, in relentless pursuit of excellence, leading the advance of science and technology, and educating the new generation of front-runners for Asia and the world.
Ratings and Reviews
Rated 4.3 out of 5 of 27 ratings

MD

Very interesting, I would recommend this course.

JOHN QUINCY

I enjoyed this course tremendously, and discovered that there was a vast amount of information that I needed to learn about this SuperPower. China is an amazing country with an enormous population and economy, a history of remarkable achievement, and yet still unknown in many ways. Thanks for putting this course together.

ST

Well presented material, new and surprising insights. Rewarding experience.

Matt Mckevitt

Informative, relevant, and unique. The focus on recent discoveries unearthed through original research is refreshing.



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