Understanding China, 1700-2000: A Data Analytic Approach, Part 2

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 (https://www.coursera.org/learn/understanding-china-history-part-1) focuses on comparative inequality and opportunity and addresses two related questions ‘Who rises to the top?’ and ‘Who gets what?’. Part 2 (this course) 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

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

Commitment 4 weeks of study, 2-3 hours/week Language English How To Pass Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. User Ratings 5.0 stars Average User Rating 5.0See what learners said Задания курса

Каждый курс — это интерактивный учебник, который содержит видеоматериалы, тесты и проекты.

Помощь сокурсников

Общайтесь с тысячами других учащихся: обсуждайте идеи, материалы курса и помогайте друг другу осваивать новые понятия.

Сертификаты

Получите документы о прохождении курсов и поделитесь своим успехом с друзьями, коллегами и работодателями.

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.

Syllabus


WEEK 1


Orientation and Module 1: Who Are We and Who Survives
Before you start with the content for Module 1, please review the Assignments and Grading page and introduce yourself to other learners who will be studying this course with you.


7 videos, 2 readings expand

1. Материал для самостоятельного изучения: Assignments and Grading
2. Вопрос для обсуждения: Meet and Greet
3. Video: 1.1 Who Are We? An Introduction
4. Video: 1.2: Big Data and the Scholarship of Discovery
5. Video: 1.3: Big Data, New Facts and Classic Social Theory
6. Video: 1.4: New Data and Eurasian Comparisons
7. Video: 2.1: Who Survives: Life Under Pressure
8. Video: 2.2: Mortality: Geographic and Socioeconomic Comparisons
9. Video: 2.3: Mortality and Who We Are
10. Материал для самостоятельного изучения: Module 1 Suggested Reading

Graded: Quiz 1

WEEK 2


Module 2: Who Reproduces and Who Marries



8 videos, 1 reading expand

1. Video: 3.1: Who Reproduces: Prudence and Pressure
2. Video: 3.2: Reproduction and Conscious Choice
3. Video: 3.3: Reproduction and Adoption
4. Video: 3.4: Reproduction: Geographic and Socioeconomic Comparisons
5. Video: 4.1: Who Marries: Similarity in Difference
6. Video: 4.2: Universal Female and Restricted Male Marriage
7. Video: 4.3: Alternative Marriage Forms
8. Video: 4.4: Marriage and Socioeconomic Comparisons
9. Материал для самостоятельного изучения: Module 2 Suggested Reading

Graded: Quiz 2

WEEK 3


Module 3: Who Cares and Course Conclusion
In this module, James and his post-graduate student Hao DONG will co-deliver the lectures.


5 videos, 1 reading expand

1. Video: 5.1: Who Cares: State, Kinship and Family
2. Video: 5.2: Effects of Living with Kin (by Hao DONG)
3. Video: 5.3: Family System in Comparative Perspective (by Hao DONG)
4. Video: 5.4: Kin Influence Across East Asian Family Systems (by Hao DONG)
5. Video: 6.1: Conclusion: The Salient Legacy of China’s Past
6. Материал для самостоятельного изучения: Module 3 Suggested Reading

Graded: Quiz 3

WEEK 4


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.


1 reading, 1 practice quiz expand

1. Материал для самостоятельного изучения: A Farewell Message from Professor James Lee
2. Тренировочный тест: Post-course Survey

Graded: Final Exam