Structuring Values in Modern China from Coursera

This sequence of four courses will propose a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of Chinese cultural history conceived of as a succession of modes of rationality (philosophical, bureaucratic, and economic). The focus will be on the moments of paradigm shift from one mode of rationality to another. For each of these moments, cultural facts and artifacts—thought, literature, ritual—will be examined in relationship to changing social, political, and economic systems.

The first two courses will cover the periods of the Warring States (481-256 BCE) and the Period of Division (220-589 CE), with a brief excursion into the Han (206 BCE-220 CE). The Warring States laid the social and cultural foundations for the emergence of the imperial mode of rationality; the Period of Division saw the Buddhist “conquest” of China and the emergence of a rationality defined by the opposition of the Three Teachings to shamanism, that is, of a clear contrast between elite and popular culture.

The third and fourth courses will focus on the emergence of modern China in the Song-Yuan (960-1368) and of today’s China 1850 to the present. We will see how the modern attack on religion, redefined as "superstition", led not only to religious reform movements but also to a society in which science and the nation became the primary value systems promoted by the state.

The courses are listed below:

A Critical Cultural History of China - Early China I: Intellectual Change in the Warring States and Han (481 BCE-220 CE)

A Critical Cultural History of China - Early China II: Religious Transformation in the Period of Division (220-589 CE)

A Critical Cultural History of China - Modern China I: Religion and Thought in the Song, Jin, and Yuan (960-1368)

A Critical Cultural History of China - Modern China II: Structuring Values (1850-2015)

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 21 Religion and Modernity

This module explains how science, the market, and the nation became the new structuring values of the intellectual elite in the 20th century and how this led to the destruction of traditional religions; how these religions resisted and incorporated the new values.

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Explores Chinese cultural history and the paradigm shifts between philosophical, bureaucratic, and economic modes of rationality

Taught by Prof. John Lagerwey, an expert in Chinese cultural history

Examines how religion, science, and the nation became 'structuring values' for Chinese society in the 20th century

Investigates the role of gender bias in the 20th century Chinese intellectual elite

Suitable for students with a background in Chinese cultural history or East Asian studies

Reviews summary

Deep dive into modern chinese values

According to learners, this course offers a fascinating deep dive into the intellectual and societal transformations shaping modern China, covering crucial areas like science, economics, and gender. Students highlight the unique interdisciplinary approach and its success in connecting historical shifts to contemporary values. While found to be challenging and requiring significant engagement due to dense lectures and extensive readings, many feel the content is rewarding and packed with insightful information. Some found the pace a bit fast or the connection between modules not always clear, suggesting it may be best suited for those prepared for an academic exploration.

Unique connection of history, philosophy, and society.

"The interdisciplinary approach is brilliant."

"It connects historical philosophical shifts to modern-day societal structures in a unique way."

"It covers important ground regarding modern Chinese values, linking them to historical roots."

Provides rich, insightful study of modern China.

"Absolutely fascinating dive into the complexities of Chinese thought and society from 1850 to modern day..."

"The modules on science, economics, and gender were particularly insightful, showing how traditional values clashed and merged with new ideas."

"This course is a gem! It connects historical philosophical shifts to modern-day societal structures in a unique way."

Challenging with dense lectures and extensive readings.

"The course requires significant engagement with the material, it's not a light listen."

"Some concepts are complex and need re-watching of lectures."

"The topics covered are interesting, but I found the pace a bit fast. Some lectures felt rushed..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Structuring Values in Modern China with these activities:

Review basic concepts in Chinese history and culture

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Strengthens your foundation by refreshing your knowledge of key concepts and historical events in Chinese history and culture.

Browse courses on Chinese History

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Review course materials and scholarly sources to identify key concepts and events
Create flashcards or notes to aid in memorization
Engage in practice exercises or quizzes to test your understanding

Create a timeline of key events in the history of Chinese religion

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Helps you visualize and understand the key events and developments that have shaped the history of religion in China.

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Review course materials and scholarly sources to identify key events
Organize the events chronologically and create a visually appealing timeline
Include brief descriptions of each event and its significance

Explore online tutorials on Chinese religious texts

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Enhances your understanding by providing additional perspectives and insights into the key religious texts of China.

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Identify reputable websites or online courses offering tutorials on Chinese religious texts
Choose tutorials that align with the topics covered in the course
Follow the tutorials and take notes on important concepts and ideas

Six other activities

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Participate in online discussion forums or study groups

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Facilitates knowledge sharing, critical thinking, and deeper engagement with course material.

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Join online discussion forums or study groups dedicated to the study of Chinese culture and history
Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights
Collaborate with peers to explore different perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter

Read 'Religion in Chinese Society: A Study of Contemporary Social Functions' by Daniel L. Overmyer

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of religion in China, helping you understand its role in shaping Chinese society and culture.

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Read the introduction and first chapter, which provides an overview of the history of religion in China
Continue reading the book, focusing on the chapters relevant to the specific topics covered in the course
Take notes or use annotations to record your insights and questions

Read 'Religious Transformation and Popular Culture in China' by James Miller

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Examines the dynamic relationship between religious transformation and popular culture in China, providing insights into the interplay between religion and society.

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Read the introduction and first chapter, which provides an overview of the religious landscape in China
Continue reading the book, focusing on the chapters relevant to the specific topics covered in the course
Consider how the concepts discussed in the book relate to the course material

Create a blog post or article on a topic related to the history of Chinese religion

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Solidifies your understanding by requiring you to synthesize and present information in a clear and organized manner.

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Choose a specific topic related to the history of Chinese religion
Research the topic thoroughly using credible sources
Organize your ideas and write a well-structured blog post or article

Develop a research proposal on a potential research project related to the history of Chinese religion

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Provides an opportunity to apply your knowledge and research skills to a specific topic of interest.

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Identify a research question or problem related to the history of Chinese religion
Conduct a preliminary literature review to assess the current state of research on the topic
Develop a research proposal outline, including a statement of the research question, a review of the literature, and a proposed methodology

Participate in an essay contest or research competition related to Chinese cultural history

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Challenges you to demonstrate your knowledge and research abilities in a competitive setting, fostering excellence and recognition.

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Identify essay contests or research competitions relevant to the subject matter
Research and develop a high-quality essay or research project
Submit your work and actively seek feedback to improve your research and writing skills

Career center

Learners who complete Structuring Values in Modern China will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Professor of Chinese Cultural History

A **Professor of Chinese Cultural History** studies and teaches Chinese history and culture, with a focus on the structuring of values in modern China. This course would be very relevant to this role, as it provides a deep understanding of the intellectual and cultural changes that have shaped modern Chinese society.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor of Chinese Cultural History

Religious Studies Professor

A **Religious Studies Professor** researches and teaches about religion, including its history, beliefs, and practices. This course would be very relevant to this role, as it provides a deep understanding of the role of religion in modern Chinese society.

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Cultural Anthropologist

A **Cultural Anthropologist** studies the culture and behavior of different societies. This course would be very relevant to this role, as it provides a deep understanding of the cultural changes that have shaped modern Chinese society.

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Economist

An **Economist** studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the economic changes that have shaped modern Chinese society.

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Historian

A **Historian** studies the past and its impact on the present. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the historical changes that have shaped modern Chinese society.

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Political Scientist

A **Political Scientist** studies the structure and function of government and political systems. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the political changes that have shaped modern Chinese society.

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Sociologist

A **Sociologist** studies the structure and function of society. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the social changes that have shaped modern Chinese society.

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Museum curator

A **Museum Curator** plans and manages exhibitions and collections of historical or cultural artifacts. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the cultural changes that have shaped modern Chinese society.

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Journalist

A **Journalist** gathers, analyzes, and reports on news and current events. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the social and political changes that have shaped modern Chinese society.

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Lawyer

A **Lawyer** advises clients on legal matters and represents them in court. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the legal changes that have shaped modern Chinese society.

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Teacher

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Nonprofit Manager

A **Nonprofit Manager** plans and directs the activities of a nonprofit organization. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the social and economic changes that have shaped modern Chinese society.

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Consultant

A **Consultant** provides advice and expertise to organizations and individuals. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the cultural, social, and economic changes that have shaped modern Chinese society.

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Policy Analyst

A **Policy Analyst** researches and analyzes public policy issues. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the political and social changes that have shaped modern Chinese society.

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Writer

A **Writer** creates written content for a variety of purposes, including fiction, nonfiction, and journalism. This course may be useful for this role, as it provides an understanding of the cultural and social changes that have shaped modern Chinese society.

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