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Literati China

Examinations, Neo-Confucianism, and Later Imperial China

Peter K. Bol and William C. Kirby

5.0

Based on 6 ratings

, see reviews

Peter K. Bol and William C. Kirby

Fundamental changes in government, the economy, and broader society took place between the 8th and 11th centuries in China. The state aristocracy gave way to new literati elite: educated men who sought to enter government through competitive examinations. A new kind of Confucianism also took shape, which prized the moral autonomy of individuals. With this, the later imperial period of China’s history begins.

From our series on Chinese history and culture, this course focuses on the changes brought by the Tang-Song transition, including the reconfiguration of power, urbanization, Neo-Confucianism, and the shared values as expressed in the state examination system.

Join us to learn how a shifting social and political elite ultimately brings unity to China, ushering in an age of global empire.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

How to break history into periods based on social, political, economic, intellectual, and cultural changes.
How to develop your own unique approach to history.
How to gain a critical appreciation of china’s literary, philosophical, political, and cultural resources.

How to express ideas more clearly and confidently.
How to think critically through the study of primary and secondary sources.

How to break history into periods based on social, political, economic, intellectual, and cultural changes.
How to develop your own unique approach to history.
How to gain a critical appreciation of china’s literary, philosophical, political, and cultural resources.
How to express ideas more clearly and confidently.
How to think critically through the study of primary and secondary sources.

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Suitable for individuals curious about Chinese history and culture looking to enhance their understanding of the Tang-Song transition

Led by instructors Peter K. Bol and William C. Kirby, notable scholars in Chinese history and culture

Provides a comprehensive examination of the historical period, covering key aspects such as political shifts, urbanization, philosophical developments, and the state examination system

Assists learners in comprehending the social, cultural, and intellectual forces leading to China's imperial period

Aids in developing a critical understanding of primary and secondary sources related to Chinese history

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Reviews summary

Deep dive into literati china

According to learners, this course offers a positive, in-depth look at a crucial period in Chinese history. Many appreciate the knowledgeable instructor and the focus on the literati elite, examination system, and Neo-Confucianism. Some find the primary source readings challenging but rewarding, while others note that the course material is dense and may require prior knowledge of Chinese history for optimal comprehension.

Highlights examinations and Neo-Confucianism.

"The focus on the examination system and its role in society was fascinating."

"Understanding Neo-Confucianism through this period was incredibly helpful."

"I really enjoyed the parts discussing the rise of the literati."

Instructor's expertise highly valued.

"The professor is clearly an expert in the field and very engaging."

"His lectures were insightful and brought the material to life."

"I appreciated the depth of knowledge the instructor shared on the topic."

Better for those with prior history.

"I found this course quite challenging as a complete beginner to Chinese history."

"Having some background knowledge definitely helps in navigating the content."

"Might be difficult if you haven't studied this era before."

Content is rich but can be challenging.

"This course is very dense and covers a lot of complex ideas quickly."

"The readings were quite academic and sometimes difficult to follow without supplementary research."

"You need to dedicate significant time to absorb all the information presented."

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 Literati China: Examinations, Neo-Confucianism, and Later Imperial China with these activities:

Read 'China: A New History' by John Keay

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Gain a comprehensive overview of Chinese history, including the Tang-Song transition period, through a well-written and engaging narrative.

View Himalaya: Exploring the Roof of the World on Amazon

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Read the book's introduction and chapter summaries to get a general idea of its structure and content.
Read each chapter carefully, taking notes on key points and unfamiliar concepts.
Complete the chapter review questions or discussion prompts at the end of each chapter to test your understanding.

Review fundamental Chinese history concepts

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Review the basic concepts and terminology of Chinese history to build a strong foundation for understanding the Tang-Song transition.

Browse courses on Chinese History

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Read through your notes or textbooks from previous history courses that covered Chinese history.
Take practice quizzes or review flashcards to test your knowledge of key events, figures, and concepts.
Attend a refresher workshop or online lecture on Chinese history.

Explore online resources on the Tang-Song transition

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Supplement your understanding of the Tang-Song transition by accessing reputable online resources, such as academic articles, documentaries, and museum websites.

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Search for articles on scholarly databases like JSTOR or Google Scholar.
Watch documentaries on streaming platforms like YouTube or Netflix.
Visit the websites of museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the British Museum for virtual exhibitions and online resources.

Four other activities

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Create a timeline of the Tang-Song transition

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Develop a visual representation of the key events and developments during the Tang-Song transition to enhance your understanding of the chronology and sequence of events.

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Identify the major events and turning points of the Tang-Song transition.
Research the dates and significance of these events.
Use a tool like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to create a timeline, plotting the events in chronological order.
Optionally, add brief descriptions or annotations to provide additional context.

Join a study group to discuss the Tang-Song transition

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Engage with fellow learners to exchange ideas, clarify concepts, and enhance your understanding of the Tang-Song transition through collaborative discussions.

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Find a study group or organize one with classmates or online.
Set regular meeting times and establish ground rules for effective discussions.
Take turns presenting different aspects of the Tang-Song transition and facilitate discussions.

Practice analyzing primary sources from the Tang-Song transition

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Enhance your critical thinking skills by examining primary sources such as historical documents, inscriptions, and literature from the Tang-Song transition.

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Identify primary sources related to the Tang-Song transition.
Read and analyze the sources carefully, paying attention to their content, context, and biases.
Write short summaries or interpretations of the sources to demonstrate your understanding.

Attend a workshop on the history and culture of the Tang-Song era

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Deepen your understanding of the Tang-Song transition by attending a workshop led by experts in Chinese history and culture.

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Research and identify relevant workshops offered by universities, museums, or cultural organizations.
Register for the workshop and prepare any necessary materials.
Attend the workshop, actively participate in discussions, and take notes on key insights.

Career center

Learners who complete Literati China: Examinations, Neo-Confucianism, and Later Imperial China will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Historian

This course covers topics including examinations, neo-confucianism, urbanization, literary history, and the political elite. A Historian studies and interprets the past by examining historical documents and sources. In this role, you will analyze historical events, interpret data, and write reports. Taking this course would be particularly helpful to you because you will develop skills in critical thinking, research, and writing, all of which are essential for a successful career as a historian.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Museum curator

As a Museum Curator, you will be responsible for planning and managing environmental control over museum collections. You will also conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of the institution. You will need to have a strong understanding of the history and culture of the objects in the museum's collection. The topics covered in this course may help you develop a strong foundation in Chinese history and culture, which would be beneficial for your career as a Museum Curator. In this course, you will learn about the development of Chinese society, the role of the literati, and the impact of Confucianism on Chinese culture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Archivist

In this role, you will be responsible for organizing, preserving, and cataloging historical documents and records. You may also assist researchers in accessing and using these materials. As an Archivist, you will need a solid understanding of history and archival practices. This course would be a valuable addition to your education as it will help you develop a foundation in Chinese history and culture. You will also learn about the role of the literati in Chinese society and the development of the examination system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Anthropologist

As an Anthropologist, you will study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. This may involve studying human culture, language, archaeology, and physical characteristics. It may also involve studying the relationship between humans and their environment. You may work in a variety of settings, including universities, museums, and research institutions. This course may be useful as it will help you develop a foundation in Chinese history and culture. You will also learn about the role of the literati in Chinese society and the development of the examination system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist

Archaeologist

Archaeologists study past peoples and cultures by excavating, analyzing, and interpreting physical remains like artifacts, buildings, and monuments. Cultural and historical knowledge is crucial to understanding the significance of archaeological discoveries. Taking this course could be useful to you because it can help you gain a deeper understanding of Chinese history, which can be helpful for interpreting archaeological findings in China. You will also learn about the role of the literati in Chinese society and the development of the examination system.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study human society and social behavior. This may include studying social institutions, social change, and social problems. You will need to have a strong understanding of social theory and research methods. This course may be useful as it will help you develop a foundation in Chinese history and culture. You will also learn about the role of the literati in Chinese society and the development of the examination system.

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Political Scientist

Political Scientists study political systems and political behavior. This may include studying government structures, public policy, and international relations. They also study the role of political institutions in society. You will need to have a strong understanding of political theory and research methods. This course may be useful as it will help you develop a foundation in Chinese history and culture. You will also learn about the role of the literati in Chinese society and the development of the examination system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This may include studying economic theory, economic policy, and economic forecasting. You will need to have a strong understanding of economic theory and research methods. This course may be useful as it will help you develop a foundation in Chinese history and culture. You will also learn about the role of the literati in Chinese society and the development of the examination system.

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Geographer

Geographers study the Earth's surface and its human and natural environments. This may include studying physical geography, human geography, and environmental geography. You will need to have a strong understanding of geography and research methods. This course may be useful as it will help you develop a foundation in Chinese history and culture. You will also learn about the role of the literati in Chinese society and the development of the examination system.

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Theologian

Theologians study the nature of God and religious beliefs. They may also study the history of religion, religious texts, and religious practices. You will need to have a strong understanding of theology and religious studies. This course may be useful as it will help you develop a foundation in Chinese history and culture. You will also learn about the role of the literati in Chinese society and the development of the examination system.

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Philosopher

Philosophers study the fundamental nature of reality and existence. They may also study ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology. You will need to have a strong understanding of philosophy and research methods. This course may be useful as it will help you develop a foundation in Chinese history and culture. You will also learn about the role of the literati in Chinese society and the development of the examination system.

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Linguist

Linguists study human language. This may include studying linguistics, phonetics, and semantics. You will need to have a strong understanding of linguistics and research methods. This course may be useful as it will help you develop a foundation in Chinese history and culture. You will also learn about the role of the literati in Chinese society and the development of the examination system.

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Journalist

Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or television and radio stations. You will need to have a strong understanding of journalism and research methods. This course may be useful as it will help you develop a foundation in Chinese history and culture. You will also learn about the role of the literati in Chinese society and the development of the examination system.

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Teacher

Teachers develop, implement, and evaluate instructional plans to facilitate student learning. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, colleges, and universities. You will need to have a strong understanding of education and teaching methods. This course may be useful as it will help you develop a foundation in Chinese history and culture. You will also learn about the role of the literati in Chinese society and the development of the examination system.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. They may specialize in a particular area of law, such as criminal law, civil law, or corporate law. You will need to have a strong understanding of the law and legal procedures. This course may be useful as it will help you develop a foundation in Chinese history and culture. You will also learn about the role of the literati in Chinese society and the development of the examination system.

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Reading list

We've selected 25 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Literati China: Examinations, Neo-Confucianism, and Later Imperial China.