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Peter K. Bol
and
William C. Kirby
This course, the second in a collection on Chinese history and culture, addresses how the Qin dynasty conquered China and established a new system of government and how the Han dynasty built a stable, centralized empire that lasted for hundreds of years. We cover the early history of Buddhism in China and how the rising feudal aristocracy responded to the loss of empire by looking inward.
Read more
This course, the second in a collection on Chinese history and culture, addresses how the Qin dynasty conquered China and established a new system of government and how the Han dynasty built a stable, centralized empire that lasted for hundreds of years. We cover the early history of Buddhism in China and how the rising feudal aristocracy responded to the loss of empire by looking inward.
Read more
This course, the second in a collection on Chinese history and culture, addresses how the Qin dynasty conquered China and established a new system of government and how the Han dynasty built a stable, centralized empire that lasted for hundreds of years. We cover the early history of Buddhism in China and how the rising feudal aristocracy responded to the loss of empire by looking inward.
In this period, the Qin forged a new, unified empire, discovered new ways of mobilizing the population, and introduced the imperial ideology of “Cosmic Resonance”. However, this early dynasty was short-lived and soon gave way to the Han. Though the Han struggled with many tensions — centralism vs. regionalism, feudalism vs. bureaucracy — it lasted much longer than the Qin and established a stable relationship between Chinese society and the state.
Later, aristocratic culture and concerns around self-actualization became important in Chinese culture. Buddhism was also established in this period, and learners will discover how that religion spread throughout the country.
Join us to learn about China’s first unified empires and how the relationship to the self evolved with the spread of aristocratic culture and Buddhism.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/c45jxe/china's
What's inside
Learning objectives
- How the first centralized bureaucratic empire was created.
- How the foreign religion of buddhism gained prominence.
- The dynamics of political systems and changing state-society relations.
- How religion functions as a historical phenomenon.
- How to develop your own approaches to history and gain a critical appreciation of china’s many resources.
- How to express ideas clearly and confidently.
- How the first centralized bureaucratic empire was created.
- How the foreign religion of buddhism gained prominence.
- The dynamics of political systems and changing state-society relations.
- How religion functions as a historical phenomenon.
- How to develop your own approaches to history and gain a critical appreciation of china’s many resources.
- How to express ideas clearly and confidently.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Develops an understanding of the first centralized bureaucratic empire and how it was created
Examines how the foreign religion of Buddhism gained prominence in China
Analyzes the dynamics of political systems and changing state-society relations
Explores how religion functions as a historical phenomenon
Teaches learners how to develop critical appreciation of China’s many resources
Taught by Peter K. Bol and William C. Kirby, who are recognized for their work in Chinese history
Save this course
Save China’s First Empires and the Rise of Buddhism to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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 China’s First Empires and the Rise of Buddhism with these
activities:
Review Key Concepts in Ancient Chinese History
Show steps
Bolster your understanding of the fundamentals of Chinese history to enhance your learning experience.
Show steps
-
Read through your existing notes or textbooks on ancient Chinese history.
-
Identify key concepts and events from the Qin and Han dynasties.
Read 'The Cambridge History of China: Volume 1'
Show steps
Gain a comprehensive understanding of Chinese history by exploring this authoritative and extensive reference work.
View
The Cambridge History of China, Vol. 5 Part One...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Purchase or borrow the book.
-
Set aside dedicated time for reading.
-
Take notes, summarize key points, and reflect on the content.
Explore Online Resources on Chinese History
Show steps
Expand your knowledge beyond the course materials by delving into reputable online resources and gaining diverse perspectives on Chinese history.
Browse courses on
Chinese History
Show steps
-
Identify reputable websites, museums, or scholarly articles on Chinese history.
-
Explore the resources and take notes on new insights or perspectives.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Compile a Timeline of Major Events in Chinese History
Show steps
Create a visual representation of key historical events to enhance your understanding of the chronological progression of Chinese history.
Browse courses on
Chinese History
Show steps
-
Research and identify major events from the Qin and Han dynasties.
-
Organize the events in chronological order.
-
Create a visual timeline using a tool or software of your choice.
Analyze Primary Sources from the Qin and Han Dynasties
Show steps
Develop your critical thinking skills and deepen your understanding of the Qin and Han eras by examining historical documents.
Browse courses on
Primary Sources
Show steps
-
Identify relevant primary sources, such as government edicts, inscriptions, and literary works.
-
Carefully read and analyze the sources to extract historical information.
-
Compare and contrast different sources to corroborate and expand your understanding.
Discuss Course Concepts in a Study Group
Show steps
Engage with fellow learners and deepen your understanding of course concepts through collaborative discussions.
Show steps
-
Form or join a study group with classmates.
-
Review course materials and prepare discussion points.
-
Meet regularly to discuss key concepts, exchange ideas, and clarify misunderstandings.
Contribute to Wikipedia Articles on Chinese History
Show steps
Make a meaningful contribution to the dissemination of knowledge by adding or improving Wikipedia articles related to Chinese history.
Browse courses on
Chinese History
Show steps
-
Choose an article on Chinese history that you would like to contribute to.
-
Research and gather relevant information from credible sources.
-
Edit or expand the article by adding new content or improving existing content.
Develop a Presentation on the Impact of Buddhism on Chinese Culture
Show steps
Showcase your understanding of Buddhism's influence on Chinese culture by creating a comprehensive presentation.
Browse courses on
Buddhism
Show steps
-
Research the spread of Buddhism in China during the Qin and Han dynasties.
-
Analyze the impact of Buddhism on Chinese art, literature, and philosophy.
-
Organize your findings into a clear and engaging presentation.
-
Deliver your presentation to a small group or audience.
Attend a Workshop on Chinese Historical Research
Show steps
Enhance your research skills and gain insights from experts by attending a workshop specifically tailored to Chinese historical research.
Browse courses on
Chinese History
Show steps
-
Identify and register for a relevant workshop.
-
Attend the workshop and actively participate.
-
Apply the knowledge and techniques you learned to your own studies.
Review Key Concepts in Ancient Chinese History
Show steps
Bolster your understanding of the fundamentals of Chinese history to enhance your learning experience.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through your existing notes or textbooks on ancient Chinese history.
- Identify key concepts and events from the Qin and Han dynasties.
Read 'The Cambridge History of China: Volume 1'
Show steps
Gain a comprehensive understanding of Chinese history by exploring this authoritative and extensive reference work.
View
The Cambridge History of China, Vol. 5 Part One...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Purchase or borrow the book.
- Set aside dedicated time for reading.
- Take notes, summarize key points, and reflect on the content.
Explore Online Resources on Chinese History
Show steps
Expand your knowledge beyond the course materials by delving into reputable online resources and gaining diverse perspectives on Chinese history.
Browse courses on
Chinese History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable websites, museums, or scholarly articles on Chinese history.
- Explore the resources and take notes on new insights or perspectives.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Compile a Timeline of Major Events in Chinese History
Show steps
Create a visual representation of key historical events to enhance your understanding of the chronological progression of Chinese history.
Browse courses on
Chinese History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify major events from the Qin and Han dynasties.
- Organize the events in chronological order.
- Create a visual timeline using a tool or software of your choice.
Analyze Primary Sources from the Qin and Han Dynasties
Show steps
Develop your critical thinking skills and deepen your understanding of the Qin and Han eras by examining historical documents.
Browse courses on
Primary Sources
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant primary sources, such as government edicts, inscriptions, and literary works.
- Carefully read and analyze the sources to extract historical information.
- Compare and contrast different sources to corroborate and expand your understanding.
Discuss Course Concepts in a Study Group
Show steps
Engage with fellow learners and deepen your understanding of course concepts through collaborative discussions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form or join a study group with classmates.
- Review course materials and prepare discussion points.
- Meet regularly to discuss key concepts, exchange ideas, and clarify misunderstandings.
Contribute to Wikipedia Articles on Chinese History
Show steps
Make a meaningful contribution to the dissemination of knowledge by adding or improving Wikipedia articles related to Chinese history.
Browse courses on
Chinese History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose an article on Chinese history that you would like to contribute to.
- Research and gather relevant information from credible sources.
- Edit or expand the article by adding new content or improving existing content.
Develop a Presentation on the Impact of Buddhism on Chinese Culture
Show steps
Showcase your understanding of Buddhism's influence on Chinese culture by creating a comprehensive presentation.
Browse courses on
Buddhism
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the spread of Buddhism in China during the Qin and Han dynasties.
- Analyze the impact of Buddhism on Chinese art, literature, and philosophy.
- Organize your findings into a clear and engaging presentation.
- Deliver your presentation to a small group or audience.
Attend a Workshop on Chinese Historical Research
Show steps
Enhance your research skills and gain insights from experts by attending a workshop specifically tailored to Chinese historical research.
Browse courses on
Chinese History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and register for a relevant workshop.
- Attend the workshop and actively participate.
- Apply the knowledge and techniques you learned to your own studies.
Career center
Learners who complete China’s First Empires and the Rise of Buddhism will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
As an Anthropologist, you are responsible for studying the behavior, origin, and development of humans. This course may be useful for your career as it provides a deep dive into the history of China's first empires and the rise of Buddhism. This can help you develop a strong foundation in Chinese history and culture, which is essential for understanding the country's present and future.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
As a Business Analyst, you are responsible for analyzing business needs and recommending solutions. This course may be useful for your career as it provides a deep dive into the history of China's first empires and the rise of Buddhism. This can help you develop a strong foundation in Chinese history and culture, which is essential for understanding the country's present and future.
Economist
Economist
As an Economist, you are responsible for studying the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course may be useful for your career as it provides a deep dive into the history of China's first empires and the rise of Buddhism. This can help you develop a strong foundation in Chinese history and culture, which is essential for understanding the country's present and future.
Political Scientist
Political Scientist
As a Political Scientist, you are responsible for studying political systems and processes. This course may be useful for your career as it provides a deep dive into the history of China's first empires and the rise of Buddhism. This can help you develop a strong foundation in Chinese history and culture, which is essential for understanding the country's present and future.
Management Consultant
Management Consultant
As a Management Consultant, you are responsible for providing advice to organizations on how to improve their performance. This course may be useful for your career as it provides a deep dive into the history of China's first empires and the rise of Buddhism. This can help you develop a strong foundation in Chinese history and culture, which is essential for understanding the country's present and future.
Teacher
Teacher
As a Teacher, you are responsible for educating students in a variety of subjects. This course may be useful for your career as it provides a deep dive into the history of China's first empires and the rise of Buddhism. This can help you develop a strong foundation in Chinese history and culture, which is essential for understanding the country's present and future.
Public relations manager
Public relations manager
As a Public Relations Manager, you are responsible for managing the public image of an organization. This course may be useful for your career as it provides a deep dive into the history of China's first empires and the rise of Buddhism. This can help you develop a strong foundation in Chinese history and culture, which is essential for understanding the country's present and future.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Manager
As a Nonprofit Manager, you are responsible for managing the operations of a nonprofit organization. This course may be useful for your career as it provides a deep dive into the history of China's first empires and the rise of Buddhism. This can help you develop a strong foundation in Chinese history and culture, which is essential for understanding the country's present and future.
Lawyer
Lawyer
As a Lawyer, you are responsible for advising and representing clients in legal matters. This course may be useful for your career as it provides a deep dive into the history of China's first empires and the rise of Buddhism. This can help you develop a strong foundation in Chinese history and culture, which is essential for understanding the country's present and future.
Archivist
Archivist
As an Archivist, you are responsible for preserving and managing historical documents and records. This course may be useful for your career as it provides a deep dive into the history of China's first empires and the rise of Buddhism. This can help you develop a strong foundation in Chinese history and culture, which is essential for understanding the country's present and future.
Journalist
Journalist
As a Journalist, you are responsible for researching, writing, and reporting on news stories. This course may be useful for your career as it provides a deep dive into the history of China's first empires and the rise of Buddhism. This can help you develop a strong foundation in Chinese history and culture, which is essential for understanding the country's present and future.
Librarian
Librarian
As a Librarian, you are responsible for organizing and managing library collections, as well as providing reference and research assistance to patrons. This course may be useful for your career as it provides a deep dive into the history of China's first empires and the rise of Buddhism. This can help you develop a strong foundation in Chinese history and culture, which is essential for understanding the country's present and future.
Sociologist
Sociologist
As a Sociologist, you are responsible for studying the behavior, origin, and development of human society. This course may be useful for your career as it provides a deep dive into the history of China's first empires and the rise of Buddhism. This can help you develop a strong foundation in Chinese history and culture, which is essential for understanding the country's present and future.
Museum curator
Museum curator
As a Museum Curator, you are responsible for planning and managing exhibitions, as well as preserving and managing museum collections. This course may be useful for your career as it provides insights into the history of Chinese art and culture. This knowledge can help you develop exhibitions and educational programs that engage and inform the public.
Historian
Historian
As a Historian, you are responsible for researching, analyzing, and interpreting past events. This course may be useful for your career as it provides a deep dive into the history of China's first empires and the rise of Buddhism. This can help you build a foundation in Chinese history and culture, which is essential for understanding the country's present and future.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/c45jxe/china's
Reading list
We've selected 16 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
China’s First Empires and the Rise of Buddhism.
This comprehensive volume provides a detailed overview of the Qin and Han dynasties, covering their political, economic, social, and cultural developments. It is an excellent resource for gaining a deeper understanding of the period.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Central Eurasia, from the Bronze Age to the present day. It valuable resource for students and scholars alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Han dynasty, covering its political, economic, social, and cultural history.
Explores the life and reign of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, and the creation of his famous terracotta army. It provides insights into the Qin dynasty's ideology and its impact on Chinese history.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Buddhism in China, from its introduction to its development and spread throughout the country. It valuable resource for understanding the role of Buddhism in Chinese culture.
Save
Examines the Han dynasty's rise to power and its transformation of Chinese society. It covers topics such as the development of bureaucracy, the growth of trade, and the spread of Confucianism.
Save
Explores the cultural history of the Great Wall of China. It valuable resource for students and scholars alike.
Explores the cultural and intellectual world of the Han dynasty, covering topics such as philosophy, literature, art, and music. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the cultural achievements of this period.
Save
Explores the history of the Silk Road, a network of trade routes that connected China with the West, and its impact on the development of Chinese civilization.
Provides a comprehensive history of the Silk Road, the ancient trade network that connected China with the West. It explores the political, economic, and cultural exchanges that took place along this route.
Examines how Buddhism was adapted and transformed in China, as it encountered Chinese culture and religious traditions. It provides insights into the unique characteristics of Chinese Buddhism.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Chinese history, from the earliest times to the present day. It useful resource for students and general readers alike.
Provides a concise overview of the history, beliefs, and practices of Buddhism. It useful resource for students and general readers alike.
Provides a broad overview of Chinese history and culture, from the earliest times to the present day. It useful resource for students and general readers alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Chinese history, from the earliest times to the present day. It useful resource for students and general readers alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Chinese history, from the earliest times to the present day. It useful resource for students and general readers alike.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/c45jxe/china's
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Effort
1 to 3 hours per week for 15 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Harvard University
Instructors
Peter K. Bol
William C. Kirby
Session
May 29, 2024
- May 28, 2025
Language
English
Transcripts
English
中文
This course belongs to a
collection
called
History of China: Bronze Age to the Last Dynasties. It's comprised of five courses:
- China’s Political and Intellectual Foundations: From Sage Kings to Confucius
- China’s First Empires and the Rise of Buddhism (viewing)
- Cosmopolitan Tang: Aristocratic Culture in China
- Global China: From the Mongols to the Ming
- Literati China: Examinations, Neo-Confucianism, and Later Imperial China
Good to know
Develops an understanding of the first centralized bureaucratic empire and how it was created
Examines how the foreign religion of Buddhism gained prominence in China
Analyzes the dynamics of political systems and changing state-society relations
Explores how religion functions as a historical phenomenon
Teaches learners how to develop critical appreciation of China’s many resources
Taught by Peter K. Bol and William C. Kirby, who are recognized for their work in Chinese history
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