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Xin Xu
Jewish Diaspora in China is a unique experience for world Jewry, as China is the only country in Far East that has had Jews living in its society for over 1,000 years. Documentary evidence shows that Jews started to live in China no later than the Tang Dynasty (618–907). The famous Kaifeng Jewish community, which was established in Kaifeng, the Chinese capital of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), is but a best-known example. However, the largest Jewish Diaspora in China appeared in modern times. In over 100 years, from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century, about 40,000 Jews came to China and lived in newly-established major...
Read more
Jewish Diaspora in China is a unique experience for world Jewry, as China is the only country in Far East that has had Jews living in its society for over 1,000 years. Documentary evidence shows that Jews started to live in China no later than the Tang Dynasty (618–907). The famous Kaifeng Jewish community, which was established in Kaifeng, the Chinese capital of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), is but a best-known example. However, the largest Jewish Diaspora in China appeared in modern times. In over 100 years, from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century, about 40,000 Jews came to China and lived in newly-established major...
Read more
Jewish Diaspora in China is a unique experience for world Jewry, as China is the only country in Far East that has had Jews living in its society for over 1,000 years. Documentary evidence shows that Jews started to live in China no later than the Tang Dynasty (618–907). The famous Kaifeng Jewish community, which was established in Kaifeng, the Chinese capital of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), is but a best-known example. However, the largest Jewish Diaspora in China appeared in modern times. In over 100 years, from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century, about 40,000 Jews came to China and lived in newly-established major port cities such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Harbin. Jewish communities composed of these Jews became an essential part of the economic and social life of those modern Chinese cities. What brought such a large number of Jews to China? Where did these people come from? How did they arrive? Were they all in China at the same time, and were there any differences among them? What happened to them after they arrived? Where are they now? The story of Jews in modern China is certainly a fascinating and up-lifting one. This course will examine these questions and more.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/diz3mo/jewish
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possible dealbreakers
Examines Jewish history in China, a unique experience in world Jewry
Taught by Xin Xu, an expert in Jewish studies
Develops knowledge of Jewish communities in China, from ancient to modern times
Historical depth of the course may be too comprehensive for casual learners
Course requires strong interest in Jewish history
The class may require prerequisites for students with no background in Jewish studies
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Reviews summary
Informative course on jewish history
Jewish Diaspora in Modern China is a well received course that students describe as informative and engaging. Many students commend the instructor for their expertise.
The course materials are relevant to current events.
"Though much openness is currently being closed up again since the course..."
The course content is very informative.
"Jewish Diaspora in China: Professor Xin Xu presents a worlds of Jewish history and modern day opportunities in China..."
"This course is very informative."
Professor Xu's depth of knowledge is impressive.
"Professor Xin Xu has a wealth of knowledge..."
"... encouraged me to do many more readings beyond the course, as well as contacting some of the leading..."
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 Jewish Diaspora in Modern China with these
activities:
Review Chinese History
Show steps
By reviewing the Chinese history and context, you will gain better insights into the interactions and dynamics between the Jewish communities and Chinese society.
Browse courses on
Chinese History
Show steps
-
Review your notes from previous Chinese history courses.
-
Read a book or article on Chinese history.
-
Discuss Chinese history with a friend or classmate.
Read Kaifeng: A Chinese-Jewish Community
Show steps
Review this book to help better understand the history and culture of the Kaifeng Jewish community.
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of the book.
-
Read the first three chapters.
-
Write a short summary of the main points of each chapter.
Group Discussion
Show steps
This group discussion will provide you with the opportunity to interact with your classmates and share your insights on Jewish Diaspora in China topics.
Show steps
-
Join a group of classmates.
-
Choose a topic related to Jewish Diaspora in China.
-
Research your topic.
-
Discuss your topic with your group.
Show all three activities
Review Chinese History
Show steps
By reviewing the Chinese history and context, you will gain better insights into the interactions and dynamics between the Jewish communities and Chinese society.
Browse courses on
Chinese History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes from previous Chinese history courses.
- Read a book or article on Chinese history.
- Discuss Chinese history with a friend or classmate.
Read Kaifeng: A Chinese-Jewish Community
Show steps
Review this book to help better understand the history and culture of the Kaifeng Jewish community.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of the book.
- Read the first three chapters.
- Write a short summary of the main points of each chapter.
Group Discussion
Show steps
This group discussion will provide you with the opportunity to interact with your classmates and share your insights on Jewish Diaspora in China topics.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join a group of classmates.
- Choose a topic related to Jewish Diaspora in China.
- Research your topic.
- Discuss your topic with your group.
Show all three activities
Career center
Learners who complete Jewish Diaspora in Modern China will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Historian
Historian
Historians research, analyze, and interpret past events. They write books, articles, and other publications that help us understand our history and culture. This course may be useful to aspiring Historians as it provides a unique perspective on the experiences of the Jewish community in modern China. This knowledge will be valuable for Historians writing about the history of Jews in Asia or the history of China in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Museum Educator
Museum Educator
Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs for museums and other cultural institutions. They work with students, teachers, and the general public to create engaging and informative experiences. This course will be useful to aspiring Museum Educators as it provides a deep understanding of the history and culture of the Jewish community in modern China. This knowledge will be valuable for Educators creating programs about Jewish history and culture.
Sociologist
Sociologist
Sociologists study human society and social behavior. They analyze social trends, conduct surveys, and write reports on a variety of topics, including immigration, poverty, and education. This course will be useful to aspiring Sociologists as it focuses on the Jewish Diaspora in modern China. This knowledge will be valuable for Sociologists studying the experiences of Jewish communities in different parts of the world.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study human cultures and societies. They conduct fieldwork, observe people's daily lives, and write reports on their findings. This course may be useful to aspiring Anthropologists as it examines the history and experiences of the Jewish community in modern China. This knowledge will be valuable for Anthropologists studying the cultures and societies of Chinese Jews or Chinese-Jewish relations.
Archivist
Archivist
Archivists collect, preserve, and manage historical documents, artifacts, and electronic records. They help ensure that these materials are accessible to researchers and the public. This course will help build a foundation for aspiring Archivists as it covers the history and experiences of the Jewish community in China. This understanding will be valuable for Archivists working with collections that include Jewish materials.
Human Rights Activist
Human Rights Activist
Human Rights Activists work to protect and promote human rights around the world. They investigate human rights abuses, advocate for change, and raise awareness of human rights issues. This course will be useful to aspiring Human Rights Activists as it provides a deep understanding of the history and experiences of the Jewish community in modern China. This knowledge will be valuable for Activists working on issues related to religious freedom, immigration, or human rights in China.
Philanthropy Advisor
Philanthropy Advisor
Philanthropy Advisors help individuals and organizations give money and other resources to charitable causes. They work with donors to identify their charitable goals and develop strategies for giving. This course may be useful to aspiring Philanthropy Advisors as it provides a deep understanding of the history and development of Jewish communities in modern China. This knowledge will be valuable for Advisors working with Jewish donors or organizations that support Jewish causes.
Grant Writer
Grant Writer
Grant Writers write proposals to foundations and other organizations to secure funding for projects and programs. They research potential funders, develop compelling proposals, and manage the grant writing process. This course may be useful to aspiring Grant Writers as it provides a deep understanding of the history and experiences of the Jewish community in modern China. This knowledge will be valuable for Writers seeking to secure funding for projects related to Jewish history, culture, or community development.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers oversee the daily operations of nonprofit organizations. They develop and implement fundraising strategies, manage staff, and ensure that the organization is meeting its mission. This course may be useful to aspiring Nonprofit Managers as it provides a deep understanding of the history and development of Jewish communities in modern China. This knowledge will be valuable for Managers working with Jewish organizations or organizations serving Jewish communities.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers help people cope with difficult life situations, such as poverty, mental illness, and addiction. They provide counseling, support, and resources to help people improve their lives. This course may be useful to aspiring Social Workers as it provides a deep understanding of the history and experiences of the Jewish community in modern China. This knowledge will be valuable for Social Workers working with Jewish communities or with people who have immigrated from China.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists write, edit, and produce news stories for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They investigate stories, interview sources, and write articles that inform the public about important issues. This course may be useful to aspiring Journalists as it focuses on the history and development of Jewish communities in modern China. This knowledge will be valuable for Journalists writing about Jewish communities or about China.
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Officers represent the United States government overseas. They work in embassies and consulates, building relationships with foreign governments and people. This course will be useful to aspiring Foreign Service Officers as it provides a deep understanding of the history and politics of China. This knowledge will be valuable for Officers working in China or on issues related to China.
Community Organizer
Community Organizer
Community Organizers work with communities to identify and solve problems. They build relationships, develop strategies, and mobilize people to take action. This course may be useful to aspiring Community Organizers as it provides a deep understanding of the history and experiences of the Jewish community in modern China. This knowledge will be valuable for Organizers working with Jewish communities or with communities that have experienced similar challenges.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers help students learn about a variety of subjects, including history, science, and math. They create lesson plans, grade papers, and meet with parents. This course may be useful to aspiring Teachers as it provides a deep understanding of the history and culture of the Jewish community in modern China. This knowledge will be valuable for Teachers seeking to create inclusive and engaging lesson plans about Jewish history and culture.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Museum Curators oversee the daily operations of museums, art galleries, and other cultural institutions. This includes planning exhibitions, managing collections, and giving tours. This course will be useful to aspiring Museum Curators as it provides a deep understanding of the history and development of Jewish communities in modern China. As museums increasingly explore the diverse cultures and histories of their communities, this knowledge will be valuable to Museum Curators seeking to create inclusive and engaging exhibitions.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/diz3mo/jewish
Reading list
We've selected 29 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
Jewish Diaspora in Modern China.
Collection of essays by leading scholars on the history of Jews in China. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field and would be a valuable resource for students taking this course.
Provides an overview of the history of Jews in China, from their arrival in the Tang Dynasty to their presence in modern times. It comprehensive and well-researched work that would be a valuable resource for students taking this course.
Comprehensive history of the Jews in China. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about this topic.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history and culture of the Jewish community in Shanghai.
Save
Detailed history of the Jewish community in Shanghai. It provides a comprehensive account of the community's growth and development, as well as its challenges and successes.
Save
Biographical dictionary of prominent Jews in China. It provides detailed information on the lives and careers of over 500 individuals.
Is an annotated bibliography of works on the history of the Jews in China. It provides a comprehensive guide to the literature on this topic.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the Jews in Iran. It covers a wide range of topics, including the community's origins, development, and cultural traditions.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the Jews in Libya. It covers a wide range of topics, including the community's origins, development, and cultural traditions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the Jews in Morocco. It covers a wide range of topics, including the community's origins, development, and cultural traditions.
Offers a broad historical account of the Jewish presence in China from ancient times to the modern era.
Save
Collection of essays by leading scholars on the Jewish Diaspora in China. It provides a comparative perspective on the experiences of Jews in different Chinese communities.
Save
Collection of primary source documents on the history of the Jews in China. It provides a valuable resource for researchers and students.
While this book mostly deals with the Kaifeng Jews and their history, it also provides a good overview and background of how Jews arrived in China. As such, it good starting point for students of this course.
Focuses specifically on the history of the Kaifeng Jewish community, which was established in the Song Dynasty. It provides a detailed account of the community's origins, development, and decline.
Examines the history of the Jewish refugees who fled to Shanghai during the Holocaust. It provides a firsthand account of their experiences and the challenges they faced.
Save
Provides a detailed account of the history of the Jews in Spain. It is based on extensive research and provides a wealth of information about the community's origins, development, and cultural traditions.
Provides a detailed account of the history of the Jews in the Netherlands. It is based on extensive research and provides a wealth of information about the community's origins, development, and cultural traditions.
Calendar of events in the history of the Jews in China. It provides a chronological overview of the most important events in the community's history.
Provides a detailed account of the history of the Jews in Iraq. It is based on extensive research and provides a wealth of information about the community's origins, development, and cultural traditions.
Save
Provides a detailed account of the Jewish community in Shanghai during the early 20th century.
Provides a detailed account of the history of the Jews in Yemen. It is based on extensive research and provides a wealth of information about the community's origins, development, and cultural traditions.
The Jews of Kaifeng, widely believed to be the oldest Jewish community in China, are studied here in this book.
Provides context for understanding the experiences of Jewish refugees from Russia who settled in China.
Provides context for understanding the experiences of Jewish refugees from Poland who settled in China.
Provides context for understanding the experiences of Jewish refugees from Hungary who settled in China.
Save
Provides context for understanding the experiences of Jewish refugees from Germany who settled in China.
Provides context for understanding the experiences of Jewish refugees from Vienna who settled in China.
Save
Collection of recipes from the Chinese Jewish community. It provides a unique glimpse into the culinary traditions of this community and the ways in which they have been influenced by both Jewish and Chinese cultures.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/diz3mo/jewish
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Time
8 hours
Via
Coursera
Institution
Nanjing University
Instructor
Xin Xu
Good to know
Examines Jewish history in China, a unique experience in world Jewry
Taught by Xin Xu, an expert in Jewish studies
Develops knowledge of Jewish communities in China, from ancient to modern times
Historical depth of the course may be too comprehensive for casual learners
Course requires strong interest in Jewish history
The class may require prerequisites for students with no background in Jewish studies
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