Contemporary China: The People's Republic, Taiwan, and Hong Kong from edX

Using case studies from the Harvard Business School, this course will cover the contemporary Chinese scene by focusing on five main themes in China’s development: agriculture, entrepreneurship, education, environment, and literature.

You’ll examine the period from Deng Xiaoping’s rise in 1978 to the present, using the lenses of sociology, political science, and economics. You’ll learn how China has maintained one-party rule in an era of reform and internationalization, and how contemporary developments — like the current conception of the “Chinese Dream” — are influenced by the legacies of China’s past. You’ll also examine Greater China with a focus on the Taiwan model and Taiwan’s relationship with the People’s Republic of China.

Developing your own approaches to history, you’ll gain a critical appreciation of China’s literary, philosophical, political, and cultural resources. Enroll now to understand China’s global leadership role and to learn if the 21st century is truly “the Chinese century.”

What's inside

Learning objectives

The political and economic world of post-mao china.
The period from deng xiaoping’s rise in 1978 to the present.
How to examine chinese history with a multidisciplinary approach.

Five important themes in modern china’s rapid development: agriculture, entrepreneurship, education, environment, and literature.
Taiwan’s relationship with the people’s republic of china.
How today’s conception of a “chinese dream” is influenced by china’s past.

The political and economic world of post-mao china.
The period from deng xiaoping’s rise in 1978 to the present.
How to examine chinese history with a multidisciplinary approach.
Five important themes in modern china’s rapid development: agriculture, entrepreneurship, education, environment, and literature.
Taiwan’s relationship with the people’s republic of china.
How today’s conception of a “chinese dream” is influenced by china’s past.

Good to know

Know what's good

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, and possible dealbreakers

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Investigates self-management tools and resources

Emphasizes the role of nurses in diabetes management

Reviews summary

Highly rated course on modern china

Learners say that this course on Contemporary China is very good. Students mention that the course is engaging and worthwhile. The instructor is said to be knowledgeable and passionate about the subject matter. One learner says "Taking this course was one of the best decisions I've made. The lectures are well-organized and the readings are informative."

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 Contemporary China: The People's Republic, Taiwan, and Hong Kong with these activities:

Volunteer at a Local Chinese Cultural Center

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Immerse yourself in the Chinese culture and gain practical experience through volunteering.

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Find a local Chinese cultural center or organization.
Inquire about volunteer opportunities and choose an area of interest.

Discussion Forum on Contemporary Chinese Literature

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Engage with peers to discuss and analyze contemporary Chinese literature and exchange perspectives.

Browse courses on Chinese Literature

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Read the assigned Chinese literature and prepare your thoughts.
Participate in the discussion forum, sharing your insights and responding to others.

Write a Blog Post on Chinese Entrepreneurship

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Build your understanding of the role of entrepreneurship in China's growth and analyze real-world examples.

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Research Chinese entrepreneurship success stories.
Choose one case study and analyze its key factors.
Write a blog post summarizing your findings and insights.

Two other activities

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Participate in a Chinese Language Proficiency Competition

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Challenge yourself and showcase your progress in Chinese language skills through a competition.

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Find a suitable Chinese language proficiency competition.
Prepare for the competition by practicing your language skills.
Participate in the competition and receive feedback from experts.

Literature Review on Environmental Policies in China

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Expand your knowledge of China's environmental policies and regulations by reviewing and synthesizing academic literature.

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Search for academic articles and research papers on environmental policies in China.
Read and analyze the articles, identifying key findings and arguments.
Organize and summarize your findings into a comprehensive literature review.

Career center

Learners who complete Contemporary China: The People's Republic, Taiwan, and Hong Kong will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Foreign Service Officer

The Foreign Service Officer is responsible for representing the United States abroad. They work to protect American interests, promote American values, and build relationships with other countries. This course would be helpful for a Foreign Service Officer because it provides a deep understanding of Chinese history, culture, and politics. This understanding would be essential for building relationships with Chinese officials and for understanding the complex issues that arise in the US-China relationship.

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Journalist

The Journalist covers news stories from around the world. In recent years, China has become increasingly important in global affairs. This course would be helpful for a Journalist because it provides a deep understanding of Chinese history, culture, and politics. This understanding would be essential for reporting on China accurately and fairly.

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International Business Consultant

The International Business Consultant helps companies to enter or expand into new international markets. In recent years, China has become increasingly important for businesses around the world. This course would be helpful for an International Business Consultant because it provides a deep understanding of the Chinese market, legal landscape, and business culture.

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Nonprofit Program Manager

The Nonprofit Program Manager may work for any type of nonprofit organization, such as an international NGO, a human rights group, or an environmental organization. This course would be helpful for a Nonprofit Program Manager because it provides a deep understanding of the Chinese government and civil society. This knowledge would be essential for developing and implementing effective programs in China.

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Political Analyst

The Political Analyst may work for a think tank, a government agency, or a news organization. This course would be helpful for a Political Analyst because it provides a deep understanding of the Chinese political system and foreign policy. This knowledge would be essential for analyzing and forecasting political developments in China.

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Lawyer

The Lawyer may specialize in international law, business law, or human rights law, and may work for a law firm, a corporation, or a non-profit organization. This course would be helpful for a Lawyer because it provides a comprehensive look at the Chinese legal and political system. This knowledge would be invaluable for representing clients in China or for working on issues related to China.

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Diplomat

The Diplomat works for their country's foreign ministry and is responsible for representing their country's interests abroad. This course would be helpful for a Diplomat because it provides a comprehensive look at the Chinese government and foreign policy. This knowledge would be essential for building relationships with Chinese officials and for representing their country's interests in China.

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Teacher

The Teacher may specialize in any subject but may teach at any level. This course would be helpful for a Teacher because it provides a wealth of knowledge about Chinese history, culture, and politics. This knowledge would be invaluable for teaching students about China and for helping them to develop a global perspective.

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Banker

The Banker may specialize in investment banking, commercial banking, or private banking, and may work for a bank, a hedge fund, or a private equity firm. This course would be helpful for a Banker because it provides a deep understanding of the Chinese economy and financial system. This knowledge would be essential for making sound investment decisions and for advising clients on China-related matters.

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Development Economist

The Development Economist may work for a government agency, an international organization, or a research institution. This course would be helpful for a Development Economist because it provides a comprehensive look at the Chinese economy and development challenges. This knowledge would be essential for designing and implementing effective development programs in China.

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Hong Kong Affairs Specialist

The Hong Kong Affairs Specialist may work for a government agency, a think tank, or a news organization. This course would be helpful for a Hong Kong Affairs Specialist because it provides a deep understanding of the history, politics, and economy of Hong Kong. This knowledge would be essential for analyzing and forecasting political developments in Hong Kong.

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Economist

The Economist may work for a bank, a government agency, or a research institution. This course may be helpful for an Economist because it provides a deep understanding of the Chinese economy and development challenges.

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Researcher

The Researcher may work for a think tank, a government agency, or a research institution. This course may be helpful for a Researcher because it provides a deep understanding of the history, politics, and economy of China.

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Writer

The Writer may specialize in any genre of writing but may write for any audience. This course may be helpful for a Writer because it provides a deep understanding of Chinese history, culture, and politics.

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Professor

The Professor may specialize in any academic discipline but may teach at any level. This course may be helpful for a Professor because it provides a comprehensive overview of Chinese history, culture, and politics, as well as a deep understanding of contemporary China.

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