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Peter K. Bol
and
William C. Kirby
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.”
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/l3dkjn/contemporary
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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
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Symptom management is an important part of life for many people
Students will develop knowledge of diabetes management
Focus on diabetes management including insulin management
Students will learn how to advocate for their own healthcare
Investigates self-management tools and resources
Emphasizes the role of nurses in diabetes management
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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
Show steps
Immerse yourself in the Chinese culture and gain practical experience through volunteering.
Show steps
-
Find a local Chinese cultural center or organization.
-
Inquire about volunteer opportunities and choose an area of interest.
Discussion Forum on Contemporary Chinese Literature
Show steps
Engage with peers to discuss and analyze contemporary Chinese literature and exchange perspectives.
Browse courses on
Chinese Literature
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Build your understanding of the role of entrepreneurship in China's growth and analyze real-world examples.
Show steps
-
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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Participate in a Chinese Language Proficiency Competition
Show steps
Challenge yourself and showcase your progress in Chinese language skills through a competition.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of China's environmental policies and regulations by reviewing and synthesizing academic literature.
Show steps
-
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.
Volunteer at a Local Chinese Cultural Center
Show steps
Immerse yourself in the Chinese culture and gain practical experience through volunteering.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a local Chinese cultural center or organization.
- Inquire about volunteer opportunities and choose an area of interest.
Discussion Forum on Contemporary Chinese Literature
Show steps
Engage with peers to discuss and analyze contemporary Chinese literature and exchange perspectives.
Browse courses on
Chinese Literature
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Build your understanding of the role of entrepreneurship in China's growth and analyze real-world examples.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Participate in a Chinese Language Proficiency Competition
Show steps
Challenge yourself and showcase your progress in Chinese language skills through a competition.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of China's environmental policies and regulations by reviewing and synthesizing academic literature.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
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.
Journalist
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.
International Business Consultant
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.
Nonprofit Program Manager
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.
Political Analyst
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.
Lawyer
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.
Diplomat
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.
Teacher
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.
Banker
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.
Development Economist
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.
Hong Kong Affairs Specialist
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.
Economist
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.
Researcher
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.
Writer
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.
Professor
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/l3dkjn/contemporary
Reading list
We've selected 11 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
Contemporary China: The People's Republic, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Save
Explores the unique political system of China, providing insights into how it has maintained one-party rule in an era of reform and internationalization.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of China's recent history and its implications for the world, which is useful for contextualizing the course material.
Examines the environmental challenges facing China, which key topic covered in the course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Chinese economy, covering a range of topics relevant to the course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the education system in China, which is one of the key topics covered in the course.
Save
Discusses the central issues behind China’s rise that are relevant to the course, such as economic and political factors. It is well suited for providing background information.
Provides a detailed account of the early years of the People's Republic of China, providing historical context for the course.
Save
Offers a comprehensive history of Taiwan, examining its relationship with the People's Republic of China and its role in the region.
Save
Provides historical context for the course by examining the long-term divergence between China and the West.
Provides a concise overview of contemporary China, covering a range of topics relevant to the course.
Save
Provides a detailed look at the concept of the “Chinese Dream” that is briefly mentioned in the course description.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/l3dkjn/contemporary
Share
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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: The Modern Era. It's comprised of five courses:
- Contemporary China: The People's Republic, Taiwan, and Hong Kong (viewing)
- Modern China’s Foundations: The Manchus and the Qing
- Creating Modern China: The Republican Period to the Present
- China and Communism
- Invasions, Rebellions, and the Fall of Imperial China
Good to know
Symptom management is an important part of life for many people
Students will develop knowledge of diabetes management
Focus on diabetes management including insulin management
Students will learn how to advocate for their own healthcare
Investigates self-management tools and resources
Emphasizes the role of nurses in diabetes management
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