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Peter K. Bol
and
William C. Kirby
What does it mean to be modern? What constitutes modern politics, modern institutions, a modern military, and modern infrastructure? In this period of great excitement and experimentation, the country is asking itself: How do you become modern and remain true to the Chinese national identity?
Read more
What does it mean to be modern? What constitutes modern politics, modern institutions, a modern military, and modern infrastructure? In this period of great excitement and experimentation, the country is asking itself: How do you become modern and remain true to the Chinese national identity?
Read more
What does it mean to be modern? What constitutes modern politics, modern institutions, a modern military, and modern infrastructure? In this period of great excitement and experimentation, the country is asking itself: How do you become modern and remain true to the Chinese national identity?
This course will explore enduring issues around Chinese modernity, with a focus on the creation of the modern Chinese state during the Republican era. You’ll learn about China’s war against Japan, about long-term patterns in U.S.-China relations, and about the role of individual leaders against the backdrop of historical circumstance.
Ultimately, you’ll learn different ways to study and understand history. We explore this period thematically rather than chronologically, providing you with a better understanding of how political context influences the interpretation of history.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/pypsgb/creating
What's inside
Learning objectives
- What were the foreign models for a chinese republic?
- How the modern chinese state was built on the ruins of the previous empire.
- The impact of china’s war against japan.
- How china’s relationship with the u.s. follows established patterns.
- The role of leaders like sun yat-sen, chiang kai-shek, and mao zedong.
- What were the foreign models for a chinese republic?
- How the modern chinese state was built on the ruins of the previous empire.
- The impact of china’s war against japan.
- How china’s relationship with the u.s. follows established patterns.
- The role of leaders like sun yat-sen, chiang kai-shek, and mao zedong.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Taught by Peter K. Bol and William C. Kirby, who are recognized for their work in Chinese history
Provides a thematic approach to Chinese history, which is standard in academia
Focuses on the creation of the modern Chinese state during the Republican era, which is highly relevant to understanding modern China
Examines the impact of China's war against Japan, which is highly relevant to understanding the relationship between China and Japan
Develops an understanding of the role of leaders like Sun Yat-sen, Chiang Kai-shek, and Mao Zedong
Requires learners to come in with some background knowledge of Chinese history
Save this course
Save Creating Modern China: The Republican Period to the Present to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Intriguing course on modern china
Learners say this course is extremely interesting, thought-provoking, and well-taught by enthusiastic instructors. The course explores four major themes: the growth of militarism, the search for a political model, the growth of state power at the expense of civil society, and the cultural revolution.
Thought-provoking material that challenges learners.
Course explores four key themes related to modern China.
"This is an amazing course with 4 major themes"
Enthusiastic instructors who are passionate about the topic.
"taught be instructors who are extremely enthusiastic about the topic."
Engaging course material that is both interesting and informative.
"Extremely interesting, very thought provoking"
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 Creating Modern China: The Republican Period to the Present with these
activities:
Read 'Modern China: A History' by Jonathan Fenby
Show steps
Get a broad overview of modern Chinese history to enhance course discussions.
View
Crucible: The Year that Forged Our World
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Purchase the book or borrow it from a library.
-
Read the book, taking notes on key events and concepts.
-
Summarize the main arguments of each chapter.
Review the history of the Qing dynasty
Show steps
Strengthen your foundation in Chinese history by reviewing the Qing dynasty, which preceded the Republican era.
Browse courses on
Qing Dynasty
Show steps
-
Review your notes or textbooks on the Qing dynasty.
-
Take practice quizzes or answer review questions to test your understanding.
Follow a tutorial on the history of the Chinese Communist Party
Show steps
Gain a strong foundation in the origins and development of the CCP, crucial to understanding contemporary China.
Browse courses on
Chinese Communist Party
Show steps
-
Identify a reputable online tutorial on the history of the CCP.
-
Follow the tutorial, taking notes on key events and figures.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Read 'China's War with Japan, 1937-1945' by Rana Mitter
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the Sino-Japanese War and its impact on modern China.
View
China's War With Japan, 1937-1945 /anglais
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Purchase the book or borrow it from a library.
-
Read the book, highlighting key events and analyzing the impact of the war on China.
Practice analyzing primary sources related to modern Chinese history
Show steps
Enhance your critical thinking and historical analysis skills by working with primary sources directly.
Show steps
-
Gather a collection of primary sources related to modern Chinese history.
-
Analyze the sources, considering their context, bias, and significance.
Write a blog post analyzing China's role in the Korean War
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of China's foreign policy and its impact on international relations.
Show steps
-
Research the Korean War and China's involvement.
-
Analyze primary and secondary sources to form your argument.
-
Write a well-structured blog post presenting your analysis.
Attend a guest lecture by an expert on Chinese foreign policy
Show steps
Gain insights from an authority on Chinese foreign policy and engage in discussions with other attendees.
Show steps
-
Identify and attend a guest lecture on Chinese foreign policy.
-
Take notes and ask questions during the lecture.
Attend a peer-led discussion on China's economic reforms
Show steps
Engage with fellow students to exchange perspectives and enhance your understanding of China's economic transformation.
Browse courses on
Chinese Economy
Show steps
-
Identify or organize a peer-led discussion session.
-
Prepare talking points or questions to contribute to the discussion.
-
Attend the discussion and actively participate.
Develop a timeline of key events in the history of the People's Republic of China
Show steps
Solidify your grasp of Chinese history by creating a visual representation of significant events.
Show steps
-
Identify and gather information on key events in the history of the People's Republic of China.
-
Organize the events chronologically and visually.
Read 'Modern China: A History' by Jonathan Fenby
Show steps
Get a broad overview of modern Chinese history to enhance course discussions.
View
Crucible: The Year that Forged Our World
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Purchase the book or borrow it from a library.
- Read the book, taking notes on key events and concepts.
- Summarize the main arguments of each chapter.
Review the history of the Qing dynasty
Show steps
Strengthen your foundation in Chinese history by reviewing the Qing dynasty, which preceded the Republican era.
Browse courses on
Qing Dynasty
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes or textbooks on the Qing dynasty.
- Take practice quizzes or answer review questions to test your understanding.
Follow a tutorial on the history of the Chinese Communist Party
Show steps
Gain a strong foundation in the origins and development of the CCP, crucial to understanding contemporary China.
Browse courses on
Chinese Communist Party
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a reputable online tutorial on the history of the CCP.
- Follow the tutorial, taking notes on key events and figures.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Read 'China's War with Japan, 1937-1945' by Rana Mitter
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the Sino-Japanese War and its impact on modern China.
View
China's War With Japan, 1937-1945 /anglais
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Purchase the book or borrow it from a library.
- Read the book, highlighting key events and analyzing the impact of the war on China.
Practice analyzing primary sources related to modern Chinese history
Show steps
Enhance your critical thinking and historical analysis skills by working with primary sources directly.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather a collection of primary sources related to modern Chinese history.
- Analyze the sources, considering their context, bias, and significance.
Write a blog post analyzing China's role in the Korean War
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of China's foreign policy and its impact on international relations.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the Korean War and China's involvement.
- Analyze primary and secondary sources to form your argument.
- Write a well-structured blog post presenting your analysis.
Attend a guest lecture by an expert on Chinese foreign policy
Show steps
Gain insights from an authority on Chinese foreign policy and engage in discussions with other attendees.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and attend a guest lecture on Chinese foreign policy.
- Take notes and ask questions during the lecture.
Attend a peer-led discussion on China's economic reforms
Show steps
Engage with fellow students to exchange perspectives and enhance your understanding of China's economic transformation.
Browse courses on
Chinese Economy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify or organize a peer-led discussion session.
- Prepare talking points or questions to contribute to the discussion.
- Attend the discussion and actively participate.
Develop a timeline of key events in the history of the People's Republic of China
Show steps
Solidify your grasp of Chinese history by creating a visual representation of significant events.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and gather information on key events in the history of the People's Republic of China.
- Organize the events chronologically and visually.
Career center
Learners who complete Creating Modern China: The Republican Period to the Present will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Officers create, implement, and manage foreign policy for the U.S. government. China, one of the world's largest economies, is a key part of that work. This course on the Republican Period to the Present will help you not only understand China's past but its current relationships with the United States and the rest of the world. Whether posted in China or in Washington, a modern Foreign Service Officer is well-served by understanding the 20th century's impact on the 21st century.
Political Analyst
Political Analyst
Political Analysts study political systems and emerging trends to evaluate and predict future outcomes. This role often focuses on a particular world region, and few regions are more important to modern politics than China. This course on the Republican Period to the Present will build a foundation in the complex geopolitical landscape of China.
International Relations Professor
International Relations Professor
International Relations Professors teach and research about world politics. China is a key country in global relations today, and knowledge of the complexities of Chinese politics will be an asset to a professor. This course on the Republican Period to the Present will help build an understanding of the background of the current geopolitical and economic situation in China.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists cover the most important stories of the day. It is difficult to overstate the importance of China in today's global affairs, and a deep understanding of China is essential to being an informed journalist. This course on the Republican Period to the Present will help you build a foundation for understanding the modern political landscape of China.
Diplomat
Diplomat
Diplomats represent their country's interests abroad. China is one of the most important countries in the world, so diplomats need to understand its history and culture. This course on the Republican Period to the Present will help you build a foundation in modern Chinese history and politics.
Historian
Historian
Historians research and write about the past. China has a long and rich history, and understanding modern China requires understanding the Republican Period. This course on the Republican Period to the Present will help you develop the research and writing skills you need to be a successful historian.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers educate students about a variety of subjects. History teachers need to have a deep understanding of the past, including the history of modern China. This course on the Republican Period to the Present will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful history teacher.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court. International lawyers often need to understand the laws of other countries. China's legal system is unique, so a deep understanding of modern Chinese history and politics will make you a more effective international lawyer. This course on the Republican Period to the Present will build a foundation in the Chinese legal system.
Business Consultant
Business Consultant
Business Consultants advise businesses on how to improve their performance. China is a major market for many businesses, so it is important to understand the Chinese business environment. This course on the Republican Period to the Present will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful business consultant in China.
Economist
Economist
Economists study how economies work. China's economy is one of the largest and most dynamic in the world, so economists need to understand its history and structure. This course on the Republican Period to the Present will help you build a foundation in modern Chinese economic history.
Political Scientist
Political Scientist
Political Scientists study politics and government. China is a one-party state with a unique political system. This course on the Republican Period to the Present will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful political scientist.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study human societies and cultures. China is a diverse country with a rich culture. This course on the Republican Period to the Present will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful anthropologist.
Sociologist
Sociologist
Sociologists study human society and behavior. China is a rapidly changing society, so sociologists need to understand its history and culture. This course on the Republican Period to the Present will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful sociologist.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Museum Curators oversee the collections and exhibitions of museums. China has a rich history and culture, and its museums are home to some of the world's most important artifacts. This course on the Republican Period to the Present will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful museum curator in China.
Archivist
Archivist
Archivists preserve and manage historical records. China has a long and rich history, and its archives are home to some of the world's most important documents. This course on the Republican Period to the Present will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful archivist in China.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/pypsgb/creating
Reading list
We've selected 12 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
Creating Modern China: The Republican Period to the Present.
Save
This comprehensive volume provides a detailed overview of the Republican period in China, covering political, social, and economic developments from 1912 to 1949.
Save
Delves into the eight-year conflict between China and Japan, examining its causes, course, and profound impact on both nations.
Provides a sweeping overview of Chinese history from the late 19th century to the present, focusing on the search for a modern Chinese identity.
This comprehensive volume covers the political, social, and economic developments of Republican China, providing a broad overview of the period.
Provides a collection of primary sources that illustrate the development of Chinese civilization from ancient times to the present.
Save
Provides a detailed look at the Xinhai Revolution in Kwangtung province, offering insights into the motivations and actions of revolutionaries and the challenges they faced.
Provides a condensed overview of China's 20th century history, highly useful as a supplemental overview.
Save
Provides a detailed biography of Chiang Kai-shek, the leader of the Nationalist Party of China.
Provides a detailed account of the Long March, one of the most important events in Chinese history.
Provides a concise overview of China's modern history, from the late 19th century to the present.
This controversial biography offers a comprehensive account of Mao Zedong's life and leadership, shedding light on his complex personality and the impact of his policies.
Provides a comprehensive overview of US-China relations, tracing their development from the 19th century to the present.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/pypsgb/creating
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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
- Modern China’s Foundations: The Manchus and the Qing
- Creating Modern China: The Republican Period to the Present (viewing)
- China and Communism
- Invasions, Rebellions, and the Fall of Imperial China
Good to know
Taught by Peter K. Bol and William C. Kirby, who are recognized for their work in Chinese history
Provides a thematic approach to Chinese history, which is standard in academia
Focuses on the creation of the modern Chinese state during the Republican era, which is highly relevant to understanding modern China
Examines the impact of China's war against Japan, which is highly relevant to understanding the relationship between China and Japan
Develops an understanding of the role of leaders like Sun Yat-sen, Chiang Kai-shek, and Mao Zedong
Requires learners to come in with some background knowledge of Chinese history
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