OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
edX logo

China and Communism

Peter K. Bol and William C. Kirby

How did the Communists conquer China? What role does culture play? What are the successes and failures of the Chinese Communist Party after seizing power in 1949? What constitutes liberation?

Read more

How did the Communists conquer China? What role does culture play? What are the successes and failures of the Chinese Communist Party after seizing power in 1949? What constitutes liberation?

This course will help you answer these important questions as you explore the profound cultural, intellectual, political and economic changes of this period. You’ll learn how Communist China fits in with a larger socialist world order and how historical interpretations of this period reinforce or challenge the official narrative in China today.

Join us to develop your own approach and gain a critical understanding of the rise of the Communist Party, Sino-Soviet relations, the Cultural Revolution, and, ultimately, the reopening of China.

Enroll now

Two deals to help you save

We found two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn. All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Use code at checkout. Valid until December 4
Save on Select Programs
Stay ahead in a competitive job market and save with these programs.
Take
30%
off
EDXCYBER24

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How the rise of the chinese communist party came about.
  • What changed under the people’s republic under mao zedong.
  • What china’s reopening and reform in the 1970s meant for the country.
  • About the cultural, intellectual, political, economic changes in this period.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops student’s understanding of the profound cultural, intellectual, political and economic changes of the period post 1949 China
Suitable for those interested in the historical, political, economic and cultural transformation of China post 1949
Provides a critical understanding of the rise of the Communist Party, Sino-Soviet relations, the Cultural Revolution, and, ultimately, the reopening of China
Taught by Peter K. Bol and William C. Kirby, both recognized experts in Chinese history
May require prerequisites in Chinese history or politics to fully grasp the content
Does not cover contemporary China or the most recent developments in Chinese politics and economics
Provides a solid foundation for further study in Chinese history and politics
Engages with primary and secondary source materials to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic

Save this course

Save China and Communism to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Reviews summary

China's communist history

According to students, this is an engaging series of courses on China that is 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 China and Communism with these activities:
Read The History of the Chinese Revolution
This book provides an in-depth look at the events leading up to the Communist victory in China in 1949.
View Modern China on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters 1-5
  • Summarize the main events of the Chinese Revolution
  • Identify the key figures involved in the Chinese Revolution
Review key historical events
This activity will help you to solidify your understanding of the key events of the Chinese Revolution.
Show steps
  • List the major events of the Chinese Revolution in chronological order.
  • Explain the significance of each event.
  • Identify the key figures involved in each event.
Write a timeline of the Chinese Revolution
This activity will help you to visualize the sequence of events that led to the Communist victory in China.
Show steps
  • Create a timeline that includes all the major events of the Chinese Revolution.
  • Include a brief description of each event.
  • Label the timeline with the key figures involved in each event.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Discuss the impact of the Chinese Revolution on the world
This activity will help you to develop a deeper understanding of the global impact of the Chinese Revolution.
Show steps
  • Meet with a group of classmates to discuss the impact of the Chinese Revolution on the world.
  • Identify the different ways in which the Chinese Revolution has influenced other countries and regions.
  • Share your findings with the class.
Help other classmates to understand the course material
This activity will help you to solidify your understanding of the course material and develop your teaching skills.
Show steps
  • Join a study group and help other classmates to understand the course material.
  • Offer to lead a review session.
  • Create a study guide for your classmates.
Contribute to an open-source project related to the Chinese Revolution
This activity will help you to gain hands-on experience with the Chinese Revolution and open-source software development.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source project that is related to the Chinese Revolution.
  • Contribute to the project in a meaningful way.
  • Share your work with the project community.

Career center

Learners who complete China and Communism will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Professor
This course may be useful for a Professor. As a Professor, it is important to have a deep understanding of the subject matter that you are teaching. This course provides an in-depth look at the rise of the Chinese Communist Party and the subsequent changes that have taken place in China. This knowledge will enable you to better teach your students about this important topic.
See salaries and explore the career path for Professor
Economist
This course may be useful for an Economist. As an Economist, it is important to have a deep understanding of the economic landscape of various countries. This course provides an in-depth look at the rise of the Chinese Communist Party and the subsequent changes that have taken place in China. This knowledge will enable you to better understand the current economic landscape of China and the challenges that it faces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Economist
Business Consultant
This course may be useful for a Business Consultant. As a Business Consultant, it is important to have a deep understanding of the business landscape of various countries. This course provides an in-depth look at the rise of the Chinese Communist Party and the subsequent changes that have taken place in China. This knowledge will enable you to better understand the current business landscape of China and the challenges that it faces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Consultant
Teacher
This course may be useful for a Teacher. As a Teacher, it is important to have a deep understanding of the subject matter that you are teaching. This course provides an in-depth look at the rise of the Chinese Communist Party and the subsequent changes that have taken place in China. This knowledge will enable you to better teach your students about this important topic.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
Researcher
This course may be useful for a Researcher. As a Researcher, it is important to have a deep understanding of the subject matter that you are researching. This course provides an in-depth look at the rise of the Chinese Communist Party and the subsequent changes that have taken place in China. This knowledge will enable you to better understand the current political and economic landscape of China and the challenges that it faces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher
Writer
This course may be useful for a Writer. As a Writer, it is important to have a deep understanding of the subject matter that you are writing about. This course provides an in-depth look at the rise of the Chinese Communist Party and the subsequent changes that have taken place in China. This knowledge will enable you to better understand the current political and economic landscape of China and the challenges that it faces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Writer
Lawyer
This course may be useful for a Lawyer. As a Lawyer, it is important to have a deep understanding of the legal system and the laws that govern your clients' cases. This course provides an in-depth look at the rise of the Chinese Communist Party and the subsequent changes that have taken place in China. This knowledge will enable you to better understand the legal system of China and the challenges that it faces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer
Historian
This course may be useful for a Historian. As a Historian, it is important to have a deep understanding of historical events and the factors that have shaped them. This course provides an in-depth look at the rise of the Chinese Communist Party and the subsequent changes that have taken place in China. This knowledge will enable you to better understand the current political and economic landscape of China and the challenges that it faces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Historian
Journalist
This course may be useful for a Journalist. As a Journalist, it is important to have a deep understanding of the historical and political context of the events that you are covering. This course provides an in-depth look at the rise of the Chinese Communist Party and the subsequent changes that have taken place in China. This knowledge will enable you to better understand the current political and economic landscape of China and the challenges that it faces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
Intelligence Analyst
This course may be useful for an Intelligence Analyst. As an Intelligence Analyst, it is important to have a deep understanding of the political and economic landscape of various countries. This course provides an in-depth look at the rise of the Chinese Communist Party and the subsequent changes that have taken place in China. This knowledge will enable you to better understand the current political and economic landscape of China and the challenges that it faces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Intelligence Analyst
Diplomat
This course may be useful for a Diplomat. As a Diplomat, it is important to have a deep understanding of the political and economic landscape of the countries that you are working in. This course provides an in-depth look at the rise of the Chinese Communist Party and the subsequent changes that have taken place in China. This knowledge will enable you to better understand the current political and economic landscape of China and the challenges that it faces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Diplomat
Policy Advisor
This course may be useful for a Policy Advisor. As a Policy Advisor, it is important to have a deep understanding of the political and economic landscape of the country that you are advising. This course provides an in-depth look at the rise of the Chinese Communist Party and the subsequent changes that have taken place in China. This knowledge will enable you to better understand the current political and economic landscape of China and the challenges that it faces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Advisor
Curator
This course may be useful for a Curator. As a Curator, it is important to have a deep understanding of the subject matter that you are curating. This course provides an in-depth look at the rise of the Chinese Communist Party and the subsequent changes that have taken place in China. This knowledge will enable you to better understand the current political and economic landscape of China and the challenges that it faces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Curator
Political Analyst
This course may be useful for a Political Analyst. As a Political Analyst, it is important to have a deep understanding of the political landscape of various countries. This course provides an in-depth look at the rise of the Chinese Communist Party and the subsequent changes that have taken place in China. This knowledge will enable you to better understand the current political and economic landscape of China and the challenges that it faces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Political Analyst
Government Official
This course may be useful for a Government Official. As a Government Official, it is important to have a deep understanding of the political and economic landscape of the country that you are serving. This course provides an in-depth look at the rise of the Chinese Communist Party and the subsequent changes that have taken place in China. This knowledge will enable you to better understand the current political and economic landscape of China and the challenges that it faces.
See salaries and explore the career path for Government Official

Reading list

We've selected six 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 and Communism.
Cover image
The Origins of the Cultural Revolution
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the political, social, and economic changes that took place in China during the Cultural Revolution.
The Origins of the Cultural Revolution, Volume 3
Paperback
$$$
The Origins of the Cultural Revolution (Studies of...
Paperback
$$$$
The Origins of the Cultural Revolution, Vol. 1:...
Paperback
$$$
The Origins of the Cultural Revolution, Volume 2
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
The Chinese Economy, second edition
Save
Provides a detailed analysis of the Chinese economy since the 1970s.
The Chinese Economy, second edition: Adaptation and...
Paperback
$$
The Chinese Economy, second edition: Adaptation and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister
Save
Provides a controversial and in-depth biography of Mao Zedong.
Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister: Three Women...
Kindle Edition
$$
(Deutsch) Die drei Schwestern: Das Leben der Geschwister...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Xi Jinping: A Lowy Institute Paper: Penguin Special
Save
Provides an insider's account of the Chinese Communist Party.
Xi Jinping: The Backlash (Penguin Specials)
Paperback
$$
Xi Jinping: A Lowy Institute Paper: Penguin Special...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Active Defense
Save
Provides a comprehensive analysis of China's grand strategy since the 19th century.
Active Defense: China's Military Strategy since...
Paperback
$$
Active Defense: China's Military Strategy since...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Trials of Harry S. Truman
Save
Provides a detailed account of the Chinese Revolution from 1945 to 1957.
The Trials of Harry S. Truman: The Extraordinary...
Paperback
$$
The Trials of Harry S. Truman: The Extraordinary...
Kindle Edition
$$

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to China and Communism.
Introduction to Mao Zedong Thought | 毛泽东思想概论
Most relevant
Contemporary China: The People's Republic, Taiwan, and...
Most relevant
Introduction to the Theoretical System of Socialism with...
Most relevant
Religion and Thought in Modern China: the Song, Jin, and...
Most relevant
Structuring Values in Modern China
Most relevant
Intellectual Change in Early China: Warring States and Han
Most relevant
Religious Transformation in Early China: the Period of...
Most relevant
Indian & Tibetan River of Buddhism
Most relevant
Creating Modern China: The Republican Period to the...
Course image
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:
  1. Contemporary China: The People's Republic, Taiwan, and Hong Kong
  2. Modern China’s Foundations: The Manchus and the Qing
  3. Creating Modern China: The Republican Period to the Present
  4. China and Communism (viewing)
  5. Invasions, Rebellions, and the Fall of Imperial China
Good to know
Develops student’s understanding of the profound cultural, intellectual, political and economic changes of the period post 1949 China
Suitable for those interested in the historical, political, economic and cultural transformation of China post 1949
Provides a critical understanding of the rise of the Communist Party, Sino-Soviet relations, the Cultural Revolution, and, ultimately, the reopening of China
Taught by Peter K. Bol and William C. Kirby, both recognized experts in Chinese history
May require prerequisites in Chinese history or politics to fully grasp the content
Does not cover contemporary China or the most recent developments in Chinese politics and economics
Provides a solid foundation for further study in Chinese history and politics
Engages with primary and secondary source materials to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic
Share and help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Don't miss out
Enroll today to gain access to this course
Enroll in this course
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser