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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?
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.
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.
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/vo074l/china
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.
- 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
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:
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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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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.
Read The History of the Chinese Revolution
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
This activity will help you to solidify your understanding of the key events of the Chinese Revolution.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
This activity will help you to visualize the sequence of events that led to the Communist victory in China.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
This activity will help you to develop a deeper understanding of the global impact of the Chinese Revolution.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
This activity will help you to solidify your understanding of the course material and develop your teaching skills.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
This activity will help you to gain hands-on experience with the Chinese Revolution and open-source software development.
Show steps
Show steps
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
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.
Economist
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.
Business Consultant
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.
Teacher
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.
Researcher
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.
Writer
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.
Lawyer
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.
Historian
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.
Journalist
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.
Intelligence Analyst
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.
Diplomat
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.
Policy Advisor
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.
Curator
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.
Political Analyst
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.
Government Official
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/vo074l/china
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.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the political, social, and economic changes that took place in China during the Cultural Revolution.
Provides a detailed analysis of the Chinese economy since the 1970s.
Provides a controversial and in-depth biography of Mao Zedong.
Provides an insider's account of the Chinese Communist Party.
Save
Provides a comprehensive analysis of China's grand strategy since the 19th century.
Provides a detailed account of the Chinese Revolution from 1945 to 1957.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/vo074l/china
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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:
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
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