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

4.4 stars
7 ratings

Use the case study method to study China from the rise of Deng Xiaoping to the present.

15 weeks
1–3 hours per week
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
Free
Optional upgrade available

There is one session available:

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Starts May 29

About this course

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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.”

At a glance

  • Institution: HarvardX
  • Subject: History
  • Level: Introductory
  • Prerequisites:

    None

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcripts: English, 中文
  • Associated programs:
  • Associated skills:Political Sciences, Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, Global Leadership, Economics, Sociology

What you'll learn

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  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How does my participation contribute to research?
By registering as an online learner in our open online courses, you are also participating in research intended to enhance HarvardX's instructional offerings as well as the quality of learning and related sciences worldwide. In the interest of research, you may be exposed to some variations in the course materials. HarvardX does not use learner data for any purpose beyond the University's stated missions of education and research. For purposes of research, we may share information we collect from online learning activities, including Personally Identifiable Information, with researchers beyond Harvard. However, your Personally Identifiable Information will only be shared as permitted by applicable law, will be limited to what is necessary to perform the research, and will be subject to an agreement to protect the data. We may also share with the public or third parties aggregated information that does not personally identify you. Similarly, any research findings will be reported at the aggregate level and will not expose your personal identity. Please read the edX Privacy Policy for more information regarding the processing, transmission, and use of data collected through the edX platform.

How are non-discrimination and anti-harassment supported?
Harvard University and HarvardX are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment in which no member of the community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination or harassment in our program. All members of the HarvardX community are expected to abide by Harvard policies on nondiscrimination, including sexual harassment, and the edX Terms of Service. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact harvardx@harvard.edu and/or report your experience through the edX contact form.

This course is part of History of China: The Modern Era XSeries Program

Learn more 
Expert instruction
5 high-quality courses
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
1 year 7 months
1 - 3 hours per week

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