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HarvardX: Literati China: Examinations, Neo-Confucianism, and Later Imperial China

Explore China’s imperial period, with a focus on the Song dynasty and the role of the exam system in government.

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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Fundamental changes in government, the economy, and broader society took place between the 8th and 11th centuries in China. The state aristocracy gave way to new literati elite: educated men who sought to enter government through competitive examinations. A new kind of Confucianism also took shape, which prized the moral autonomy of individuals. With this, the later imperial period of China’s history begins.

From our series on Chinese history and culture, this course focuses on the changes brought by the Tang-Song transition, including the reconfiguration of power, urbanization, Neo-Confucianism, and the shared values as expressed in the state examination system.

Join us to learn how a shifting social and political elite ultimately brings unity to China, ushering in an age of global empire.

At a glance

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

    None

What you'll learn

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  • How to break history into periods based on social, political, economic, intellectual, and cultural changes.
  • How to develop your own unique approach to history.
  • How to gain a critical appreciation of China’s literary, philosophical, political, and cultural resources.
  • How to express ideas more clearly and confidently.
  • How to think critically through the study of primary and secondary sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

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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: Bronze Age to the Last Dynasties 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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