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Online Course

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

Harvard University via edX

Found in Culture Courses, Humanities Courses

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Provider edX
Cost Free Online Course (Audit)
Session Self Paced
Language English
Certificate $139 Certificate Available
Effort 1-3 hours a week
Start Date
Duration 15 weeks long
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Overview

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.

Taught by

William C. Kirby and Peter K. Bol

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Reviews for edX's Literati China: Examinations, Neo-Confucianism, and Later Imperial China Based on 6 reviews

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Diego R

by Diego completed this course and found the course difficulty to be easy.

It's been a very fascinating course. I couldn't get the certificate because I didn't partecipate a lot in the discussions but it's still recommended.