Skip to main contentSkip to Xpert Chatbot

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.

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

There is one session available:

42,773 already enrolled! After a course session ends, it will be archivedOpens in a new tab.
Starts Nov 27

About this course

Skip About this course

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

Skip What you'll learn
  • 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

Skip Frequently Asked Questions

How is the honor code upheld?
HarvardX requires individuals who enroll in its courses on edX to abide by the terms of the edX honor code. HarvardX will take appropriate corrective action in response to violations of the edX honor code, which may include dismissal from the HarvardX course; revocation of any certificates received for the HarvardX course; or other remedies as circumstances warrant. No refunds will be issued in the case of corrective action for such violations. Enrollees who are taking HarvardX courses as part of another program will also be governed by the academic policies of those programs.

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: 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 3 months
1 - 3 hours per week

Interested in this course for your business or team?

Train your employees in the most in-demand topics, with edX For Business.