Chinese History Courses
Take free online courses in Chinese history and ancient civilizations. Learn about Chinese culture, religion, politics and more with in-depth courses from Harvard, Tsinghua and other top universities and institutions.
learn chinese history
What is Chinese History?
Dating back to the prehistoric period, Chinese History considers the pattern of past events, customs, and traditions that have shaped contemporary Chinese culture, language and politics.
An interdisciplinary field, Chinese History begins as early as 6,500BC in the Yellow River Valley and includes the study of the evolution of art, religion, Ancient Chinese Government, Chinese Dynasties, and the modern development of the People’s Republic of China.
Whether you are interested in learning about the rise of the Shang Dynasty, the unification of ancient China under the Sui Dynasty, the erection of the Forbidden City or the architectural principles behind the iconic Temple of Heaven, the study of Chinese History offers a glimpse into the development of one of the world's oldest surviving civilizations.
A background in Chinese History can prepare you for an exciting career in the fields of archaeology, historical preservation, linguistics, art, and/or government. With a wide array of focus areas, Chinese History addresses basic questions like “why was the great wall of China built “ and more advanced studies of the writings and theories of Mao Zedong and how they have shaped contemporary Chinese culture.
Courses in Chinese History
There are a multitude of courses offered in the diverse study of Chinese History with options for students at the introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels.
The Harvard course China Humanities: The Individual in Chinese Culture, explores the cultural traditions that are still observed in China today, interpretation of Chinese philosophical texts, masterpieces of Chinese literature, and use of the “individual voice” in visual works.
Enthralled by the idea of excavating an army of Terracotta soldiers? Chinese archaeology is one of the most exciting fields of study in China, with a wealth of cultural relics unearthed this past century. You can be a part of this fast-growing field by signing up for Relics of Chinese History - Part 3: Writing Systems, Rites, and Music offered by Tsinghua University.
Jobs in Chinese History
The study of history at any level equips students with a wide range of transferable skills including strong written and verbal communication skills, critical thinking skills, research skills and the ability to interpret complex information.
Developing these and other skills through the study of Chinese History could lead to a career as an associate or full professor at a college or university, a foreign language instructor or interpreter, a researcher, or as a program director or curator of a museum or cultural institution focused on the preservation and Chinese culture.
A search for Chinese History jobs on Indeed.com yields over 400 job opportunities with more than half offering yearly salaries of $55,000 or more.
Career in Chinese History
History teaches us as much about our own abilities as it does the accomplishments of those who’ve come before us. Consider signing up for courses in Chinese History and discover a world of learning and opportunity that could lead you to a rich and rewarding future!