Skip to main content

HarvardX: Cosmopolitan Tang: Aristocratic Culture in China

Explore the reunification of China under the Tang with a focus on aristocratic culture — from poetry to calligraphy to literature.

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

There is one session available:

44,075 already enrolled! After a course session ends, it will be archivedOpens in a new tab.
Starts May 29

About this course

Skip About this course

By the Tang period, China was divided into northern and southern dynasties with different rulers and political systems. The north was conquered by relatively unsophisticated barbarians, but in the south, the aristocratic families established a refined appreciation of writing and literature.

In this course, the third in a large collection covering all of Chinese history, you’ll learn about the Cosmopolitan Tang and the reemergence of great aristocratic clans. You’ll discover how these clans formed a kind of state aristocracy that dominated Tang government and society.

This period — a product of the Medieval period, and of the development of Buddhism and Daoism — gave the world a model for modern statehood the great cosmopolitan empire that defined it is among the highest achievements in Medieval culture. Join us to discover those achievements through readings of classical Chinese poetry and a review of the ancient art of calligraphy.

At a glance

  • Institution: HarvardX
  • Subject: History
  • Level: Introductory
  • Prerequisites:
    None

What you'll learn

Skip What you'll learn
  • How the dynasties of north and south were reunified under the Sui and Tang.
  • How to analyze China’s first multi-ethnic empire and its foreign relations.
  • How to compose and analyze poetry and calligraphy.
  • How to understand a romantic story as both history and literature.

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 7 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.