Modern Chinese History through Data Analysis

How did ordinary people live, marry, and work in China between 1700 and 2000? Traditional history often focuses on emperors and elites, but modern digital archives and data analysis allow us to uncover the lives of millions of citizens. This course introduces you to the fascinating intersection of history and data science. By reading historical datasets and analyzing demographic trends, you will gain a fresh, evidence-based perspective on China's social mobility, family structures, and economic shifts over three centuries. What you'll learn: - Understand the fundamental concepts of digital humanities and quantitative history - Analyze historical Chinese datasets to track population growth, marriage patterns, and social mobility - Compare traditional historical narratives with modern data-driven findings - Interpret demographic and economic records from the Qing dynasty to the late twentieth century - Apply basic data literacy skills to evaluate historical sources and archival records You will start with core historical concepts and foundational definitions of quantitative history before diving into case studies on family genealogy, government examinations, and social structures. The written material guides you step-by-step through interpreting tables, historical records, and data patterns. This course is designed for beginners interested in Chinese history, data analysis, or digital humanities, with no prior background in statistics or Chinese language required. Begin your journey into data-driven history and discover a new way to understand China's past.