Jewish Diaspora in China is a unique experience for world Jewry, as China is the only country in Far East that has had Jews living in its society for over 1,000 years. Documentary evidence shows that Jews started to live in China no later than the Tang Dynasty (618–907). The famous Kaifeng Jewish community, which was established in Kaifeng, the Chinese capital of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), is but a best-known example. However, the largest Jewish Diaspora in China appeared in modern times. In over 100 years, from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century, about 40,000 Jews came to China and lived in newly-established major port cities such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Harbin. Jewish communities composed of these Jews became an essential part of the economic and social life of those modern Chinese cities. What brought such a large number of Jews to China? Where did these people come from? How did they arrive? Were they all in China at the same time, and were there any differences among them? What happened to them after they arrived? Where are they now? The story of Jews in modern China is certainly a fascinating and up-lifting one. This course will examine these questions and more.
Status: Community Organizing
Community Organizing
Status: Public History
Public History
Course·10 hours
Featured reviews
5.0
·Reviewed Aug 20, 2015
Very interesting subject. I have learned a lot of interesting history of the Jewish people.
4.0
·Reviewed Aug 7, 2016
i came to more about china this is useful for me to do international business thank you !
5.0
·Reviewed Jan 31, 2016
Very informative, taught with great pictures and at a good pace.
4.0
·Reviewed Mar 9, 2016
Excellent information I was previously unaware of. Found subtitles useful as the instructor has an accent. Enjoyed photographs and music in class. Very interesting subject.
5.0
·Reviewed Jun 18, 2016
The professor and the archival materials such as photographs are very engaging. The historical periods studied are fascinating, and well-suited to a short course.
5.0
·Reviewed Nov 13, 2016
This was a great course. I was a History major in college, but the information that I learned in this course was a complete surprise to me.
5.0
·Reviewed Jun 27, 2016
Learned much. Instructor was well organized. Subtitles were extremely beneficial.
5.0
·Reviewed Sep 3, 2015
A really lovely course; good pacing, fantastic presentation. Lovingly crafted.
5.0
·Reviewed Oct 28, 2015
The subject matter of this course was new for me and was very interesting. I appreciate Professor Xin Xu and Nanjing University for providing this learning opportunity. Thank you
5.0
·Reviewed Oct 16, 2015
Excellent class with good use of photographs and video. The professor was clear and interesting. Content was fascinating.
5.0
·Reviewed Oct 16, 2015
Very interesting subject! Although I would also like to learn about this subject in relation to
5.0
·Reviewed Aug 28, 2015
THE COURSE IS EXTREMELY INTERESTING AND VERY CLEARLY PRESENTED. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE PROFESSOR IS PASSIONATE ABOUT THE SUBJECT.I AM LEARNING A LOT AND GRATEFUL FOR THE INFORMATIONJUDI TURNER
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Pamela
5.0
·Reviewed Aug 29, 2015
One of the best courses I have taken on Cousera. Very good instructor. It was more work than some of the courses I have taken because of the number of peer assessments, but I have really enjoyed it. I would be interested in taking other courses from Nanjing University and/or this instructor.
L
Lisa
5.0
·Reviewed Mar 22, 2017
I am thoroughly enjoying this course and I've learned so much! I had no idea that there were Jews in China and that so many fled there as a result of persecution in other countries. This has opened my eyes to a subject I knew nothing about and I love learning!!
R
Randy
5.0
·Reviewed May 27, 2017
This was a wonderful course and so informative. It helps me advocate for the Kaifeng Jews with American elected officials and informed my advocacy. I have so enjoyed the course and have bought a book by the Professor.
A
Alice
5.0
·Reviewed Nov 18, 2015
Fascinating thoughtful look into Chinese interactions.
Excellent peer assessments if you pay attention to what is told you about the focus.
Only drawback, for me, was no downloadable txt [when took course].
J
Judi
5.0
·Reviewed Aug 29, 2015
THE COURSE IS EXTREMELY INTERESTING AND VERY CLEARLY PRESENTED.
IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE PROFESSOR IS PASSIONATE ABOUT THE SUBJECT.
I AM LEARNING A LOT AND GRATEFUL FOR THE INFORMATION
JUDI TURNER
R
Rebecca
5.0
·Reviewed Oct 29, 2015
The subject matter of this course was new for me and was very interesting. I appreciate Professor Xin Xu and Nanjing University for providing this learning opportunity.
Thank you
L
L.G.
5.0
·Reviewed Jun 18, 2016
The professor and the archival materials such as photographs are very engaging. The historical periods studied are fascinating, and well-suited to a short course.
M
Marsha
5.0
·Reviewed Nov 14, 2016
This was a great course. I was a History major in college, but the information that I learned in this course was a complete surprise to me.
R
Randall
5.0
·Reviewed Oct 16, 2015
Excellent class with good use of photographs and video. The professor was clear and interesting. Content was fascinating.
J
Jorge
5.0
·Reviewed Oct 16, 2015
A story of perseverance, courage and respect among nations, a thank the Chinese people for sharing an unknown history.
J
Jesslyn
5.0
·Reviewed Oct 17, 2015
Very interesting subject! Although I would also like to learn about this subject in relation to
L
Linda
5.0
·Reviewed Aug 21, 2015
Very interesting subject. I have learned a lot of interesting history of the Jewish people.
H
Harriett
5.0
·Reviewed Jun 27, 2016
Learned much. Instructor was well organized. Subtitles were extremely beneficial.
M
Matthew
5.0
·Reviewed Sep 4, 2015
A really lovely course; good pacing, fantastic presentation. Lovingly crafted.
E
Emily
5.0
·Reviewed Feb 1, 2016
Very informative, taught with great pictures and at a good pace.
L
Laura
5.0
·Reviewed Aug 27, 2015
I learn so many things I didn't even imagine. Thank you so much!
J
Jose
5.0
·Reviewed Nov 18, 2015
EXcelente curso, muy bien documentado, muy buen profesor. :-)
T
tahnna
5.0
·Reviewed Dec 1, 2015
Excellent course. Complete and very interresting. Objective.