Discover the untold stories and hidden legacies of women in modern China in this illuminating one-day course. Traverse time, from the late Qing Dynasty to the present, to examine how women have shaped and been shaped by social, political, and cultural currents.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course aims to examine the multifaceted roles women have assumed in the unfolding narrative of modern China, extending from the late Qing Dynasty to the contemporary era. Delve deep into topics such as women's roles in revolutionary China, the impact of economic reforms, and the contemporary challenges and opportunities facing women today. Through an interdisciplinary lens that merges history, gender studies, and sociology, we will explore the societal, political, and cultural transformations that have directly and indirectly shaped women's experiences and contributions to Chinese society.
What will we cover?
Introduction and contextualization: Historical overview of China, with emphasis on pivotal periods that significantly impacted women's social roles. The late Qing Dynasty and Early Republican period: The societal expectations and limitations placed on women during the late Qing Dynasty. The May Fourth Feminism movement in the early Republican era. Women in the Communist revolutionary period Did the enactment of women’s liberation policies help the Communist win the Chinese Civil War? Analysis of state campaigns targeted at women, such as the Iron Girls initiative. The era of economic reforms and modernization The implications of economic liberalization on women's socio-economic status. The evolving roles of women in contemporary Chinese workforce.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Articulate key periods in modern China - Comprehend the major eras in modern Chinese history and their consequent influence on women's societal roles. - Analyse how state policies and social norms have been instrumental in shaping women's experiences in modern China. - Discuss women's varied roles: Critically assess the diverse functions women have fulfilled in various spheres throughout modern Chinese history.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is introductory and everyone is welcome. No prior knowledge is necessary but a good grasp of English, an open mind, and a willingness to listen to different views are all that is required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
There will be a combination of lectures, using a wide range of PowerPoint slides, and interactive-based discussion and debates. We shall use small group work to analyse original sources and a range of handouts will be available for discussion purposes.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring a pen and paper, or digital equivalents, for making notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HWH159 Diaspora history: Chinese communities around the world HWH168 Oral history for beginners HWH169 Women in global history HWH170 Exploring the memory politics of East Asia HWH99 Chinese history taster: the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1636-1912) Dynasties HWH100 The search for modern China: the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1636-1912) Dynasties HWH175 Oral history workshop 1-3: Realising your plan.
Dr Qiuyang Chen received her PhD in history from the University of Warwick and specialises in Chinese history, oral history, and gender history. She currently works as a Research Associate at Loughborough University. Previously, she was a lecturer in Modern Chinese History at the University of Bristol and University of Birmingham. At City Lit, her classes explore topics including imperial and modern Chinese history, British-Sino relations, the history of Chinese diasporas, gender history, and oral history. In her leisure time, Qiuyang enjoys visiting museums and galleries, as well as outdoor activities such as rock-climbing, hiking and mountaineering.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/a-women-s-history-of-modern-china316500A women’s history of modern Chinahttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/r/iron_girls_3.jpg5959GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Asian history/Courses/International Women's Day at City Lit/Courses/vm/East and Southeast Asia season228511771178197320031368312285117711781653Discover the untold stories and hidden legacies of women in modern China in this illuminating one-day course. Traverse time, from the late Qing Dynasty to the present, to examine how women have shaped and been shaped by social, political, and cultural currents.002924661A women’s history of modern China5959https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/r/iron_girls_3_3.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-05-23T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allMay 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHWH1675959A women’s history of modern China473859Qiuyang Chena-women-s-history-of-modern-china/hwh167-2526Discover the untold stories and hidden legacies of women in modern China in this illuminating one-day course. Traverse time, from the late Qing Dynasty to the present, to examine how women have shaped and been shaped by social, political, and cultural currents.0000-Available|2026-05-23 00:00:00This course aims to examine the multifaceted roles women have assumed in the unfolding narrative of modern China, extending from the late Qing Dynasty to the contemporary era. Delve deep into topics such as women's roles in revolutionary China, the impact of economic reforms, and the contemporary challenges and opportunities facing women today. Through an interdisciplinary lens that merges history, gender studies, and sociology, we will explore the societal, political, and cultural transformations that have directly and indirectly shaped women's experiences and contributions to Chinese society.Discover the untold stories and hidden legacies of women in modern China in this illuminating one-day course. Traverse time, from the late Qing Dynasty to the present, to examine how women have shaped and been shaped by social, political, and cultural currents.Introduction and contextualization: Historical overview of China, with emphasis on pivotal periods that significantly impacted women's social roles.<br/> The late Qing Dynasty and Early Republican period:<br/> The societal expectations and limitations placed on women during the late Qing Dynasty.<br/> The May Fourth Feminism movement in the early Republican era.<br/> Women in the Communist revolutionary period<br/>Did the enactment of women’s liberation policies help the Communist win the Chinese Civil War?<br/>Analysis of state campaigns targeted at women, such as the Iron Girls initiative.<br/>The era of economic reforms and modernization<br/> The implications of economic liberalization on women's socio-economic status.<br/> The evolving roles of women in contemporary Chinese workforce.- Articulate key periods in modern China<br/>- Comprehend the major eras in modern Chinese history and their consequent influence on women's societal roles.<br/>- Analyse how state policies and social norms have been instrumental in shaping women's experiences in modern China.<br/>- Discuss women's varied roles: Critically assess the diverse functions women have fulfilled in various spheres throughout modern Chinese history.This course is introductory and everyone is welcome. No prior knowledge is necessary but a good grasp of English, an open mind, and a willingness to listen to different views are all that is required.There will be a combination of lectures, using a wide range of PowerPoint slides, and interactive-based discussion and debates. We shall use small group work to analyse original sources and a range of handouts will be available for discussion purposes.There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring a pen and paper, or digital equivalents, for making notes.HWH159 Diaspora history: Chinese communities around the world<br/>HWH168 Oral history for beginners<br/>HWH169 Women in global history<br/>HWH170 Exploring the memory politics of East Asia<br/>HWH99 Chinese history taster: the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1636-1912) Dynasties<br/>HWH100 The search for modern China: the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1636-1912) Dynasties<br/>HWH175 Oral history workshop 1-3: Realising your plan.HistoryAsian historyvirtual475938HWH167NONESat23/05/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:301 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetQiuyang ChenBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-05-23T00:00:00+00:00May 2026Culture, history & humanities5959A women’s history of modern Chinaa-women-s-history-of-modern-china/hwh167-2526Discover the untold stories and hidden legacies of women in modern China in this illuminating one-day course. Traverse time, from the late Qing Dynasty to the present, to examine how women have shaped and been shaped by social, political, and cultural currents.0000-Available|2026-05-23 00:00:00This course aims to examine the multifaceted roles women have assumed in the unfolding narrative of modern China, extending from the late Qing Dynasty to the contemporary era. Delve deep into topics such as women's roles in revolutionary China, the impact of economic reforms, and the contemporary challenges and opportunities facing women today. Through an interdisciplinary lens that merges history, gender studies, and sociology, we will explore the societal, political, and cultural transformations that have directly and indirectly shaped women's experiences and contributions to Chinese society.Discover the untold stories and hidden legacies of women in modern China in this illuminating one-day course. Traverse time, from the late Qing Dynasty to the present, to examine how women have shaped and been shaped by social, political, and cultural currents.Introduction and contextualization: Historical overview of China, with emphasis on pivotal periods that significantly impacted women's social roles.<br/> The late Qing Dynasty and Early Republican period:<br/> The societal expectations and limitations placed on women during the late Qing Dynasty.<br/> The May Fourth Feminism movement in the early Republican era.<br/> Women in the Communist revolutionary period<br/>Did the enactment of women’s liberation policies help the Communist win the Chinese Civil War?<br/>Analysis of state campaigns targeted at women, such as the Iron Girls initiative.<br/>The era of economic reforms and modernization<br/> The implications of economic liberalization on women's socio-economic status.<br/> The evolving roles of women in contemporary Chinese workforce.- Articulate key periods in modern China<br/>- Comprehend the major eras in modern Chinese history and their consequent influence on women's societal roles.<br/>- Analyse how state policies and social norms have been instrumental in shaping women's experiences in modern China.<br/>- Discuss women's varied roles: Critically assess the diverse functions women have fulfilled in various spheres throughout modern Chinese history.This course is introductory and everyone is welcome. No prior knowledge is necessary but a good grasp of English, an open mind, and a willingness to listen to different views are all that is required.There will be a combination of lectures, using a wide range of PowerPoint slides, and interactive-based discussion and debates. We shall use small group work to analyse original sources and a range of handouts will be available for discussion purposes.There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring a pen and paper, or digital equivalents, for making notes.HWH159 Diaspora history: Chinese communities around the world<br/>HWH168 Oral history for beginners<br/>HWH169 Women in global history<br/>HWH170 Exploring the memory politics of East Asia<br/>HWH99 Chinese history taster: the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1636-1912) Dynasties<br/>HWH100 The search for modern China: the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1636-1912) Dynasties<br/>HWH175 Oral history workshop 1-3: Realising your plan.HistoryAsian historyconfigurable
19731178Asian historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/asian-history1/2/285/1177/1178/19731/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Asian history
