Religion and Thought in Modern China: the Song, Jin, and Yuan

CUHK focuses on state religion, local society and intellectual traditions in the Song, Jin and Yuan periods. Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism provide distinct points of comparison. Although the title uses modern China, the syllabus concerns these earlier dynasties. It suits learners seeking that historical focus rather than an account of contemporary Chinese religion.

What you will learn

• Examine religion and local society across dynasties.
• Compare Daoist, Buddhist and Confucian themes.
• Connect institutions and intellectual developments.

Who this suits

Learners interested in Chinese religious and intellectual history, prepared to study the Song, Jin and Yuan setting rather than present-day China.

Before you enroll

Approach the material as a situated interpretation of religious history, texts and practice. Distinguish a tradition’s internal account from an academic argument about it, compare evidence and recognize diversity within communities. Courses do not confer religious authority or represent every member of a faith tradition.

Coursera offers paid enrollment or subscription access. Check the enrollment screen for assessment and certificate terms, trials and any financial-aid options. Provider access terms can change; review them before paying.

Put it into practice

Compare two traditions’ responses to one historical issue discussed in the course. Distinguish shared context from differences in texts, institutions and practices.

Source and review

This overview is based on the provider's published information, checked on 12 October 2026. It is an editorial assessment, not a claim that we completed the resource. Time filters are approximate study ranges; projects and exercises can take longer.

View the curriculum and current access options at Coursera.

How YellowCourse describes and checks learning resources.