Humanities in Class Mini Course: Ming Dynasty China Education Initiative

Geographic Scope: United States

A professional development initiative for K–12 and college educators created through partnership with the James P. Geiss and Margaret Y. Hsu Foundation. This is the first installment in the Center's new Humanities in Class Mini Course collection.

Program Details

• Launch Date: October 2021
• Format: Self-directed, asynchronous online course of study
• Lead Scholar: Rivi Handler-Spitz (Macalester College, NHC Fellow 2020–21), expert in early modern China
• Subject Matter: Ming Dynasty China (1368–1644) from interdisciplinary perspectives

Target Audience

• K–12 educators
• College and university faculty
• Teachers from around the world

Deliverables & Outcomes

• In-depth subject knowledge development
• Classroom-ready instructional materials
• Integration of primary sources and content knowledge
• Publication of materials in Humanities in Class Digital Library (Open Education Resources site)
• Up to 15 continuing education credits upon completion

Impact & Reach

• In 2020–21, 4.5 million educators accessed NHC online teaching resources
• 93% from United States, 7% from other countries
• Resources developed with NHC Fellows and scholarly experts

Partnerships

• Carolina Asia Center (University of North Carolina)
• Center for Southeast Asian Studies (University of Michigan)
• East Asia National Resource Center (George Washington University)
• Five College Center for East Asian Studies
• National Consortium for Teaching about Asia
• Weatherhead East Asian Institute (Columbia University)

About the Geiss Hsu Foundation

• Established: 2001
• Focus: Ming Dynasty scholarly research and interpretation
• Support: Research, publications, conferences, lectures, exhibitions