Course Description
The history, beliefs, and practices of major traditions of China and Japan, particularly Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Special attention will be paid to the evolution of diverse forms within each tradition, and to the interactions of the different traditions.
Athena Title
INTRO E ASIAN REL
Prerequisite
Junior or senior standing or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered every even-numbered year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
(1) To illumine the hermeneutic issues involved in understanding religion across cultures. (2) To introduce basic elements of major religious traditions of East Asia. (3) To demonstrate the diverse factors that affect human life by observing the influence of historic, geographic, and economic factors on the nature and evolution of Asian beliefs and practices. (4) To illustrate that religious traditions evolve, and that such evolution can be understood by reference to historical, intellectual, cultural and existential phenomena. (5) To stimulate meaningful comparison, and contrast, of Asian traditions with those more familar to students from their own cultural heritage. Communicate Effectively through Writing To strengthen skills in written composition, analysis, and presentation by means of projects such as essays, papers, reports, and examinations. Communicate Effectively through Speech To strengthen skills in oral expression, analysis, style, and interaction by means such as class reports, class discussion, and oral examinations. Computer Literacy To enhance and facilitate computer literacy by the use of word processing, the web, email, and OASIS through research, preparation, and presentation of work such as oral class reports and completion of written assignments. Critical Thinking To foster critical thinking by engaging in activities such as classroom discussion and debate, essay examinations, and oral presentations. Moral Reasoning (Ethics) To assist in the continued development of moral and ethical reasoning and reflection by encouraging creative thinking regarding individual and community concerns and needs, the challenging of prejudices and stereotypes, and examining rational and ethical bases of constructive social interactions.
Topical Outline
The Academic Study of Religion Issues in the Study of Asian Religions Confucius Mo-tzu's Criticism of Confucius Mencius Hsün-tzu Confucianism
Syllabus