Course Description
Taoism and its place in traditional Chinese religion, thought, and culture. Emphasis on the classical texts, Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu; the evolution of the later Taoist religion; and the many varieties of Taoist spirituality.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Additional readings and a research paper along with more extensive examinations to reflect the additional responsibilities.
Athena Title
TAOIST TRADITION
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 the Taoist tradition. (3) To demonstrate the diverse factors that affect human life by observing the influence of historic factors on the nature and evolution of Taoist 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 explicate continuities and interactions between Taoism and China’s other major traditions--Buddhism and Confucianism. (6) To stimulate meaningful comparison, and contrast, of Taoist 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
1. INTRODUCTION: The Study of Religion across Cultures 2. "Taoism": The Definitional Problems 3. The World of Thought in Ancient China A. The Historical Context B. The Intellectual Milieu: Confucianism and its Critics 4. "Classical Taoism" A. The Hermeneutical Problems B. The Nature and "Authorship" of the Tao te ching C. The Teachings of the Tao te ching D. The Nature and "Authorship" of the Chuang-tzu E. The Teachings of the Chuang-tzu F. Meditation and Spirituality in the Nei-yeh and the Huai-nan-tzu 5. The Historical Evolution of Later Taoism A. The Han Dynasty Background B. The Heyday of Taoism in the Six Dynasties and T'ang Periods C. The "Taoist Reformation" of the Sung and Yuan Periods 6. Meditation and Personal Refinement in Later Taoism A. The Varieties of Taoist Practices B. The Moral Dimensions of the Taoist Life C. The Ambiguity of the Taoist Goal 7. Women in Taoism 8. Taoism in Traditional Chinese Literature 9. Taoism in the 20th Century 10. Conclusion: "What is Taoism?"
Syllabus