2013-2014 Academic Catalog

May 04, 2024

2013-2014 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

HIST 033 - Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism: The Cultural Heritage Of China

This seminar will explore the most important intellectual and religious traditions of China–Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism. In the first half of the course, we will cover the formative development of Confucianism and Daoism in China from about 500 BCE to roughly 200 CE; in the second half of the course, we will explore the rise of Buddhism in China and the later development of Confucianism and Daoism. Our method will be to read and discuss primary written sources (in English translation) from within these philosophical, religious and cultural traditions. We will try to understand the “inner logic” of each author, each tradition, and each school of thought, on its own terms. Lectures will provide historical background on the development of these three traditions. In frequent class discussions, we will focus on the interpretation of primary sources in Chinese philosophy, religion, art and literature. Fulfills the Historical Perspective requirement.

Anticipated Terms Offered: Offered every other year