| Unit name | Introduction to Classical Chinese Philosophy |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS10043 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Greene |
| Open unit status | Open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
In this unit we will explore some of the most important philosophies of ancient China that developed during the so-called "Warring States" period (between roughly 500 and 200 BCE). Often considered the golden age of Chinese, this period saw the rise of numerous thinkers and texts that were influential for the rest of Chinese history down to the present day. We will explore the thought of this period – in which ideas about religion, ritual, ethics, cosmology, and statecraft all play a part – through the close reading of many of its major texts and authors, such as the writings of Confucius, Laozi, Zhuangzi, Modi, and Hanfeizi. Selected readings of these texts will be supplemented by modern academic interpretations, traditional commentaries, and consideration of whether or not "philosophy" is the proper way of approaching the activity of ancient Chinese thinkers.
On successful completion of this unit students will have By the end of this unit students will
(1) Be able to identify the major philosophical thinkers and schools of ancient China.
(2) Be able to articulate the differing philosophical and religious positions that these schools came to hold on issues of ethics, statecraft, and metaphysics.
(3) Be able to identify and explain those features of ancient Chinese philosophy that continued to be influential in later and contemporary China
(4) Have an understanding of modern academic debates concerning the authenticity of the pre-Han textual legacy
(5) Have gained a critical perspective on the notion of “Chinese philosophy” and on the debates about whether this is a suitable way of thinking about ancient Chinese thinkers and their writings.
(6) acquired skills through essay writing and examination, in presenting, analysing and evaluating complex ideas and arguments in written form.
1 lecture + 1 seminar per week
One summative coursework essay of 1500 words (50%) and one unseen examination of two hours comprising 2 questions out of 6 (50%). Both elements will assess ILOs (1) (2) (3) (4) and (5). The coursework essay in particular will offer students the opportunity to demonstrate ILOs (6).
Lau, D. C. (trans.). The Analects (Lun Yü). Penguin Classics. Harmondsworth ; New York: Penguin Books, 1979.
Zhuangzi, and Brook Ziporyn. Zhuangzi : The Essential Writings with Selections from Traditional Commentaries. Indianapolis: Hackett Pub. Co., 2009.
Lau, D. C. (trans.). Mencius. Penguin Classics. Harmondsworth,: Penguin, 1970.
Ivanhoe, P. J., and Bryan W. Van Norden. Readings in Classical Chinese Philosophy. 2nd ed. Indianapolis: Hackett Pub., 2005.
Watson, Burton. Basic Writings of Mo Tzu, Hsün Tzu, and Han Fei Tzu. Records of Civilization, Sources and Studies,. New York,: Columbia University Press, 1967.
Graham, A. C. Disputers of the Tao : Philosophical Argument in Ancient China. La Salle, Ill.: Open Court, 1989.
