Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0169 - Chinese Religions

Spring
2016
1
4.00
Rafal Stepien
01:00PM-02:20PM W,F
Hampshire College
319684
Emily Dickinson Hall 4
rsHA@hampshire.edu
How does the universe work? What is human nature? What is a good life? This course provides answers to these and other fundamental questions through an introduction to the religious traditions of China from their ancient origins to modern times. It begins with the oracular inscriptions of the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, and then concentrates on the three religions of prime importance throughout the bulk of Chinese history: Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. We will read from foundational texts such as the Confucian Analects and Mencius, the Daoist Dao De Jing and Zhuangzi, and the Buddhist Lotus Sutra and Gateless Gate. We will also trace the historical development of each of the three traditions, including such movements as Neo-Confucianism, Celestial Masters Daoism, and Chan/Zen Buddhism. Attention will be drawn to diverse aspects of religious life in China, including cosmology, yin-yang harmony, ritual, ancestor veneration, monasticism, and gender roles.
Culture, Humanities, and Languages Writing and Research Multiple Cultural Perspectives Independent Work Number of hours students are expected to spend in work and preparation outside of class time: 0-165
Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.