Chinese 197G - ST- Asian Religious Traditions

This course is meant to serve as a general introduction to some of the world?s most complex and influential civilizations. The course surveys pre-modern political and social history, classical philosophical writings, and poetic, literary, and artistic traditions of East Asia and India through Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. East Asian and Indian traditions are not only fascinating to study in their own right, but also an important first step towards understanding their politics, society, and culture of contemporary society; thus, the course also considers these traditions in their modern re-interpretations and newfound relevance. Though this course can stand alone as an introduction, it is hoped that it will serve as an inspiration and guide to further study of their civilization and rich heritage.