Confucianism

After taking the course, students will: Acquire a basic understanding of Chinese culture and history. Be able to discuss the various issues related to Chinese culture and history. Be able to understand basics of Chinese language and its social-cultural meanings. The lectures will be delivered in English. Class Requirements: 1. Attendance and Participation Attendance is required because it is crucial to participate in in-class discussions. It is required that students do the suggested readings before class to ensure a basic understanding of the content to be discussed. Everyone is also expected to bring thoughtful comments and questions to class for discussion, and contribute to the preparation and delivery of group presentations (outlined below) in class. Absence from class without proper justification and instructor approval will not go without penalization. Missing a quarter of the class meetings will lead to an automatic deduction of your grade by one tier and missing one third will result in failure. 2. Group Work (Discussion and Write-up) In addition, this class fosters and depends on teamwork. Members of the class will be divided into multiple groups. Each group is required to Lead One Discussion: Starting from the second class session, each group shall take turns to help kick off each class discussion. Each of the group member should present part of the reading materials assigned for that session. Within three days, the group will submit a short essay (two pages double-spaced) on the topic discussed. The writing should reflect all of the opinions shared in the discussion and incorporate the journey experience related to the topic. Only one essay needs to be submitted by the group, however, every member should be involved equally in the writing process. 3. Essay Students are required to write a paper on how Chinese culture and tradition had been adapted to contemporary life, and in what way does Chinese culture and history affect its people’s way of thinking and the world at large. Students may pick an aspect of Chinese culture (such as Confucianism, ideographic writing system, etc.) that is of interest to them. The paper is due two weeks after the final day of the trip. It should be 10-page double-spaced including references. Also, the paper should include at least 10 references within which 4 of the cited work are published books and/or journal papers. The paper should concern the following questions: Identify one specific aspect of China’s culture and elaborate its origin, essence and importance. 10 references within which 4 of the cited work are published books or journals. 1. Elaborate Confucian origin, essence and importance. 2. Illustrate how and WHY this cultural phenomenon evolves over time. 3. Discuss the influence of this cultural aspect in Chinese people's way of living/thinking nowadays. 4. In your opinion, this cultural aspect brings what advantages and challenges to China in the era of globalization? 5. In general, how does China's cultural and history influence the world in the past and present?