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APA Committee on the
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| Course Title: | Asian Philosophy |
| Instructor: | Xinyan Jiang |
| Street Address: | Dept.
of Philosophy, University of Redland Redlands, CA 92373 |
| E-mail: | jiang@uor.edu |
| Institution (Name / Type): | University
of Redlands Master's (Comprehensive) University or College |
| Course (Level / Type): | 1st yr / Lecture |
| Hours: | 39 hours, 3 hours per week; 13 weeks |
| Enrollment: | 28 |
| Last Year Taught: | 2000 |
| Pre-Requisites: | none |
| Cross-Listing: | Asian studies |
| Teaching Assistants: | No |
| URL to Syllabus on Web: | text of syllabus is below |
| Date Submitted: | 12/22/00 |
Reflections:
The course was designed to introduce basic concepts and methods in Chinese philosophy to students and help them to acquire an overall understanding of Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist traditions. In general, the course was successful in achieving its main goal, but it was difficult for the instructor to meet expectations from different students in the class since students chose this course for various reasons and had very different philosophical preparations. It was very challenging to have such a diverse student population in the same class.
Syllabus Text:
ASIAN PHILOSOPHY Fall 2000 PHIL-160-01, MW 1:00-2:20 Instructor: Xinyan Jiang
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to Chinese philosophy. Readings selected mainly from Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist traditions. No prior acquaintances with Chinese literature or philosophy will be presupposed.
COURSE READINGS:
Chan, Wing-tsit: A Source Book in Chinese Philosophy.
Fung, Yu-lan: A Short History of Chinese Philosophy.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING:
Four quizzes (40 points). One essay (20 points). One reflection journal (10 points). Final exam (30 points).
No makeup quizzes will be given unless you can document that you missed a quiz for some legitimate reason such as illness, family emergency, or participation in a recognized university event. As a rule no makeup will be given for any quiz after graded quizzes have been returned to the class.
Your course grade will be determined by the total points you earn. It works as follows:
93 or above: A (4.0) 90-92: A- (3.7) 87-89: B+ (3.3) 84-86: B (3.0) 80-83: B- (2.7) 77-79: c+ (2.3) 74-76: C (2.0) 70-73: C- (1.7) 67-69: D+ (1.3) 64-66: D (1.0) 60-63: D- (0.7) Below 60: F (0.0)
Class participation is greatly encouraged. Class attendance will be expected. When you have an excuse for absence, give me a call or write it down and hand it in.
If you have a disability that may require accommodation, please make an appointment to discuss any special needs.
SCHEDULE OF TOPICS AND READINGS:
(All readings listed on a class day should have been read before that class. The lecture and discussion will focus on the assigned reading.)
9/6 Introduction to the Course (No reading).
9/11 Introduction to Chinese Culture (Chan: vii-xvii). A Video Tape Will Be Shown.
9/13 The Characteristics of Chinese Philosophy (Fung, 1-29).
9/18 Pre-Confucian Thought: Heaven (Chan: 3-18).
9/20 Pre-Confucian Thought: Immortality (Chan: 3-18). Introduction to Confucianism (Chan: 14-18, 49-51).
9/25 Quiz 1. Confucius: Destiny (Fung, 44-45).
9/27 Confucius: Humanity and Righteousness (Chan: 18-48; Fung: 42-44).
10/2 Confucius: Propriety and Wisdom (Chan: 18-48) Filial Piety (Chan: 19-28).
10/4 Mencius on Human Nature (Chan: 51-60, 65-66).
10/9 Mencius on Human Nature (Continue).
10/11 Mencius: the Kingly Way vs the Way of Might.
10/16 Quiz 2. Hsun Tzu: Heaven and Human Beings (Chan: 116-124).
10/18 Hsun Tzu on Human Nature (Chan: 128-135). Hsun Tzu on the Functions of Morality and Rites (Fung: 145-150).
10/23 Yang Hsiung on Human Nature (Chan: 289-290). Wang Ch'ung on Human Nature (Chan: 292-296).
10/25 Mo Tzu's Criticism of Confucianism (Chan: 211-231)
10/30 Mo Tzu (Continue). Essay Topics Will Be Assigned.
11/1 Ch'i - Vital Force (No reading). Quiz 3.
11/6 Introduction to Taoism (Chan: 136-138, 177-179). Lao Tzu: the Way/Tao (Chan: 139-164)
11/8 Lao Tzu: Unity of Opposites, and Reversal (Chan: 139-164). Essay Due.
11/13 Lao Tzu: Nonaction and Weakness (Chan: 164-176). Reflection Journal Topics Will Be Assigned.
11/15 Chuang Tzu: Equal Perspectives and Equal Values (Chan: 179-191).
11/20 Chuang Tzu (Continue).
11/22 Holidays.
11/27 Introduction To Buddhism (No reading)
11/29 Introduction to Chinese Buddhism (Chan: 336-337; Fung: 241-254)
12/4 Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism (Chan: 425-440).
12/ 6 Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism (Chan: 440-449). Quiz 4.
12/11 General Review. Reflection Journal Due.
12/15 Final Exam