Chinese Philosophy

Subject 161-240 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty-two contact hours per semester: two 1-hour lectures per week for the first 11 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week beginning the third week of semester
Total Time Commitment: *
Prerequisites: At least one first-year philosophy subject, or permission from the Head of School, or the lecturer-in-charge of the subject.
Corequisites: *
Recommended Background Knowledge: *
Non Allowed Subjects: *
Core Participation Requirements: *

Coordinator

Dr Keren Jones
Subject Overview:

This course on Chinese Philosophy focuses on the major philosophical schools of Classical China, including Confucianism, Mohism, and Daoism. Works produced in this period (12th century BCE; 221 BCE; Confucius born 551 BCE) exerted a profound influence over subsequent philosophical development in China, Korea, and Japan. In some years, the course may also examine later, neo-Confucian, developments in Chinese thinking and the philosophical legacy of Buddhism in China. A central topic of investigation will be Chinese theories of human nature and the connection between competing claims in moral psychology and competing moral and political theories. On completion of this course, students should be familiar with major thinkers and schools in Classical China; develop skill in comparative philosophy so as to enrich their readings of both Chinese and Western philosophical texts; be able to critically examine philosophical arguments derived from careful and critical readings of texts.

Assessment: One 2000-word essay 50% (due mid-semester), a 2-hour written examination (not open-book) 47% (at the end of the semester), and tutorial participation 3%.
Prescribed Texts: Prescribed Texts:A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • develop skills in constructing and assessing the strength of arguments, identifying theoretical assumptions, and assessing conflicting arguments;

  • develop the ability to read texts analytically and offer textual support for interpretations;

  • have improved critical thinking and analysis skills.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Philosophy)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)

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