Topics in Asian Philosophy

Subject 161-448 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour lecture/seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week, 8 additional hours/week. Total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth-year honours in philosophy
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Prof Graham George Priest

Contact

Prof Graham Priest
g.priest@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject asks students to engage with the thought of some of the great East Asian philosophers and their commentators, understanding them, and developing their own ideas in response. The topics discussed will involve some of the following: metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, and history of philosophy, within the Asian traditions. On completion of the subject, students should have developed a sound understanding of the particular topic for that year, including a grasp of any primary texts used (in translation), and some of the secondary literature on these. They should be able to explain and evaluate the ideas concerned, and to articulate their own positions on the matters covered.
Objectives: Students should successfully:
  • interpret primary textual material
  • explain the ideas involved clearly in their own terms
  • evaluate the ideas involved
  • develop and defend their own ideas on the topics concerned
Assessment: A 5000-word essay 100% (due at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts: To be advised by the supervisor
Recommended Texts: Asian philosophical traditions are rich and varied:- Hindu, Buddhist (Indian and Chinese), Confucian, Daoist. There is no appropriate portmanteau book at this level. Particular texts will be set depending on the topic or topics covered that year.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • enhance their ability to read difficult material
  • enhance their ability to write clearly
  • enhance their ability to think critically
  • enhance their ability to understand the history and culture of East Asia
Notes: This subject is devoted to a study of some aspect or aspects of one or more Asian philosophies. These may change from year to year, depending on the interests of students and staff.
Related Course(s): Master of Arts (Asian Societies)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Philosophy

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