Chinese Philosophy

Subject 672-362 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (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: 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: 2.5 contact hours/week, 6 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: At least one first-year philosophy subject, or permission from the Head of School, or the lecturer-in-charge of the subject.
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

Dr Karen Jones

Contact

Dr Karen Jones

jonek@unimelb.edu.au

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.
Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject will
  • become familiar with major thinkers and schools in Classical China;
  • be able to use Western philosophical approaches, such as virtue ethics and utilitarianism, to interrogate Classical Chinese texts;
  • be able to use Chinese philosophical approaches to interrogate Western views on ethics, human nature, and other topics;
  • develop skills in constructing and assessing the strength of arguments, identifying theoretical assumptions, and assessing conflicting arguments;
  • develop the ability to read texts carefully and critically and offer textual support for interpretations;
  • improve critical thinking and analysis skills.
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: A subject reader will be available from the Bookroom at the beginning of semester
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Students who successfully complete this subject will
  • 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 Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Philosophy
Philosophy Major

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