Topics in Asian Philosophy

Subject PHIL40014 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Semester 1, Parkville - 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

Standard



Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2 (1x 2 hour seminar each week)
Total Time Commitment:

An average of 10 hours each week

Prerequisites:

None.

Corequisites:

None.

Recommended Background Knowledge:

Students enrolling in this subject must have completed a Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent.

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 Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Prof Graham Priest

Contact

Professor 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 who successfully complete this subject should:

  • 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 research essay 100% (due at the end of semester).

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to pass this subject. Regular participation in class is required. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:

To be advised by the subject coordinator.

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:

This subject should assist students in the following ways:

  • 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
Links to further information: http://www.philosophy.unimelb.edu.au/
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 Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy

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