Topics in Asian Philosophy

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Standard

An average of 10 hours each week

None.

None.

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

None.

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/

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.

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

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.

To be advised by the subject coordinator.

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.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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

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.