Confucianism vs. Daoism
Course Description
Summary
The Twenty-four Stories of Filial Piety are well known Chinese stories that exemplify the devotion of children to their parents that is the chief virtue in Confucianism. The Daoist Tales of Zhuangzi, on the other hand, offer a much different set of values. These tales "translated" from classical Chinese into modern Mandarin at the student's language level will serve as a starting point for an exploration into two complementary and competing schools of thought that have shaped the character and culture of the Chinese. Students will learn basic vocabulary and grammar through a four-skills approach while comparing and contrasting the basic concepts of these two important Chinese philosophies.
P.S. Free material course pack.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of key principles and texts in Confucianism and Daoism, including their historical contexts and contemporary interpretations.
Articulate sophisticated analyses of philosophical ideas central to Confucianism and Daoism, employing critical perspectives and comparative approaches.
Formulate insightful and well-reasoned questions that challenge traditional interpretations or explore new avenues of inquiry within Confucian and Daoist thought.
Conduct rigorous independent research on specific aspects of Confucian and Daoist philosophy, integrating primary and secondary sources effectively.
Synthesize research findings into coherent arguments and articulate these arguments fluently and persuasively in Chinese, demonstrating mastery of language and philosophical concepts.
Prerequisites
At least 5 terms Chinese at College level.
Please contact the faculty member : glin@bennington.edu