PHIL/RELG 300 Philosophies and Religions of China

Dr. Hannah Schell   Monmouth College   Fall 2009

Class meets Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:30-1:45 pm in Wallace 205

Course description: This advanced course introduces students to the philosophical and religious traditions indigenous to China (ancient ancestral religion, Confucianism, Taoism and Chinese Buddhism) and provides students with opportunities to consider these worldviews in their original historical cultural context as well as how they might apply to their own lives. Students are also given an opportunity to explore a relevant topic of interest to them through an extended research paper, the fruits of which they will share with their classmates at the end of the term. Since this is a 300 level class, students should have already taken at least one course in the department, or secure permission from the instructor in order to enroll. This course is cross-listed between Religious Studies and Philosophy and will therefore focus on both religious and philosophical traditions.

Objectives of course

§  This course will provide students with a handle on the basic concepts that comprise the teachings of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism.

§  Students will learn about these philosophical and religious traditions in their cultural and historical context.

§  The course will introduce some of the relevant disputes and emerging schools of thought (neo-Confucianism, etc.).

§  The course will also attend to how these worldviews influenced each other and there will be opportunities for comparing the traditions.

§  The course will briefly touch upon the situation in contemporary China, including the influence of syncretism and popular religions as well as the influence of Maoism and communism.

Texts: The books below are available for purchase at the campus bookstore and should also be readily available at online bookstores.

Julia Ching, Chinese Religions. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1993.

Selections from primary texts (Confucian Analects, the Tao te Ching, etc.) will be provided.

Regarding learning disabilities. Students with disabilities should provide written notice the first week of class in order to be accommodated.

Making contact with professor. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you find yourself struggling with this class, you want to follow up on a discussion from class or just want to further the material or topics related to the course. My office is in the Weeks House - the large house on the corner of 9^th street and Broadway (1002 East Broadway, upstairs.) You can reach me in my office at 457-2256 and by email at hschell@monm.edu.

Office Hours.My office hours this semester are Mondays 1-3pm, Thursdays 9:30 – noon and by appointment. Please feel free to come see me if you find yourself struggling with the class, want to follow-up on an idea raised in class, or just want to talk about religion and philosophy.

Course Requirements& Expectations

Your grade in this course will be computed on the basis of the following scale. You must complete all assignments in order to pass the course.

Participation. You are expected and required to attend all seminar classes and required meetings of this course. Since this course is a course that revolves around class discussion, it is particularly important for you to be in class. You are expected to not only to be physically present in class, but also to come to class prepared, having not only completed but having reflected upon the reading, and to participate actively in the discussion. This includes asking meaningful questions, reacting to the material, and responding to your classmates in a thoughtful and respectful manner.

Attendance.Excused absences are granted in the event of: a medical problem (documented by a doctor’s note), a family emergency (which must be documented by the Dean of Student’s office), or a school-sponsored event (which much be documented by the teacher or coach organizing the event). Your third unexcused absence will severely impact your participation grade; additional absences may lead to failure in the course.

Regarding plagiarism.Plagiarism is using a source’s information, ideas or words and failing to acknowledge that source. This includes unintentionally, and it will not be tolerated in any form in this class. In accordance with Monmouth College’s rules regarding academic dishonesty, the professor reserves the right to fail you in the course if you plagiarize. Please understand that it is your responsibility to understand what constitutes plagiarism; “I didn’t know” is neither acceptable nor an excuse. Please consult with me if you have any questions about proper citation of a source. Please see the Scot’s Guide or http://department.monm.edu/stuserv/student-handbook/academic.htm for more information about the college-wide policy.I report all cases of plagiarism to the Dean’s office.

Classroom environment. This is an intensive class and the material is complex. It is important that our class meetings be focused on understanding the material and on class discussion of the material. Interruptions – such as ringing cell phones or text-messaging during class – will not be tolerated. Please turn off and put away all electronic devices during class sessions.