Introductory Topics in Chinese Literature and Culture (200-0-20)
Topic
East Asian Classics
Instructors
Antonio Terrone
847/467-1636
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge Hall #4-439
Office Hours: times vary by quarter, please contact instructor
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-410: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
AY23-24 This course explores some of the most influential texts of the major East Asian religious and philosophical traditions including Confucianism, Daoism, Chan/Zen Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism still prominent in China, Japan, Tibet, and several other Asian societies today. The goal is to understand their significance in East Asian cultures, as well as consider what we can learn from these texts today. This course will probe the following questions: What are the major themes, dilemmas, and issues these texts address? How can humans achieve contentment in the world? What are the moral values these texts instill? Beyond this historical focus, this course will also reflect on ways that these literary and religious texts have been appropriated and adapted in the modern context. Each period dedicated to a specific text will be preceded by an introduction to the tradition it represents offering an historical background together with biographical and/or content outlines.
Learning Objectives
a) Gain exposure to a set of influential literary texts that combine the realms of religion and philosophy.
b) Reflect upon a diversity of cultural worldviews represented in the texts.
c) Critically analyze different literary genres, including doctrine, philosophy, ethics, and biography.
d) Cultivate a deeper understanding of Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism
e) Engage in consistent and cumulative writing practice in response to complex and challenging wo
Teaching Method
Lecture and discussion
Evaluation Method
Class participation, weekly response papers, in-class presentation, term paper
Class Materials (Required)
- Confucius / Annping Chin (transl). The Analects. Penguin Classics (2014) - ISBN 978-0143106852
- Lao Tzu / D.C. Lau (transl). Tao Te Ching. Penguin Classics; Reprint edition (1964) - ISBN 978-0140441314
- Tsangnyon Heruka / A. Quintman (transl). The Life of Milarepa. Penguin Classics; 1 edition (2010) - ISBN 978-0143106227
- Red Pine. The Platform Sutra: The Zen Teaching of Hui-neng (Paperback - November 28, 2008). Counterpoint, 2008. ISBN 978-1593761776
Class Attributes
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area