Overview

The module will be mainly taught in English with some inclusion of Chinese and reading materials in Chinese.

Team-taught and multidisciplinary by design, the course is structured around the following topics: 1. Three in One: an introduction of Chinese religions 2. Theological and Philosophical Thoughts in Daoism 3. Laozi and his masterpiece: Dao De Jing 4. Confucianism and its evolution in Chinese history 5. The impacts of Confucius and Confucianism 6. Differences between Daoism and Confucianism

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D- - D+: Satisfactory comprehension of the given topic; answer focusing on question but also with some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure; arguments presented but lack coherence; some weaknesses in presentation and accuracy.

-good -C- - B+: Solid comprehension of the given topic; focussed answers with good structure; arguments presented coherently; good presentation with accurate communication.

-excellent -A- - A*: Detailed comprehension of the given topic; highly focussed answer and well structure; logically presented and defended arguments; excellent presentation with very accurate communication.

Learning Outcomes

• critique different perceptions and viewpoints of a variety of Daoist and Confucian resources, from primary texts to secondary resources, and construct coherent and substantiated arguments by applying more theoretical and/or interdisciplinary approaches

• demonstrate a good understanding of China in terms of Daoism and Confucianism

• interpret and evaluate some of the key aspects of the Three Chinese Religions;

• understand the significant areas of Daoist and Confucian philosophical and theological methods and practices, and apply these to modern debates.