The above course carries Arts and Humanities distribution & Culture
Studies A distribution credit for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Provides an introduction to the early development of Chinese
thought, from the oracle bone divination of the Shang Dynasty to the
religious, ethical, and political theories of classical
Confucianism, Mohism, and Daoism, through the unification of China
in 221 BCE.  We will concentrate on early debates over human nature
and the best practices of self-cultivation, the general nature of
the cosmos and the human role in it, and the proper ordering of
society. The different positions articulated by early Chinese
figures greatly influenced later Chinese intellectual and social
history, including the development of Buddhism, and influenced
developments in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam as well. Thus,
understanding these early debates is an important stepping-stone for
understanding East Asian thought and culture generally. No knowledge
of classical Chinese is required.  Readings are in English
translation.  Primarily a lecture course, with periodic discussions
focused on key figures.

Requirements: two short papers; comprehensive sit-down final
examination; posting questions about the reading on Oncourse;
initiating discussion at one class meeting; participation in one
class debate.

Books: Readings in Classical Chinese Philosophy, ed. Ivanhoe and Van
Norden; Confucius: Analects, trans. Slingerland; Mencius, trans.
Lau; Chuang-Tzu:  The Inner Chapters, trans. Graham; Hsün Tzu: Basic
Writings, trans. Watson.