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Regular version of the site

Religions and Society in China

2019/2020
Academic Year
ENG
Instruction in English
3
ECTS credits
Course type:
Elective course
When:
1 year, 4 module

Instructor

Course Syllabus

Abstract

This course provides an introduction to the study of the history, major teachings, and practices of the major Chinese religions and spiritual practices and is deigned to give conceptual tools to appreciate diverse religious practice in East. It covers the development of Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism and wide range of popular and local religions. From historical perspective we will also explore the development of key theological, religious and philosophical doctrines as well as associated practices. An effort will be made to spend time on each tradition according to its importance to Asia as a whole.
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

  • We will explore the role of religions in politics and social relations in East and South, South East Asia and China in particular.
  • We will analize the origins, central teachings, divisions and branches, rituals and practices, influences on culture, and responses to modern challenges for each tradition.
  • We will explore new Asian religions as dynamic, ongoing forces in the lives of individuals and in the collective experience of modern societies.
Expected Learning Outcomes

Expected Learning Outcomes

  • Explains the role of religions in politics and social relations in East and South, South East Asia and China in particular
  • Analyses the origins, central teachings, divisions and branches, rituals and practices, influences on culture, and responses to modern challenges for each tradition
  • Explains key theological, religious and philosophical doctrines as well as associated practices
  • Seizes the history, major teachings, and practices of the major Chinese religions and spiritual practices and is deigned to give conceptual tools to appreciate diverse religious practice in East
Course Contents

Course Contents

  • Foundations of Religions in China
    About the Course Main Topics and Objectives: the Introduction Main Notions of Chinese Religions Religions and Ancestors Teacher in the Chinese Religious Tradition Syncretism of Tradition
  • Taoism in China
    Taoism: Introduction Sources of Taoism Before Taoism: Five Elements and Five Phases Before Taoism: Early Cults Lao-zi and the Beginning of Taoism Taoism and the Natural Order of Universe Notion of Dao
  • Taoism in Chinese society: main religious practices
    Taoism and the Idea of Immortality Alchemy in Taoism Taoist Practices: Mind and Body Main Cults of Taoism Main Schools in Taoism Modern Schools of Taoism
  • Confucianism in Chinese society: from sacrality to morality
    Confucianism: Introduction Main Ideas Main Principles Confucius and Confucianism Sage Confucius: Ideas, Beliefs and Moral Followers of Confucius Confucian Canon
  • Buddhism in the Chinese Tradition
    Buddhism in China: Introduction Basic Principles of Buddhism Buddha and Buddhahood The Way from India to China Fundamental division: Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana Transition to China: Ways and Problems Transition to China: Missionaries and Translators "Sinicization" of Buddhism
  • Sinified Buddhism as an almost independent tradition
    Schools and Texts - Part Schools and Texts - Part Main Ideas of Chan Buddhism Teachers of Chan History of Chan Doctrine of Chan Chan Practice Buddhism in Art and Culture Buddhism in Modern Culture
  • Chinese Mythology
    Chinese Mythology Creator Deities: Fu Xi and Nu Wa The Myth of Pangu Progenitor Deities: Huang-di Progenitor Deities: Xiwang-mu Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors Myth, Hero and Tribe Mythical Creators Cosmological Deities
  • Chinese folk religions: ancestor worship, temples, festivals and communal identities
    Basics of Chinese Folk Religions The Idea and Society of Salvation in Chinese Folk Religion Sects and Syncretism Representative Cases of Syncretic Sects Xiantiandao and Yiguandao Sects Initiation and Secret Societies Local Cults and Traditions - Part Local Cults and Traditions - Part
  • Modern China and its attitude to religions
    People's Republic of China: Religious Policy Buddhism and Taoism in Modern China Traditions of the Minorities Islam in China Christianity in China Western Religions in China Popular Religions in Modern Chinese Culture
  • Debates
Assessment Elements

Assessment Elements

  • non-blocking Debates
    In this case, short-term and long-term violations of the Internet connection do not matter.
  • non-blocking Module 1 Quiz
  • non-blocking Module 2 Quiz
  • non-blocking Module 3 Quiz
  • non-blocking Module 4 Quiz
  • non-blocking Module 5 Quiz
  • non-blocking Module 6 Quiz
  • non-blocking Module 7 Quiz
  • non-blocking Module 8 Quiz
  • non-blocking Module 9 Quiz
Interim Assessment

Interim Assessment

  • Interim assessment (4 module)
    0.1 * Debates + 0.15 * Module 1 Quiz + 0.15 * Module 2 Quiz + 0.15 * Module 3 Quiz + 0.15 * Module 4 Quiz + 0.15 * Module 5 Quiz + 0.15 * Module 6 Quiz
Bibliography

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

  • Katz, P. R., & Shahar, M. (2014). Religion in China and Its Modern Fate. Waltham, Massachusetts: Brandeis University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=761096
  • Wu, C. V. (DE-588)1116347520, (DE-627)870290843, (DE-576)478303025, aut. (2019). The transformation of information in Chinese folk religion reflections on fieldwork in Pution, Fujian Chongqing Wu. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edswao&AN=edswao.1667646931

Recommended Additional Bibliography

  • Partridge, C., & Dowley, T. (2018). Introduction to World Religions : Third Edition (Vol. 3rd ed). Minneapolis, Minnesota: Fortress Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1828519