AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

• To introduce students to the great traditions of Chinese and Japanese Philosophy;
• To encourage students to make a critical study of core texts within these traditions.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of the course students should be able:

1.       to demonstrate knowledge of topics within the course’s remit, based on study of primary and secondary sources undertaken on their own initiative;  

2.       to identify competing theoretical viewpoints on these topics and take up an individual position in relation to them;

3.       to analyze and evaluate the arguments used to support the viewpoints, in such a way as to justify the position taken up;

4.       to achieve the above by the timely submission of a an exercise and an essay, both to be written articulately in appropriate discourse.

CONTENT:

• Chinese Philosophy
  The central themes to be addressed will be Confucianism, Moism, Legalism, Taoism and Buddhism. Discussion will be focused on texts representing the thought of Confucius, Mencius, Lao Tzu, Chuang Tzu, Mo Tzu, Seng-Chao, Chi-Tsang, Hsuan-Tsang, Fa-Tsang, Hui-Neng and Shen-Hui.
• Japanese Philosophy
  The central themes will be the impact of Chinese philosophy and the growth of Japanese Buddhism, in particular Zen Buddhism. The work of Dogen and Suzuki will receive particular attention.

TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS:
 
Lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials

Formal lectures - 12 Hours

Lectures related independent learning - 12 Hours

Seminars/ small group work - 12 Hours

Seminar related independent learning - 24 Hours

Assessment related independent learning (supported by individual tutorial) - 90 Hours

ASSESSMENT:
 
100% Coursework assessment.

• A. A written exercise of approximately 500-750 words on a topic within the course’s remit (C3 and C6): 20%
• B. An essay of approximately 2,250-3,000 words on a topic within the course’s remit (C3 and C6): 80%

To pass, students must acheive 40% overall.