Course Summary
This course explores the teachings of Confucius and the impact of Confucianism on Chinese culture and society. You will learn about key concepts such as ren, li, and xiao and how they shape Confucian philosophy.Key Learning Points
- Gain a deep understanding of Confucianism and its impact on Chinese culture
- Learn about key Confucian concepts such as ren, li, and xiao
- Explore the influence of Confucianism on modern Chinese society
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of Confucianism
- Gain insights into the influence of Confucianism on Chinese culture
- Acquire knowledge of key Confucian concepts and their relevance in modern times
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- Basic understanding of philosophy
- Interest in Chinese culture and history
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online
- Self-paced
- Video lectures
- Assignments
Similar Courses
- Taoism and Western Culture
- Introduction to Chinese Law
- Modern Chinese History
Related Education Paths
Related Books
Outline
- Introduction: The World of Confucius
- Course Introduction Video
- Course Overview
- Connect With Us
- Your Instructor
- Code of Conduct
- Acknowledgements
- Part 1 - The World of Confucius
- L1.1 - Orientation
- L1.2 - The Ideal of Harmony in Chinese Philosophy
- L1.3 - Early China: The Roots of Confucian Philosophy
- L1.4 - The Roots of Confucian Philosophy: Shang Culture and Religion
- L1.5 - Shang Rituals and Divination
- L1.6 - "Heaven" and the World of Zhou Dynasty China
- L1.7 - The Classical Tradition before Confucius: The Six Arts and the Six Classics
- L1.8 - The Classic of Changes (Yijing)
- L1.9 - The Life of Confucius (551-479 B.C.E.)
- L1.10 - The Analects of Confucius
- L1.11 - Biographical and Autobiographical Sayings in the Analects
- Lecture Materials (Week 1 - Part 1)
- MCQ (Week 1)
- Part 2A - The Vision of Confucius
- L2.1 - Discerning the Dao or Way of Confucius
- L2.2 - The Exemplary Junzi
- L2.3 - The Primacy of Li
- L2.4 - The Regulative and Constitutive Power of Li
- L2.5 - The Centrality of Ren: Humanity and Benevolence
- L2.6 - The Bond between Ren and Li
- L2.7 - Humanity (Ren), Proper Conduct (Li), and Rightness (Yi)
- L2.8 - The Responsive Mediation of Rightness (Yi)
- Lecture Materials (Week 2 - Part 2a)
- Part 2B - The Vision of Confucius (cont'd)
- L2.9 - The Concept of Filial Piety (Xiao)
- L2.10 - The Ethical Transformation of the Family
- L2.11 - Learning and Self-Cultivation
- L2.12 - The Confucian Conception of Learning
- L2.13 - The Integral Play of Confucian Virtues
- L2.14 - The Transformative Way of Ethical Engagement
- L2.15 - The Ethics of Everyday Life
- L2.16 - The Unity of Ethics and Spirituality
- L2.17 - Summary Remarks
- Lecture Materials (Week 3 - Part 2b)
- MCQ (Week 3)
- Part 3A - The Unfolding of Confucianism
- L3.1 - The Emergence of the Ru (Confucian) School and the Mohist Challenge
- L3.2 - The Daoist Critique of Confucian Philosophy
- L3.3 - The "Legalist" Way of Governance
- L3.4 - Introduction to Mencius
- L3.5 - The Way of the True King
- L3.6 - The Incipient Goodness of Human Nature
- L3.7 - Ethical Self-cultivation in Mencian Perspectives
- Lecture Materials (Week 4 - Part 3a)
- Part 3B - The Unfolding of Confucianism (cont'd)
- L3.8 - Xunzi and the Debate on Human Nature
- L3.9 - The Ordering of Desire
- L3.10 - The Ordering of Society
- L3.11 - The Political and Religious Dimension of Xunzi's Philosophy
- L3.12 - The Historical Development and the Rise of Neo-Confucianism
- L3.13 - Zhu Xi and the Reformulation of Confucian Philosophy: Principle and Material Form
- L3.14 - Humanity and Desire from a Neo-Confucian Perspective
- L3.15 - The Great Learning
- L3.16 - The Doctrine of the Mean
- Lecture Materials (Week 5 - Part 3b)
- MCQ (Week 5)
- Part 4 - Confucianism in the World Today
- L4.1 - Review of Key Topics
- L4.2 - Confucianism Past and Present
- L4.3 - A Dialogue on Confucianism Today
- L4.4 - Is there a Religious Dimension to Confucianism and what is its Future Direction?
- L4.5 - Perspectives from the Ground on the Influence of Confucianism Today
- L4.6 - What does it mean to be a Descendant of Confucius Today?
- L4.7 - Summary Reflections
- L4.8 - Student Perspectives on Confucian Philosophy
- L4.9 - Student Perspectives on the Role of Confucianism in Society Today
- L4.10 - Concluding Remarks
- Lecture Materials (Week 6 - Part 4)
- Credits I
- Credits II
- Credits III
- Credits IV
Summary of User Reviews
This course on Confucian philosophy received positive reviews from users who praised its comprehensive and engaging content. Many found the course to be an excellent introduction to Confucianism and its principles for modern life.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
Comprehensive and engaging contentPros from User Reviews
- Excellent introduction to Confucianism and its principles for modern life
- Well-structured course with clear explanations
- Engaging lectures and discussions
- Great resources provided for further learning
- Good mix of theory and practical applications
Cons from User Reviews
- Some users found the pace of the course to be too slow
- Not enough emphasis on the historical context of Confucianism
- Limited diversity in perspectives presented
- Some technical issues with the platform
- Assessment criteria could be more clearly defined
Alan K. L. Chan
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