Course Summary
Explore the role of religions in China's society and how they shape its culture and politics.Key Learning Points
- Learn about the major religions in China, including Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity.
- Understand the historical and cultural context in which these religions developed and continue to thrive.
- Explore the ways in which religion intersects with politics, economics, and social issues in modern China.
Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have
- Professor of Chinese Religions
- USA: $70,000 - $120,000
- India: INR 8,00,000 - INR 15,00,000
- Spain: €30,000 - €50,000
- China Specialist
- USA: $50,000 - $80,000
- India: INR 5,00,000 - INR 10,00,000
- Spain: €25,000 - €40,000
- Cultural Liaison
- USA: $40,000 - $70,000
- India: INR 4,00,000 - INR 8,00,000
- Spain: €20,000 - €35,000
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Gain a deep understanding of the role of religion in Chinese society and culture.
- Be able to analyze the intersection of religion with politics, economics, and social issues.
- Develop a nuanced perspective on the complexity of Chinese religions and their historical and cultural context.
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- No prior knowledge of Chinese religions is required.
- An open mind and willingness to engage with different perspectives is recommended.
Course Difficulty Level
BeginnerCourse Format
- Online
- Self-paced
Similar Courses
- Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean
- Religion and Conflict
- Religion, Conflict and Peace
Related Education Paths
Notable People in This Field
- Professor of Chinese Religions
- Professor of Chinese Buddhism
Related Books
Description
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.
Outline
- Foundations of Religions in China
- About the University
- 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
- About University
- Rules on the academic integrity in the course
- Module 1 Quiz
- Taosim 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
- Module 2 Quiz
- Taoism in Chinese society: main religious practises
- Taoism and the Idea of Immortality
- Alchemy in Taoism
- Taoist Practises: Mind and Body
- Main Cults of Taoism
- Main Schools in Taoism
- Modern Schools of Taoism
- Module 3 Quiz
- 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
- Module 4 quiz
- 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, Vadjrayana
- Transition to China: Ways and Problems
- Transition to China: Missionaries and Translators
- "Sinicization" of Buddhism
- Module 5 Quiz
- Sinified Buddhism as an almost independent tradition
- Schools and Texts - Part 1
- Schools and Texts - Part 2
- 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
- Module 6 Quiz
- 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
- Module 7 Quiz
- 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 1
- Local Cults and Traditions - Part 2
- Module 8 Quiz
- 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
- Module 9 Quiz
Summary of User Reviews
Discover the role of religion in Chinese society with this online course. Students praise the course for its engaging lectures and insightful discussions on the impact of religion on social issues in China.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
engaging lecturesPros from User Reviews
- Insightful discussions on the impact of religion on social issues in China
- In-depth exploration of the historical and cultural background of Chinese religions
- Excellent resources and readings provided to supplement the lectures
- Great for anyone interested in Chinese culture or religion
- Well-structured course with clear objectives and expectations
Cons from User Reviews
- Course can be a bit slow-paced at times
- Some students felt that the course relied too heavily on readings rather than lectures
- Limited discussion forums and interaction with other students
- Not suitable for those looking for a broad overview of world religions
- Some technical issues with the Coursera platform during the course
Aleksey A. Maslov
4.5 Raiting
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