Although it was born in India, Buddhism has had a deep and profound influence on Chinese and East Asian culture, but this philosophy remains relevant to modern life in both the East and West. Students will be introduced to the spirit of Buddhism through modern Mandarin interpretations of classic Chinese Buddhist poems and stories. Students will explore Chinese Buddhist concepts while building on their competencies in listening, speaking, reading, and writing Mandarin Chinese. In each class or every other class, students will be given a different Buddhist text translated into modern Chinese along with a vocabulary list and grammar points for that reading. Students will be expected to read the text and prepare to discuss it in Chinese with the teacher and classmates during the next class meeting.
All students will meet in small groups once a week with the teacher outside of the regular classes.
Learning Outcomes:
By end of the term, students will be able to...
...understand, discuss and critique various authentic Chinese texts (modified from Classical to ordinary vernacular), effectively communicate their thoughts on these in Chinese, both orally and in writing
...raise valid and rational questions regarding Zen and Buddhism in Chinese culture and analyze and discuss these questions in Chinese
...conduct independent research on Chinese Buddhism's history
...form ideas and opinions based on their research on the intersection of Chinese Buddhism, history, and culture and logically state and express their thoughts coherently and cohesively in Chinese
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites: The equivalent of at least 3 terms college level Chinese or placement test.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 4
M/Th 3:40PM - 5:30PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 10
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Categories: 4000 , All courses , Chinese , Four Credit , Fully In-Person
Tags: discussion , literature , Reading and analysis , Religion , Zen and Buddhism philosophy