Unit+II+Module+2+Confucianism

Module 2: Confucianism



Module 2: Chinese Philosophy (Confucianism and Daoism)
 * Are Confucianism and Daoism still relevant in the 21st Century?**
 * How do the various Chinese religions work together? How do they clash?**

Mandatory Activities The Stories are located here:
 * Watch the lecture on Confucianism and define Li and Ren as well as identify the five relationships.
 * Read the excerpts from Confucian Analects and choose one and fill out the worksheet.
 * Read one of the short stories (My Old Home, How Chang Kuo Lau Obtained a Donkey, A Contract, Beloved Potatoes, Family) and identify the Confucian relationship and fill out the worksheet (see me for the correct worksheet)

The questions for the stories are located here:


 * Watch the lecture on Daoism and define wu-wei, pu, and yin/yang.
 * Read one of the chapters of the Dao De Jing and summarize it. Explain how it relates to wu-wei, pu, or yin/yang.
 * Read the article by Eno The Philosophical Overview of China and answer big question two.
 * In a type III explain if you think that Confucianism and Daoism are still relevant in the 21st Century.

Alternate Activities
 * Research how Confucianism is still a very active part of Chinese culture. How do the ideas of filial piety and the five relationships represent themselves today?
 * Research the change of Daoism from philosophical Daoism to religious Daoism and compare and contrast them.
 * Research how acupuncture and Chinese medicine are influenced by the Daoist ideas of the five elements and balance.
 * Research how fung shui is based on Daoist ideas and create a floor plan for this room that would be better based on the rules of fung shui.
 * Learn the tai chi (taiji) short form and present it to the class.
 * Find relevant links to the ideas of Confucianism and Daoism and post them on the wikipage. Either on the webography page or on the Chinese philosophies page. Be sure to annotate them.
 * Create an illustration that represents the five relationships of Confucianism.
 * Read the //Tao of Pooh// and write a critique on the ability to teach Daoism in this way.

Please watch the first section of the lecture that gives an overview of Confucian philosophy.

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Part II goes over the way that Li and Ren are used in our daily relationships. Please watch that here: media type="youtube" key="Qs0f-9rvn1I" height="390" width="480" Chinese Belief Systems

In this session, we will begin to explore the many religious influences on China’s history and people and pay particular attention to the interplay of religion and daily life in China. You will also look to see how you can bring a modern-day application to the ancient teachings of Confucius.


 * Objectives**
 * Participants will be familiar with the major belief systems of China including early mythology, Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism, and Buddhism.
 * Participants will understand the major tenets of Confucianism.
 * Participants will understand the balance between formalized religion and the "folk religion" that plays a large role in the daily lives of Chinese people.

Below is a brief introduction to Confucius. Please read either the PDF or go to the link from the Asia Society and read a brief background. Confucianism

Please pick one of the following files excepted from Confucius' Analects and answer the questions in the discussion forum. If you are interested in reading a full translation of the Analects you can go [|here]
 * The Analects**