RELS 312 Religious Traditions of China
This course invites students to discover the range of Chinese religious traditions, in both their ancient origins and their modern expressions. It explores indigenous forms of Chinese religious practice; the development of high/deep traditions of Confucianism and Daoism/Taoism; the impact of foreign religions, such as Buddhism, Islam and Christianity; and seeks to understand the ways in which all of these traditions are changing in the context of contemporary China's economic growth and social progress. Wherever possible, the course will provide students with opportunities to explore the experience of Chinese people and their distinctive spiritual and religious concerns.
4 Undergraduate credits
Effective May 9, 2015 to present
Meets graduation requirements for
Learning outcomes
General
- Achieve greater breadth of knowledge of the world's religions and cultures, by surveying the overall contours of Chinese religious history from earliest times to the present
- Explore characteristics of, and interactions among, various religious traditions in a Chinese context, including Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism, as well as Islam, Christianity, and new religious movements
- broaden their understanding of the faith experiences of Chinese people, the religious expressions of their hopes and fears, and their struggles for personal authenticity
- Develop a critical perspective on the contemporary world, by exploring the problem of faith tradition
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
Goal 6: The Humanities and Fine Arts
- Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
- Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
- Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
- Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance.
- Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
Goal 8: Global Perspective
- Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.
- Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious and linguistic differences.
- Analyze specific international problems, illustrating the cultural, economic, and political differences that affect their solution.
- Understand the role of a world citizen and the responsibility world citizens share for their common global future.