Catalog Description

Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Major philosophies of Asia including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto. Focuses on issues such as immortality, the nature of reality, god, the self, society, transcendence and morality. Also looks at the influences of Eastern Philosophy on Western Culture. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Analyze philosophical texts of major Asian philosophical systems.
  • CSLO #2: Describe and evaluate epistemological and/or metaphysical theories in Asian philosophy systems.
  • CSLO #3: Compare and contrast major Asian philosophical positions.
  • CSLO #4: Communicate effectively orally or in writing on a topic in Asian philosophy.

Effective Term

Fall 2022

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Distinguish between Asian philosophical and religious systems.
2. Identify and evaluate the metaphysical assumptions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Shinto.
3. Compare and contrast the beliefs of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism regarding the soul, transcendence, and the nature of action.
4. Evaluate the role that cultural and historical issues such as gender, class and ritual played in formulating belief.
5. Describe and evaluate the relationship of self to society in each system.
6. Synthesize the influences of Eastern thought on the development of Western philosophies and values.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Literature & Language
    • AA/AS - Multicultural Studies
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • CSUGE - C2 Humanities
  • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
    • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)
      • IGETC - 3B Humanities

    Articulation Information

    • CSU Transferable
    • UC Transferable

    Methods of Evaluation

    • Classroom Discussions
      • Example: After reading the first four books of the Tao Te Ching students will come to class and the instructor will facilitate a discussion on about why the Tao cannot be spoken of. The last 10 minutes of class, students will write a one-minute reflecting upon the discussion and their understanding of the Tao in terms of the "muddiest point" and the "clearest point".
    • Essay Examinations
      • Example: Students will write a 4-5 page paper in which they compare and contrast Hinduism and Taoism on the nature of reality and the self. This essay will evaluate students' ability to identify and evaluate the metaphysical assumptions in Buddhism and Taoism and will utilize an assessment rubric that includes dimensions such as correctness of response, thoroughness of explanation, relevance of quotes provided, and demonstration of "justification" by way of quote selection.
    • Objective Examinations
      • Example: In an objective examination, students will identify and describe the terms associated with Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Sikhism and Shinto, as well as their cultural and historical context. The exam will evaluate students' ability to distinguish between Eastern philosophical and religious systems. Example: What is the key ethical implication for the Buddhist concept of Pratiyasamutpada (dependent origination)? A. We must have compassion for other creatures, broadening our spheres of responsibility to include all things. B. We must honor and respect our family members and our ancestors C. We must continually strive for enlightenment D. We must respect the boundaries of our social caste/class
    • Projects
      • Example: Students working in pairs will write a conversational dialogue based on the views of Lao Tzu and Siddhartha Guatama describing the relationship of self to society. Students will be evaluated individually on accuracy of interpretation based on textual support.

    Repeatable

    No

    Methods of Instruction

    • Lecture/Discussion
    • Distance Learning

    Lecture:

    1. The instructor will lead students in an in-person or online discussion on passages from the Tao te Ching. Students will be asked to verbally or written in an online discussion forum to identify the metaphysical assumptions represented in the assigned passage and critically evaluate those assumptions. Students will learn to identify and evaluate the metaphysical assumptions of Taoism.

    Distance Learning

    1. The instructor will lead students in an in-person or online discussion groups to discuss the similarities and differences between Hinduism and Buddhism. Student will present their findings to the class in an oral or written summary by presenting their finding by developing a 5-10 questions quiz providing correct answers as well as at least three distractors for each question. Students will learn to distinguish similarities and differences between Eastern philosophical and religious systems.

    Typical Out of Class Assignments

    Reading Assignments

    1. Read the first four books of the Tao de Ching and come to class prepared to discuss why the Tao cannot be spoken of. 2. Read "Katha Upanishad" and explain what the relationship between the individual and the Self is within.

    Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

    1. Write three-page essay comparing and contrasting Confucian principles of good governance with American democracy. 2. Write a three-page essay that identifies your favorite position on the idea of the self, and provides justifications for why this position is preferred to at least two other concepts of the self.

    Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

    Required Materials

    • Confucian Analects: The Great Learning and the Doctrine of the Mean
      • Author: Confucius
      • Publisher: CreateSpace Publishing
      • Publication Date: 2016
      • Text Edition: 1st
      • Classic Textbook?:
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • An Introduction to Chinese Philosophy
      • Author: Karyn Lai
      • Publisher: Cambridge
      • Publication Date: 2017
      • Text Edition: 2nd
      • Classic Textbook?:
      • OER Link:
      • OER:
    • Engaging Buddhism: Why It Matters to Philosophy
      • Author: Jay L Garfield
      • Publisher: Oxford University Press
      • Publication Date: 2015
      • Text Edition: 1st
      • Classic Textbook?:
      • OER Link:
      • OER:

    Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.