REL 3030 - Chinese Religion

Religious life in China is characterized by an impressive variety of religions combined with a striking commonalty of outlook. The centrality of religion and thought to all of Chinese life means that even contemporary China can be well understood only with reference to the persistent themes and practices of the past. The course will consider religious and philosophical Confucianism and Taoism, Buddhism, and how these different strands are woven into traditional and popular religion in China and even amalgamated into Chinese communism. The overall aim of the course will be to examine what Chinese culture means to an individual growing up Chinese so that students taking the course may develop a grasp of the expectations of life, society, government, and behavior that are handed down from generation to generation in China.

Credits: 4 hours