Intercultural Philosophy East-West

The primary objective of this course is to enhance students’ comprehensive understanding and interpretation of cultural practices and values from an intercultural viewpoint, with a particular focus on East-West perspectives. Students will pursue this goal through research, writing, critical analysis, collaborative discussion, lecture note-taking, and oral presentations. The curriculum will cover the works of key theorists and examine specific cultural practices. There is no prescribed textbook; instead, all learning materials, including extracts from relevant publications, will be distributed at the start of each class.

Additionally, the course aims to further develop students’ academic and English language skills to a high standard, specifically in the areas of research, writing, critical thinking, group discussion, and oral presentation.

Classes will incorporate both lecture-based presentations and group discussions. Students will undertake two homework essays, a final in-class examination, and a term paper, providing opportunities to practise writing rigourous and critical academic essays that engage with pertinent intercultural issues. Oral presentations will help students develop their ability to communicate with clarity, coherence and precision.

Lectures

1. Introduction to the course. Various cultures, various worlds.

2. East Asian cultures: From India to China

3. Japanese aesthetics: An introduction

4. Western cultural expressions: Art and judgments

5. East Asian cultures: Taoism and creativity

6. Western cultural expressions: The idea of form

7. East Asian cultures: Zen Buddhism and art

8. Western cultural expressions: The truth of art

9. East Asian cultures: Contemporary values

10. Western cultural expressions: Contemporary practices

11. Students’ presentations + discussions

12. Students’ presentations + discussions

13. Students’ presentations + discussions

14. Students’ presentations + discussions

15. Final in-class exam

Sources:

Kelly, M. ed. (1998) The Encyclopedia of Aesthetics, Oxford: Oxford University Press

Koller, J.M. (2007) Asian Philosophies, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Hume, N. G. ed. (1995) Japanese Aesthetics and Culture, Albany: SUNY Press.

Chang Chung-yuan (1963) Creativity and Taoism, New York: Harper & Row.

Rajeshwari Ghose & al (1999) In the Footsteps of the Buddha: An Iconic Journey from India to China, Hong Kong: Odyssey Publications.

Cazeaux, C. ed. (2000) The Continental Aesthetics Reader, London: Routledge.

Kant, I. (1928) The Critique of Judgement, Oxford: Clarendon Press.

Bell, C. (1913) Art, NewYork: Frederick A. Stokes.

Heidegger, M. (1971) Poetry, Language, Thought, New York: Harper and Row.

Derrida, J. (1987) The Truth in Painting, Chicago: Chicago University Press.