Weeks 3-5: Chinese Philosophy

NOTE: I have a tendency to change and shift the schedule around so try not to get too ahead!

Mon 9/5: NO SCHOOL

Tues 9/6: In-class essay on Plato

Weds 9/7--Read and mark the following:

  • Confucius excerpts in the reader

    • Read all of the sayings/analects on pages 35-36 (1-9).

    • On pages 37-48, only read the analects that have black brackets by them.

  • Read Mencius 49-52.

  • Think about the following questions:

    • What do Confucius and Mencius mean by the "good" or "virtuous" man?

      • What's the most important saying or analects of Confucius in your opinion and why?

      • Where does good come from according to Confucius? According to Mencius?

      • What do you do if there's a bad ruler acc. to Confucius and/or Mencius?

      • Come up with your own question (but make it textually-based).

    • Mark specific passages to support your ideas.

Fri 9/9--Read Zhuang Zi excerpts pp. 54-64 of reader numbers (stop at very top of 64, at "profit and loss!").

  • Please note that pages 57 and 58 are in the wrong order--read page 58 first and then page 57.

  • If you prefer, you can annotate the PDF online.

  • Please note that the staple is on the right.

  • The reading begins with "Free and Easy Wandering"

    • Pay close attention to the metaphors that Zhuang Zi (Chuang Tzu) uses; they will help you understand his thinking.

Mon 9/12--Finish reading Zhuang Zi excerpts and post three questions on Canvas under "Discussions."

    • One question should be a close reading question.

    • One question should be a discussion question.

    • One should be a question about larger issues/personal relevance.

    • After you've written your questions, use the rest of the word count to answer/explore a question someone else has posed on the response chain.

    • Word count: 375 words

Weds 9/14--Response on Zhuang Zi (400 words). Please post on Canvas.

    • Pick your own passage/metaphor or analyze the one I've provided on Canvas.

    • Analyze the language of the passage and the image carefully.

      • Look for the larger implications of the metaphor/s.

    • Choose specific words and phrases from the passage to embed in your own writing.

    • If you choose your own passage/metaphor, please write out the passage before starting your response (and provide the page number)

    • Please respond briefly to the two people ahead of you on the response chain.

    • 400 words (not including quotations)

Thurs 9/15--Response to prepare for in-class essay:

    • 400 words (not including quotations)

    • Please respond briefly to the two people ahead of you on the response chain.

    • For this response, please do the following

      • Write an essay question comparing Plato, Confucius, and/or Zhuang Zi

      • Answer your own question or someone else's

      • Further instructions posted on Canvas.

Mon 9/19--NO CLASSES

Tues 9/20--IN-CLASS ESSAY on Zhuang Zi, Confucius, and Plato.

Weds 9/21--Read and annotate Nervous Conditions, Chapt. 1 and part of 2 (bottom of page 26 ". . . below you instead of above.").

    • Look here for a PDF of the novel (to be used only until you get a paper copy):

    • Nervous Conditions

    • Attached below, please find a study guide for Nervous Conditions that will help you with names and with understanding the culture.

Fri 9/23----Read and annotate Nervous Conditions, 27-52 (25 pages).