Trimester II, 2023-24
Instructor: Phil Goldman
Email: philg@school-one.org
What is the Dao? It is “The Way” or “The Path.” The path to where, you may ask? That is a good question. This trimester we will study the origins of Daoism as a shamanistic practice and its development as philosophy and religion. We will read the Daode Jing and learn the ancient practice of divination with the Yi Jing. We will explore Yin and Yang both philosophically and physically with Qigong and Taijiquan. And we will come to grips with Wu Wei by doing “Nothing.”
An essential part of this course will be the practice of Daoist meditation (Qigong and Taijiquan). This is mandatory and will be taught and practiced EVERY CLASS OF THE TRIMESTER. It is also mandatory that it be practiced at least once a week outside of class and a journal be maintained.
Below you will find class expectations, assignments with due dates, agendas, and assorted bits and pieces of information that may make your flow easier. Please check this site regularly in order to prepare effectively for each class.
Class Expectations and Four Strikes Policy
Assessments for Journal and Assignments
Finally, there's this: Attendance and Timeliness Policy.
Homework One (due 12/4/23):
In-Class Work (12/6-7/23):
Group Research Questions for Shamanism (click here)
Keep a group Google Doc for your notes. Share with Phil (philg@school-one.org)
Homework Two (due 12/11/23):
In-Class Work (12/13/23):
Read "Shamanism in Chinese Medicine" (click here)
Answer the questions found here.
Homework Three (due 1/3/24):
In-Class Work (1/4/24):
Homework Four (due 1/8/24):
Journal Assignment Four
Homework Five (due 1/17/24):
Homework Six (due 1/29/24):
Homework Seven (due 2/5/24):
Yijing Materials
Yijing Hexagram Chart (Pinterest)
In-Class Reading (2/7/24): Religious Taoism
Write down the THREE weirdest or most interesting things you found.
Any of these can be questions as well.
Homework Eight (due 2/12/24):
Homework Nine (due 2/21/24):
If you were absent 2/21 or 2/22, watch the Wu Wei video below and read this:
Homework Ten (due 2/26/24):
If you were not in class 2/27 or 2/28, watch this movie and take notes on the study/guide test (print it out). Hand in on 3/4. This is mandatory for credit.
The assignments below are from a previous trimester. Please disregard until they are above this line.
Homework Nine (old 2024):
Homework Nine (2022):