This research seminar examines the development of Confucianism in historical, philosophical and socio-political contexts across China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, with the goal of exploring the tradition's implications for both East Asian modernity and global culture.
In the first half of the course we will follow the development of Confucian thought and practice in imperial China and during relevant period in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, with equal emphasis on the historical context of these changes, their social and political implications, and their philosophical significance. In the second half of the course we will analyze the ways that different groups, including East Asian modernizers and non-Asian scholars, have tried to relate Confucianism to emerging global issues.
Course Credit Exclusion: None. Prior to Fall 2009: AS/HUMA 4430 6.0