HIST-233 Laozi and Confucius in History

Examination of the two most significant figures in Chinese history and the disciples and schools that traced their origins to them. Discussion of the texts attributed to Laozi and Confucius, the conflicting interpretations of their teachings from ancient times to the present, and the proliferation of schools that claimed to transmit their original meanings. An eminent Chinese historian once said, "Every era has its own Confucius. There are many different Confuciuses in any one era." This adage, as we shall see, applies to both.

Maximum Enrollment

Proseminar (16)

(Proseminar, Writing Intensive.)

Credits

1

Prerequisite

One course on Asian history, religion, or philosophy, or consent of instructor.

Offered

Spring