This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module provides an historical introduction to the philosophical, religious and cultural traditions of South and East Asia. It will provide a foundation for understanding the historical development, key concepts and important practices of the major worldviews of India, China and Japan with specific reference to the Hindu, Buddhist, Confucian, Daoist and Shinto traditions.
2 x 1 hour lecture per week
1 x 1 hour seminar per week
for 10 teaching weeks
100% Coursework
Indicative reading:
• BREEN, J. and TEEUVEN M., A Short History of Shinto, Blackwell
• CALI, J, Shinto Shrines, University of Hawaii Press, 2013
• FLOOD, G. – ‘An introduction to Hinduism’, CUP Cambridge, 1996
• HARVEY, P - 'An Introduction to Buddhism', CUP, Cambridge, 1990
• KNOTT, KIM – ‘Hinduism: A Very Short Introduction’, OUP Oxford, 1998
• KEOWN, D – ‘Buddhism – A Very Short Introduction’, (2nd edition) OUP, Oxford, 2013.
• LITTLETON, C. S. Understanding Shinto, Duncan Baird Publishers
• OLDSTONE-MOORE, JENNIFER – ‘Understanding Confucianism: Origins, Beliefs, Practices, Holy Texts, Sacred Places’, Duncan Baird Publishers, London, 2003
• RAHULA, W – ‘What The Buddha Taught,’ (new edition) One World Publications, 1997.
• RAINY, LEE DIAN – ‘Confucius and Confucianism: The Essentials’, Wiley Blackwell, Oxford, 2011
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an appreciation of the richness and diversity present within specific Asian traditions and civilisation.
Describe and articulated a key concept, idea, theme or practice relevant to a South Asian tradition
Describe and articulated a key concept, idea, theme or practice relevant to an East Asian tradition
Demonstrate an appreciation of the problems of translating Asian traditions and concepts into a western interpretive framework and language.
Understand the broad historical development of Asian civilisations and traditions.
Improve their own learning and performance by applying a variety of methodological, hermeneutical, and historiographical perspectives relevant to the study of Asia.
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