Teaching Confucianism
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Description
Even the most casual observer of Chinese society is aware of the tremendous significance of Confucianism as a linchpin of both ancient and modern Chinese identity. Furthermore, the Confucian tradition has exercised enormous influence over the values and institutions of the other cultures of East Asia, an influence that continues to be important in the global Asian Diaspora. If forecasters are correct in labeling the 21st century "the Chinese century," teachers and scholars of religious studies and theology will be called upon to illuminate the history, character, and role of Confucianism as a religious tradition in Chinese and Chinese-influenced societies.Although routinely included in courses on Asian and world religions, Confucianism has been the subject of much controversy both within the academy and in Chinese communities for over one hundred years. Theorists have debated whether and how it is "religious," while historians have struggled to interpret archaeological finds and other evidence that suggest the existence of not one, but many "Confucianisms" from ancient times through the present. Philosophers have argued about Confucianism's place in intellectual life, and theologians have engaged Confucianism as a rival, predecessor, and partner to Christianity. The one point on which all seem able to agree is that a grasp of Confucianism is crucial for an informed understanding of East Asia's past development, present situation, and future prospects. But how does one teach a subject with so few established norms?
The essays in this volume address the pedagogical challenges of introducing Confucian material to non-East Asian scholars and students. Informed by the latest scholarship as well as practical experience in the religious studies and theology classroom, these essays are attentive to the various settings within which religious material is taught and sensitive to the needs of both experts in Confucian studies and those with no background in Asian studies who are charged with teaching these traditions. Combining perspectives from scholars of different disciplines, institutional venues, and aspects of Confucianism, this volume offers a guide for those perplexed about how to teach this enduring yet puzzling tradition.
Reviews
"Teaching Confucianism should prove to be an invaluable resource for those of us who teach survey courses on China." --Lucien Ellington, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
"As Chinese philosophy is beginning to gain ground in the curricular offerings of many Philosophy Departments there is an increasing interest in the teaching of its most strategic topics. Richey has gathered a collection of essays by a wide range of scholars known for their work in Confucianism and Chinese intellectual and religious traditions. After teaching Confucianism for many years, I can say that the most fundamental issues are placed into the hands of able scholars well prepared to provide guidance and even inspiration." --Ronnie Littlejohn, author of Daoism: An Introduction
