The ultimate purpose of this course is to enhance students’ understanding of Western approaches, methodologies, and interpretations of Chinese intellectual history. The focus will be on the Song period, particularly on Confucian thought and action during the Song. You may read these assignments in Chinese, but you are encouraged to also look at the English originals which are given in the weekly assignments. The course will culminate exploring a comparative history of ancient Greek and Han dynasty medicine because it is a particularly well executed work.

Discussion and written work is acceptable in either Chinese or English. You are encouraged to take the opportunity to practice your English, but if you do not feel comfortable speaking or writing in English, you may use Chinese. It is important to participate in discussions.

While reading and discussing articles and essays selected from major journals and books in the field, we will not only pay attention to understanding content, but more importantly to exploring the way the various authors have formulated the question or issues, how they weigh the importance of different evidence, how they sustain their line of argument and reach their conclusions. Although these essays have much to admire, we will also strive to read them critically and suggest ways the authors might have written better books or made stronger arguments. This approach should not only enhance our understanding of Chinese Studies abroad but also enable us to participate in international discourse on Chinese intellectual history.