Cultural Dialogues: An Intercultural Reading of The Analects and Tao Te Ching

Get to grips with the Chinese classics The Analects and Tao Te Ching

The Analects (497 BC) and Tao Te Ching are two of the most influential philosophical texts in human history. They provide the basis for the social and spiritual belief system in China.

On this six-week course from Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), you’ll take an intercultural approach to reading these two classics. Tracing their social and cultural influence back over centuries, you’ll understand why the texts are vital for understanding traditional and modern China.

Examine the fundamental principles of Taoism and Confucianism

Contained in the two classic texts are the ideas of Confucius and the tenets of Taoist philosophy. As you progress through the course, you’ll examine the philosophical frameworks and principles that underpin Taoism and Confucianism.

From Confucian attitudes towards family relations to essential Taoist terminology and concepts, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to make sense of the two belief systems.

Compare and contrast other philosophical classics

To place The Analects and Tao Te Ching in context, you’ll read them in relation to other classic philosophical texts.

You’ll compare and contrast works by philosophers in the Western tradition and beyond, including Plato, Aristotle, Tagore, and others. This will help to explain and correct some misconceptions surrounding Chinese culture.

Understand how the two classics have shaped modern Chinese culture

Even centuries later, the influence of the two classics continues to be visible in China today. Over the six weeks of the course, you’ll gain an understanding of how The Analects and Tao Te Ching have shaped Chinese history, politics, and wider society.

You’ll finish the course with a greater sensitivity to cultural diversity and enhanced intercultural communication skills.

This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about Chinese culture and the belief systems that underpin it. The course helps to explain cultural differences and correct misconceptions.

It will also be useful for learners within China who want a basis for explaining their culture to people from other countries.

This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about Chinese culture and the belief systems that underpin it. The course helps to explain cultural differences and correct misconceptions.

It will also be useful for learners within China who want a basis for explaining their culture to people from other countries.

• Explore fundamental Confucian and Taoist concepts
• Describe how through Chinese long history political leaders apply Confucian and Taoist principles for social governance.
• Investigate how Confucian and Taoist doctrines have affected social lives in Chinese societies.
• Investigate how Confucian and Taoist doctrines have affected social lives in Chinese societies.
• Compare how great minds from China and out of China view issues of fundamental importance.
• Discuss where cross-cultural misconceptions or incorrect understandings may most possibly arise
• Evaluate similarities and divergences that renowned scholars in the world have discerned and expressed through classical works.
• Reflect on the means and routes of improving cultural diversities as well as intercultural understanding and communication.