SRJC Course Outlines

3/29/2024 8:10:23 AMPHIL 11 Course Outline as of Fall 2023

Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION

Discipline and Nbr:  PHIL 11Title:  INTRO TO ASIAN PHIL  
Full Title:  Introduction to Asian Philosophy
Last Reviewed:12/12/2022

UnitsCourse Hours per Week Nbr of WeeksCourse Hours Total
Maximum3.00Lecture Scheduled3.0017.5 max.Lecture Scheduled52.50
Minimum3.00Lab Scheduled06 min.Lab Scheduled0
 Contact DHR0 Contact DHR0
 Contact Total3.00 Contact Total52.50
 
 Non-contact DHR0 Non-contact DHR Total0

 Total Out of Class Hours:  105.00Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50 

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade or P/NP
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly: 

Catalog Description:
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Students will examine major ideas in Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and possibly other Asian philosophies. The course compares these views with basic tenets of Western philosophy, exploring perspectives on the nature of existence, human destiny, ethics, and socio-political obligation.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:


Recommended Preparation:
Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description: Untitled document
Students will examine major ideas in Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and possibly other Asian philosophies. The course compares these views with basic tenets of Western philosophy, exploring perspectives on the nature of existence, human destiny, ethics, and socio-political obligation.
(Grade or P/NP)

Prerequisites:
Recommended:Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:Effective:Fall 2003
Inactive: 
 Area:E
H
Humanities
Global Perspective and Environmental Literacy
 
CSU GE:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 C2HumanitiesFall 2003
 
IGETC:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 3BHumanitiesFall 2003
 
CSU Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 2003Inactive:
 
UC Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 2003Inactive:
 
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Major Applicable Course



COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
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1. Articulate key concepts from the Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and/or other Asian philosophies covered in class.
2. Compare Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and/or other Asian philosophies with each other and with Western philosophy.
3. Critically evaluate Indian, Chinese, Japanese and/or other Asian philosophies.
 

Objectives: Untitled document
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Articulate examples of the historical diversity among the major philosophical schools of Asia, specifying their individual integrity in ancient thought.
2. Analyze commonalities among different philosophies of Asia in their later development.
3. Distinguish influences of Asian thought on Western ideas and vice versa.
4. Evaluate the influence of a Western philosophical framework on the appraisal of Asian philosophies, particularly as these are constrained by English translation of Asian philosophical material.
5. Identify examples of how specific Asian philosophies have influenced relevant religious traditions.
6. Identify examples of the mutual influence of different Asian philosophies.

Topics and Scope
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I. Fundamental Perennial Issues in Western Philosophy and Eastern Philosophy
II. Key problems, Limitations of Translation, and Challenges Attending a Western Study of Asian Worldviews
III. Comparison of Interpretations that Arise in Translations of Classic Texts
IV. Key Concepts and Textual Analysis of the Philosophy of Ancient India
     A. Vedas and Upanishads
    B. Bhagavad Gita
    C. Samkhya-Yoga and Advaita Vedanta    
V. Key Concepts and Textual Analysis of Buddhist Philosophy
    A. Issues of early Buddhism as revealed in the Sutta Pitaka
    B. Buddhist psychology of mind  
VI. Reciprocal Influence of Upanishadic Philosophy on Buddhism and Vice Versa
VII. Key Concepts and Textual Analysis of the Philosophies of Ancient China, Highlighting the Interplay of Taoist and Confucian Philosophies Throughout Chinese Philosophical History
    A. Tao Te Ching
    B. Chuangzi
    C. Five-Phases School and Chinese Cosmology
    D. Confucian Analects
    E. Mencius and Mozi    
VIII. Key Concepts of Japanese Philosophy
    A. Nationalism
    B. Primacy of aesthetics
    C. Mind-body mastery
    D. Influence of Buddhism
     E. Uniqueness of Zen philosophy
If time permits, other topics may include:
IX. Issues in Madhaymika vs. Yogacara Buddhist Philosophies
X. I Ching  
XI. Developments in Neo-Confucian Philosophy
XII. The Philosophy of Mao
XIII. Confucian and Western Influences in the Modern Chinese Democracy Movement
XIV. Tibetan Buddhism   
XV. Key Concepts of Modern Indian Thought, Including Their Influence on Western Views
    A. Gandhi
    B. Radhakrishnan
    C. Yogananda
    D. Krishnamurti

Assignments:
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1. Readings from course text and supplementary materials (10-30 pages per week)
2. Weekly journal entries
3. Weekly quizzes on assigned readings, lectures, and/or video material
4. Exam(s)
5. Final examination (multiple choice, short answer, and/or essay) sections
6. Short essays (500-800 words) examining various aspects of Asian philosophy
7. Research project and written essay (800-1800 words) on a comparative theme, focusing on specific aspects of both Asian and Western philosophies
Note: Papers may be assigned instead of one or more exams

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.
Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.Writing
20 - 80%
Weekly journal entries; weekly quizzes; short essays; research project and written essay
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.Problem Solving
0 - 0%
None
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.Skill Demonstrations
0 - 0%
None
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.Exams
20 - 80%
Quizzes; exams
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.Other Category
0 - 0%
None


Representative Textbooks and Materials:
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Any translation of the Tao Te Ching; a representative example is
Tao Te Ching, translated by Gia-Fu Feng & Jane English, Vintage Books, NY 2012 (classic).
 
Any translation of the Analects of Confucius; a rep. example is
Confucius: The Analects, translated by D.C. Lau, Penguin Books, 1979 (classic).
 
Any translation of the Bhagavad Gita; a rep. example is
Bhagavad Gita. translated by P. Lal, Roli Books, New Delhi, 2004 (classic).
 
General comprehensive texts:
Asian Philosophies by John M. Koller (6th Edition) Pearson, 2011 (classic).
 
Philosophic Classics:
Asian Philosophy, Volume VI, by Forrest E. Baird, Raeburne S. Heimbeck Emeritus, Pearson, 2005 (classic).
The Upanishads. translated by Eknath Easwaran. The Blue Mountain Center of Meditaton, 1897, 2007 (classic).
 
Wisdom of the Buddha:
The Unabridged Dhammapada. translated by F. Max Muller. Dover, 2000 (classic).

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