This means that we will focus especially on the reality of multiple religious participation. Many Chinese and Japanese do not think of themselves as adhering exclusively to a single tradition. Therefore, a reexamination of traditional Western notions regarding religion and religious belonging will be a crucial component of this course. East Asia is considered spontaneous, natural, nondualistic and organic whereas Western thought is characterized as calculating, artificial, and dualistic. Students should leave the course with a bsic knowledge of the major religious traditions of East Asia and their interactions.
Informed participation is essential to active learning.
Students are expected to come to class having completed the assigned reading for the day and prepared to engage in discussion. Students should come to class having considered these questions. Class attendance alone is not sufficient to meet class participation requirements. Three absences are allowed. Each additional absence will lead to a deduction of a third of a letter grade from your class participation grade.