Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/mencius2
In an era where the understanding of traditional cultures can greatly enhance our modern living, the Coursera course titled East Asian Confucianisms: Mencius (2) stands out as a beacon of wisdom and insight. This course invites students to delve into the original texts of Mencius, unraveling the profound essence and humanistic implications of Chinese traditional culture. As we navigate through the 21st century’s globalized landscape, the course prompts us to derive the modern significance of these age-old classics, enriching our knowledge and facilitating substantial personal growth.
### Course Overview
The course is meticulously crafted to guide students through a dialogue with Mencius, spanning from the Warring States period to the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Each module encourages participants to reflect on their contemporary dilemmas and deduce applicable principles for their lives. Notable philosophers like Zhuzi and Wang Yangming are discussed in context, illustrating how their dialogues with Mencius fostered profound life wisdom addressing the challenges of their times.
### Syllabus Breakdown
– **Lecture 1: Dialogue with Mencius (I) – From the Warring States to Tang**: Explore how Confucian scholars from these eras reinterpreted Mencius and discover the historical messages conveyed through the changing interpretations across dynasties.
– **Lecture 2: Dialogue with Mencius (II) – Song Dynasty**: Understand the reasons behind the renewed focus on Mencius after the 11th century and delve into the debates among Song intellectuals regarding his thoughts.
– **Lecture 3: Dialogue with Mencius (III) – Zhuzi**: Investigate the significance attributed to the chapter on ‘Zhi Yan Yang Qi’ and its enduring impact.
– **Lecture 4: Dialogue with Mencius (IV) – Wang Yangming**: Contrast the interpretations of Mencius by Wang Yangming and Zhuzi, gaining insights from multiple angles.
– **Lecture 5: Dialogue with Mencius (V) – Qing Dynasty**: Examine how 18th-century thinkers engaged with Mencius and the intellectual significance of these new readings in the 19th century.
– **Lecture 6: Conclusion – The Spirit of Mencius and Chinese Culture**: Reflect on crucial takeaways from Mencius and the importance of engaging with this classic text.
### Learning Activities
In addition to lectures, the course incorporates various interactive activities, allowing students to apply their learnings discuss insights with peers.
### Why You Should Take This Course
This course is highly recommended for anyone interested in philosophy, cultural studies, or personal development. It not only sheds light on historical philosophical dialogues but also invites students to contemplate modern relevances that can shape their outlook on life. Engaging with Mencius through this course can serve as an intellectual and spiritual catalyst, inspiring students to adopt values of integrity, responsibility, and social commitment in today’s rapidly changing society.
Overall, East Asian Confucianisms: Mencius (2) is more than just an academic endeavor; it is a transformative journey into the depths of wisdom that has shaped East Asian culture and continues to offer invaluable lessons for contemporary life. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone looking to enrich their understanding of Confucian values and their application in the 21st century.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/mencius2