Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/religious-transformation-early-china-the-period-of-division
If you’re fascinated by the intricate tapestry of Chinese cultural history, then the Coursera course “Religious Transformation in Early China: the Period of Division” is a must-take. This course is part of a four-course sequence that delves into the multi-disciplinary study of Chinese history, focusing on the shifts in modes of rationality—philosophical, bureaucratic, and economic—that have shaped the nation.
The course is structured into several modules, each offering a unique perspective on the religious and cultural transformations that occurred during the Period of Division (220-589 AD).
**Module Highlights:**
– **Religious Transformation in the Period of Division:** This module sets the stage by discussing the elite’s attack on shamanism and the rise of a new cosmology that influenced medicine and self-cultivation.
– **Religious Communities:** Here, you will learn about the emergence of new religious communities, including those led by the Heavenly Masters and Buddhists, which played a significant role in shaping religious practices.
– **Rituals:** This module examines how Buddhist and Daoist rituals transformed society and individual lives, highlighting the importance of orality and written documents in these traditions.
– **Scriptures:** Dive into the contrasting biases of Buddhism and Daoism, exploring how their scriptures reflect their unique approaches to logic and cosmology.
– **Literature:** Discover how Buddhism influenced Chinese poetry and the differences between public sermons and private records in Daoism.
– **Sacred Geography:** This module explores the significance of mountains in Daoist practices and the Buddhist influence on Chinese geography.
– **Popular Religion:** Finally, understand why popular religion persisted despite elite opposition and how Buddhism and Daoism addressed the fears surrounding spirits of the dead.
The course is not only intellectually stimulating but also provides a comprehensive understanding of how religious transformations have influenced Chinese culture. The interdisciplinary approach allows learners to appreciate the interconnectedness of social, political, and economic systems with religious practices.
I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in history, religion, or cultural studies. The insights gained from this course will enrich your understanding of not just Chinese history, but also the broader implications of religious transformation in any culture.
Enroll today and embark on a journey through one of the most fascinating periods in Chinese history!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/religious-transformation-early-china-the-period-of-division