HomeMy WebLinkAboutPHR-206Departmental Policy Syllabus Jan. 9, 2025
Bergen Community College
Division of Humanities
Department of Philosophy and Religion
Course Syllabus
PHR-206: Asian Philosophy
An individual classroom syllabus for this course must include as much of the following
information as is applicable:
Basic Information About Course and Instructor:
Semester and year:
Section Number:
Meeting Times:
Locations:
Instructor:
Office Location:
Phone:
Departmental Secretary: [optional]
Office Hours:
Email Address:
Course Description:
PHR-206 Asian Philosophy is an introduction to the major philosophical traditions of
East and South Asia, including Daoism, Confucianism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, and
the work of major thinkers in these traditions. Topics of discussion include the nature of
ultimate reality and the nature of the self; the nature of human knowledge and wisdom;
the meaning and value of life and death; ethics and the nature of the good life; paths to
enlightenment; and the relationships between these traditions and Western thought and
value systems.
Credits: 3 (3 lectures)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
General Education Humanities Course
Diversity Course
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Departmental Policy Syllabus Jan. 9, 2025
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of meeting the requirements in this course,
students will be able to:
1. Articulate, analyze and compare the fundamental concepts, principles, and
arguments in Daoism, Confucianism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, including their
views on ultimate reality, the self, and the nature of human knowledge.
2. Critically evaluate the ethical frameworks and conceptions of the good life
presented in these traditions, and apply these insights to contemporary moral
dilemmas and problems, including the personal and social.
3. Locate, evaluate, and use effectively information from a variety of relevant
sources.
4. Engage in thoughtful and respectful discussions of these traditions and their
significance, demonstrating an ability to communicate informed perspectives on
the diversity of philosophical thinking.
In pursuit of the foregoing objectives, the course is based on the reading and discussion
of both primary and secondary sources; the essential principles of critical thinking are
introduced; techniques of scholarly research and writing are reviewed; students are
encouraged to participate actively in class discussions; and students are required to do
a substantial amount of expository and critical writing in response to the material
presented in the course.
Relationship between these Student Learning Outcomes and the Gen Ed/Essential Learning Outcomes:
SLOs: EL1 EL2 EL3 EL4 EL5 EL6 EL7 EL8 EL9 EL10 EL11
1 X X X
2 X X X X
3 X
4 X X X
EL1-Effective Speaking EL2-Effective Writing EL3-Mathematical Reasoning EL4-Scientific Reasoning EL5-Technological Competency EL6-Information Literacy
EL7-Social-Behavioral Analysis EL8-Historical Analysis EL9-Humanistic Analysis EL10-Intercultural Awareness EL11-Moral Literacy
The Course Signature Assignment:
Ancient Wisdom, Modern World: A Philosophical Critique of Contemporary Culture
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Departmental Policy Syllabus Jan. 9, 2025
This assignment invites you to critically analyze an aspect of contemporary culture
through the philosophical perspectives of ancient Chinese or Indian thought. Using
concepts from thinkers such as Confucius, Laozi, the Buddha, or early Hindu
philosophers, you will explore how these ancient ideas might critique, challenge,
or offer alternatives to contemporary practices, values, or beliefs.
1. Choose an aspect of contemporary culture that interests you, such as
consumerism, individualism, environmental issues, social media behavior,
views on success and ambition, or concepts of happiness and well-being.
2. Select one or more concepts from an ancient Chinese or Indian
philosophical tradition to analyze your chosen cultural topic. You may draw
on ideas like:
○ Confucianism: Ren (benevolence), Li (ritual propriety), or filial
piety.
○ Daoism: Wu wei (non-action), simplicity, harmony with nature.
○ Buddhism: The Four Noble Truths, the Middle Way, Emptiness,
impermanence, non-attachment, Not-Self, etc.
○ Hindu Philosophy: Dharma (duty), karma, non-violence (ahimsa),
or the concept of maya (illusion).
3. Using your selected philosophical concept(s), critique your chosen aspect of
contemporary culture by answering these questions:
○ How might an ancient Chinese or Indian philosopher view this
cultural practice or value?
○ What critique might they offer, and why?
○ Are there alternative perspectives or values from this philosophy that
could address potential issues in contemporary culture?
4. Reflect on what this critique reveals about the strengths and limitations of
contemporary cultural values. Consider how intercultural understanding of
these philosophies might broaden perspectives on personal and societal
values today. Support your analysis with specific references to philosophical
texts and concepts; use a minimum of two sources.
5. In closing, offer a personal reflection on what you have learned from this
intercultural critique. How has engaging with ancient Chinese or Indian
philosophy influenced your view on the chosen cultural aspect? Has it led
you to rethink certain assumptions, and if so, how?
This Signature Assignment assesses SLOs 1, 2, 3, and ELOs 1, 6, 9, 10, and 11.
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Departmental Policy Syllabus Jan. 9, 2025
Course Content:
The course is intended to introduce students to the basic problems and methods
of Chinese and Indian philosophy, and to the leading figures in these traditions.
Therefore, the course includes, as a mandatory component, the study of the work
of at least one major philosopher from each of the four major traditions: Daoism,
Confucianism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. However, the course is also meant to
require students to think about the relationships between these traditions
themselves, and between these traditions and contemporary Western culture and
civilization.
Course Texts and/or Other Study Materials:
Primary Sources, including classic anthologies:
Bonevac, Daniel, and Stephen Phillips (eds.). Understanding Non-Western
Philosophy
Chan, Wing-Tsit (ed.). A Sourcebook in Chinese Philosophy
Radhakrishnan, Sarvepalli, and Charles A. Moore (eds.). A Sourcebook in Indian
Philosophy
John and Patricia Koller (eds.), A Sourcebook in Asian Philosophy
Confucius. Analects. Trans. D.C. Lau.
Lao Tzu. Tao Te Ching. Trans. and ed. Stephen Mitchell
Upanishads Trans. Eknath Easwaran
Early Buddhist Discourses (ed.) John Holder
Access to Insight (online readings from the Buddhist Pali Canon)
(+ many other English translations and online versions of the above)
Secondary Sources:
Koller, John M. Asian Philosophies
Phillips, Stephen H. Classical Indian Metaphysics
Writing, Research, and Critical Thinking Requirements
PHR-206 requires students to complete a variety of critical thinking and writing
assignments. It also requires students to employ techniques of scholarly research
in some of their assignments. These assignments may include class discussions
and debates requiring the application of critical thinking skills, short in-class
essays, out-of-class writing projects (journals, research papers,
argument-analysis papers, book reviews, etc.), tests and examinations containing
essay components, and so forth. Instructors will respond to and comment on
students' writing in detail.
Grading Policy:
A student’s final grade for the course is based primarily on his or her performance
on the required work for the course (writing assignments, examinations, class
presentations, etc.) and on his or her overall mastery of the material covered in
the course. A student’s class participation may also be evaluated, and the grade
thereon may be used as a factor in determining the student’s final grade for the
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Departmental Policy Syllabus Jan. 9, 2025
course; but a class participation grade will count for no more than twenty percent
(20%) of the final grade. A student's research and writing work will count at least
fifty percent (50%) of the final grade.
BCC Attendance Policy:
All students are expected to attend every scheduled meeting of each course in
which they are registered. Attendance and lateness policies and sanctions are to
be determined by the instructor for each section of each course. These will be
established in writing on the individual course outline. Attendance will be kept by
the instructor for administrative and counseling purposes.
Philosophy and Religion Departmental Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend class regularly and punctually. Attendance will be
taken at each class session. It is expected that class will be conducted such that
students will benefit in their written work by the lectures and class discussion. If
students occasionally arrive late, they should be encouraged to enter quietly, not
disturbing the class. If students miss class, they should be encouraged to use the
course calendar to stay abreast of material. It is probably a good idea for students
to find study partners and to exchange telephone numbers. Make-ups for
examinations should be allowed by the instructor if, in the instructor’s judgment,
the student has presented a good excuse for missing the work. Instructors may
penalize work which is late; however, the instructor’s policies for make-ups and
late work must be clearly specified on the student guide.
Include the following statement on the BCC Philosophy Club:
The Philosophy Club has functioned continuously since the late 1980’s. It usually
meets on Tuesdays during the Activities Period, 12:30-1:25 PM, but sometimes
also on different days and at different times. I encourage you to join the club. For
further information, contact the Office of Student Life or the Club Advisor, Prof.
__.
College Policy Statements:
Statement on plagiarism and/or academic dishonesty:
Academic Matters - Bergen Community College - Acalog ACMS™
Statement on the appropriate use of AI (see the following link for guidance):
AI-Guidance-Resource-Page.pdf (bergen.edu)
ADA statement:
Disability Services (Office of Specialized Services) | Bergen Community College
Sexual Harassment statement:
HR-003-001.2018-Policy-Prohibiting-Sexual-Harassment.pdf (bergen.edu)
Statement on acceptable use of BCC technology:
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Departmental Policy Syllabus Jan. 9, 2025
Acceptable-Use-Policy.pdf (bergen.edu)
Recommended Syllabus Statements from the Office of Specialized Services:
OSS Statements | Bergen Community College
Student and Faculty Support Services:
Accessibility Statement
Bergen Community College is committed to ensuring the full participation of all
students in its programs. If you have a documented disability (or think you may
have a disability) and, as a result, need a reasonable accommodation to
participate in this class, complete course requirements, or benefit from the
College’s programs or services, contact the Office of Special Services (OSS) as
soon as possible at 201-612-5270 or www.bergen.edu/oss. To receive any
academic accommodation, you must be appropriately registered with OSS. The
OSS works with students confidentially and does not disclose any disability-related
information without their permission. The OSS serves as a clearinghouse on
disability issues and works in partnership with faculty and all other student service
offices.
Student Support Services
Bergen Community College provides exemplary support to its students and offers
a broad variety of opportunities and services. A comprehensive array of student
support services including advising, tutoring, academic coaching, and more are
available online at https://bergen.edu/currentstudents/.
Sidney Silverman Library Online Resources: Guides BY SUBJECT - LibGuides at Bergen Community College
General Search and Databases: Library | Bergen Community College
Include a Course Outline and Calendar:
Schedule of Campus Meetings and Topics
Date Topic Reading/Learning Resource
9/6 Introductions PowerPoint
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Departmental Policy Syllabus Jan. 9, 2025
9/11 The Philosophical Landscape of
Ancient China—What’s the Way?
PowerPoints
9/13 Confucianism PowerPoint
Selections from the Analects
9/18 Confucianism PowerPoint
Selections from the Analects
9/20 Taoist Critiques of Confucianism Selections from the Analects
9/25 Tao te Ching (TTC) TTC, Chs. 1-20
9/27 Tao te Ching TTC, Chs. 21-40
10/2 Tao te Ching TTC, Chs. 41-60
10/4 Tao te Ching TTC, Chs. 61-81
10/9 The Chuang Tzu Selections from The Way of Chuang
Tzu
10/11 Catch-Up/Reflection Day
10/16 Introduction to Indian Philosophy PowerPoint
10/18 The Philosophy of the Upanishads PowerPoints
Kena Upanishad
10/23 The Philosophy of the Upanishads Selections from the Chandogya and
Brihadaranyaka Upanishads
10/25 The Philosophy of the Upanishads Katha Upanishad
PowerPoint
10/30 The Brahman-Atman Connection
and the Metaphysical Foundations
of Yoga
PowerPoint
11/1 Yoga Philosophy The Yogasutras of Patanjali
11/6 Yoga Philosophy The Yogasutras of Patanjali
11/8 Catch-up/Reflection Day
11/13 The Buddha’s Noble Search BBC Video
PowerPoints
11/15 Key Elements of the Buddha’s
Dharma
Dhammachakkapavatana Sutta
PowerPoint
11/20 Anatman (Not-Self ) “Discourse to the Five Brethren”
PowerPoint
11/22 Thanksgiving—no classes
11/27 The Mahayana Notion of
Emptiness
Heart Sutra
PowerPoint
11/29 How to Live a Meaningful Life/ The
Bodhisattva Path
Shantideva’s Bodhisattvacharyavatara
PowerPoint
12/4 How to Live a Meaningful Life/ The
Bodhisattva Path
Shantideva’s Bodhisattvacharyavatara
PowerPoint
12/6 How to Live a Meaningful Life/ The
Bodhisattva Path
Shantideva’s Bodhisattvacharyavatara
PowerPoint
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Departmental Policy Syllabus Jan. 9, 2025
12/11 Student Presentations
12/13 Student Presentations
12/18 Student Presentations/ Course Wrap-Up
12/20 Final Class Meeting; Final Grades Distributed
Possible Note to Students: This Course Outline and Calendar is tentative and
subject to change, depending upon the progress of the class.
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