Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - PHIL 357 D100

Topics in the History of Philosophy (3)

Classics of Asia

Class Number: 8465

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 18, 2020
    Fri, 11:00–11:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PHIL 150 or 151.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

May be repeated for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Selected Topics: Classics of Asia

In this course you will learn about classic philosophical texts from Asia. Each week we will cover a different text and discuss the philosophical issues it raises. The texts all deal with understanding the nature of the world and how you should live. We will read excerpts from classics from India (the Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita), China (Kongzi, Mengzi, Laozi, and Zhuangzi), and also trace the spread and development of Buddhism (through figures like Nagarjuna, Shantideva, and Dogen).

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After taking this course you will not only be familiar with a range of classic texts from a variety of cultures in Asia, but you will also:

  • Understand the philosophical insights, issues, and major concepts of each text
  • Better understand specific issues surrounding translation and interpretation
  • Be able to read and understand philosophical classics from Asia in a responsible way on your own

Grading

  • Weekly responses that include short excerpts from the text for that week 60%
  • Class presentation: students will “present” a short passage of one of the texts by recording a short (no longer that 10 minutes) audio or video file which will be posted for the class 20%
  • A short take-home exam, due Dec 9 at 11 pm 20%

NOTES:

Lecture delivery: remote, asynchronous (recorded content).

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

In order to complete this course, students must have access to a computer or other internet accessing device that permits streaming video, word processing and teleconferencing with Zoom.

REQUIRED READING:

A Guide to Asian Philosophy Classics by Puqun Li (ISBN: 978-1554810345)

All other readings will be posted online.


Department Undergraduate Notes:

Thinking of a Philosophy Major or Minor? The Concentration in Law and Philosophy? The Certificate in Ethics? The Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate?
Contact the PHIL Advisor at philmgr@sfu.ca   More details on our website: SFU Philosophy

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).