Advanced Course in Chinese Philosophy and PoliticsLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

After completion of the course the student is able to
- explicate the evolution of main endogenic schools of thought in Imperial China
- describe the complexities of conceptual thinking in traditional Chinese thinking
- illustrate and point out how the Communist Party is utilizing endogenic traditional concepts and conceptual structures in building a new base for their political legitimacy.

Content

This course is designed to introduce a critical and pluralist view on the Chinese idea history by reading original texts (in English). Students will gain an understanding of various forces of continuity and discontinuity of ideas and concepts, religious values and culture in traditional Imperial China. Eventually, students will study how the Party is utilising and interpreting their own tradition and concepts in not only building domestic legitimacy, but how the party is carefully choosing certain concepts and idea structures on global stage under the umbrella of "Chinese wisdom".

Qualifications

Completion of YMAT1107 Chinese Culture and History and/or OTMEVAL0014 China's Political System and China as a Global Actor in Before and After Corona World courses. Also available for students that have accomplished majority of international politics courses or minor in philosophy.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Fail: Performance is highly deficient or erroneous. The work may be based on serious misunderstandings.

Sufficient and satisfactory (1-2): Performance is lacking in scope, superficial, or corresponds poorly to the assignment. The work may contain errors or obscurities.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good and very good (3-4): Performance corresponds to the assignment, manifesting comprehension and a skill of the study material. The author addresses mostly correctly to the assignments and, but the work/tasks may contain some deficiencies.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): Performance delineates an extensive whole and the students illustrates deep knowledge of the study material / topic. The answers/analysis of the assignments are mostly or completely flawless and/or illustrates justified thinking or critical contemplation. The work is well written and implemented.

Materials

Study material will be consist of articles, book chapters and intercepts of original works (in English).

Execution methods

Combination of self-learning, lectures and seminar-work.

Accomplishment methods

Seminar presentations (30 h) and written exams.