HONOR 2104 - Intellectual Traditions Cross-Cultural Dialogues

This course examines the ancient foundations of the cultural traditions of Asia (especially China) and the West in a comparative perspective, covering up to roughly the first century AD/CE. Through readings from the genres of poetry, history, and philosophy, the class considers both how the Asian and Western traditions share commonalities and how important differences developed early on. Particular topics to be discussed will include: political ideals, conceptions of virtue, attitudes toward nature, views about family, and religious beliefs, for example. The course stresses careful reading, critical thinking, and good writing.