Admission requirements
This course presupposes a decent general understanding of Chinese philosophy. Students who have not
completed relevant undergraduate coursework are required to contact the instructor prior to enrollment.
MA Asian Studies students (60 EC, 120 EC or research) will be given priority in enrollment if demand
exceeds the available places.
Description
Confucianism is one of the most influential intellectual and cultural traditions in East Asia and beyond.
This course provides an in-depth exploration of Confucian thought across different historical and cultural
contexts, examining its philosophical, religious, and political dimensions. We will analyze classical texts (in
translation), visual and material culture, and modern applications of Confucianism. Key themes include
ethics, governance, ritual, and the evolving role of Confucian thought in contemporary society. Questions
we will address include: Are the Analects authentic records of Confucius's words? What is the relevance of
Confucian Constitutionalism today? How does Confucian ethics shape modern leadership and business
practices? Through a multidisciplinary approach, students will engage with Confucianism not only as a
historical tradition but also as a living intellectual force that continues to shape societies today.
Course objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
understand the history and development of Confucianism;
recognize the diversity and complexity of Confucianism;
demonstrate knowledge of key concepts, terminology, and approaches relevant to Confucianism;
understand and apply major research methods and techniques from the humanities and social
sciences in the study of Confucianism;critically assess the applicability of research methods and techniques;
design, conduct, and complete original research on Confucianism independently;
locate, evaluate, and use primary sources and specialist secondary literature for research
purposes;plan and implement effective strategies to address specific research questions;
interpret and communicate ideas about Confucianism to both specialist and non-specialist
audiences;report, debate, and discuss academic ideas professionally, both orally and in writing;
engage actively and constructively with peers in collaborative settings;
contribute ideas and input to achieve shared goals in group work.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Seminar
Assessment method
Assessment
· class participation (20%) · oral presentation (20%) · written assignments (20%) · written term paper (40%)
Weighing
The final course grade is calculated as the weighted average of all assessment components. To pass the
course, students must achieve a passing grade (i.e., 5.5 or higher) on both the term paper and the overall
course grade. A failed term paper may only be revised if the original submission demonstrates a genuine
and serious effort. Note 1: The term paper deadline listed in uSis is for administrative purposes only; the
actual submission deadline will be communicated by the instructor. Note 2: All assessment components
must be completed within the same academic year. Partial grades cannot be carried over to subsequent
years.
Attendance
Attendance and active participation are mandatory in this seminar. The instructor will monitor attendance
throughout the course. Student who are unable to attend a session must inform the instructor promptly.
Students who miss more than two sessions without an excuse may be excluded from further participation
in the course. Exceptions are at the discretion of the Board of Examiners.
Deadlines
Deadlines for papers and assignments will be communicated via Brightspace. All submissions must be
completed and submitted on time; late submissions will automatically receive a failing grade.
Word Limits
Word limits for papers and other assignments will be communicated via Brightspace. Failure to observe
the word limits may result in a failing grade.
Resit
The term paper may be revised only if (a) the initial submission receives a grade of 5.49 or lower, and (b) the original submission demonstrates a genuine and serious effort. Re-sits for other course components are not permitted.
Inspection and feedback
Students may request a verbal explanation of the term paper grade within 30 days of its publication.
Reading list
Reading materials will be announced on Brightspace. Students without prior training in Chinese
philosophy are required to contact the instructor before participating in the course and may be asked to
read additional literature.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the
[website](https://www.student.universiteitleiden.nl/en/your-study-programme/courses-and-
exams/enrolment/humanities/english-language-and-culture-ba?cf=humanities&cd=french-language-and-
culture-ba#tab-2).
Registration À la carte education, Contract teaching and Exchange
For the registration of exchange students contact Humanities International
Office.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Herta Mohr
Remarks
N/A