Introduction to Chinese Studies

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Introduction

This is an introductory course. It introduces the student to Chinese Language and Culture introducing such topics as:

• The Chinese Language (both spoken & written)
• Chinese History
• Chinese Economy
• Chinese Society
• Chinese Politics
• Chinese Culture (including popular culture)
• Chinese Ethics

It also serves as an introduction to the Chinese Studies Minor.

The Chinese Language

• The Oral Language
• The Written Language

The History of China

Classical History

• Warring States, Unification of China under Qin -- Telmar L 00:53, 21 October 2012 (UTC)
• 206 BC to 1644 AD, From the start of the Han to the end of the Ming Dynasty Licia K 15:47, 31 August 2012 (UTC)

Modern History

• China's History since the Qing Dynasty Jenessa L 18:18, 10 October 2012 (UTC)

Society

• Being Polite in Chinese Society- some "Do's" and "Don'ts" Licia K 15:47, 31 August 2012 (UTC)
• Current Chinese Economy and Society Jessica G 02:29, 11 October 2012 (UTC)]]

Economics

• China Economy

Chinese Ethics

• Chinese Philosophy, Religion, and Beliefs Jenessa L 03:11, 4 December 2012 (UTCB)]]

Before the warring states period China's religious beliefs were minimal. Philosophy made its way into China during the Spring and Autumn Warring States Period. Many of the scholars introduced at this time include: Confucius, Mencius, Laozi, Zhuangzi, Sunzi, Mozi and Han Feizi. -Confucius: Although Confucius was raised in poverty he gained a good education. Because of this Confucius emphasized the importance of education from people in all types of classes. His ideas gained fame only after Confucius had passed away.

-Han Feizi: Han Feizi taught that rulers must keep ultimate control over their subjects by strictly punishing them for their disobedience. Without harsh punishments than rule breaking would only be encouraged.

-Mozi: Mozi was the founder of the Mohist school. He felt that war was the worst thing that only led to hurt and pain. He taught that love should be all embracing and people should love others as they love themselves. The Mohist School was one of the main schools of thought during the Spring and Autumn Warring States Period. Mohism was opposed to the teachings of Confucius and Taoism. Mohist beliefs were popular until the Legalist Qin Dynasty came into power. Many of the Mohist classics were ruined when Qin Shi Huang carried out the burning of books and elimination of scholars.

Religions

-Taoism: Taoism was founded during the eastern Han period. Tao means path or principle and Taoists believe that the only way to reach Tao is to live a life free from desires. Laozi was the founder of Taoism. He wrote, “The Classic of the Virtue of the Tao” it is the Taoist scripture.

-Buddhism: Buddhism was introduced into China by an Indian monk, Bodhidharma. Was Buddhism was introduced into China it began to gain Chinese elements such as Zen Buddhism.

-Islam: Islam was founded by Muhammad and spread to China from Arab during the Tang Dynasty. Minority groups in China are Muslim

-Christianity: Christianity was introduced to China during the early Tang Dynasty but did not gain influence until the Ming and Qing Dynasties when Christian missionaries from the west combined the faith with western culture and science.

-Ancestral Worship: The Chinese hold their ancestors in high regard. They view their ancestors that have passed away as their guardians.

-Deity Worship: The Chinese like the Greeks have their own deities that they worship for specific causes of things. Every seventh day of the seventh lunar month the Chinese celebrate their own version of Valentines day. This story involves the seventh daughter of the Emperor of heaven and an orphaned farm boy falling in love and meeting once a year.

Chinese Film

• Chinese Film TimelineJessica G-2 00:35, 4 December 2012 (UTC)

Women in China

• The Traditional Role of Women in China