REL 1620 - Religions of East Asia

Goals: To provide an introduction to the religious traditions of China, Korea and Japan. To examine continuity and diversity within each tradition and among the various traditions. To explore how religious themes and values are expressed in texts, rituals, symbols, art and architecture.

Content: We will look at both the indigenous religions of each culture (e.g. Chinese Daoism, Korean Shamanism, Japanese Shinto) as well as those traditions that all share in common (Confucianism and Buddhism). We will discuss beliefs and practices, major thinkers and texts, historical contexts, institutional developments and popular religious movements. Topics include Chinese cosmology, Zen meditation, Korean Christianity, religion and Communism, and Confucian capitalism in contemporary East Asia.

Taught: Annually.

Credits: 4