Religion and Thought in Modern China: the Song, Jin, and Yuan from Coursera

This sequence of four courses will propose a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of Chinese cultural history conceived of as a succession of modes of rationality (philosophical, bureaucratic, and economic). The focus will be on the moments of paradigm shift from one mode of rationality to another. For each of these moments, cultural facts and artifacts—thought, literature, ritual—will be examined in relationship to changing social, political, and economic systems.

The first two courses will cover the periods of the Warring States (481-256 BCE) and the Period of Division (220-589 CE), with a brief excursion into the Han (206 BCE-220 CE). The Warring States laid the social and cultural foundations for the emergence of the imperial mode of rationality; the Period of Division saw the Buddhist “conquest” of China and the emergence of a rationality defined by the opposition of the Three Teachings to shamanism, that is, of a clear contrast between elite and popular culture.

The third and fourth courses will focus on the emergence of modern China in the Song-Yuan (960-1368) and of today’s China 1850 to the present. We will see how the modern attack on religion, redefined as "superstition", led not only to religious reform movements but also to a society in which science and the nation became the primary value systems promoted by the state.

The courses are listed below:

A Critical Cultural History of China - Early China I: Intellectual Change in the Warring States and Han (481 BCE-220 CE)

A Critical Cultural History of China - Early China II: Religious Transformation in the Period of Division (220-589 CE)

A Critical Cultural History of China - Modern China I: Religion and Thought in the Song, Jin, and Yuan (960-1368)

A Critical Cultural History of China - Modern China II: Structuring Values (1850-2015)

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 13 Modern China

This module presents what is unique to the Song dynasty: why it can be called “modern”; how the Three Teachings were transformed and interiorization and rationalization reached new heights; how both Buddhism and Daoism, while continuing to criticize popular religion, also learned to cooperate with it.

Module 14 State Religion

This module is about how the state, relying on the Confucian classics, controlled religion and also supported it; how the Northern Song dynasty heavily favoured Daoism, and how this allowed the deification of its ancestors not only but even of the ruling emperor.

Module 15 Local Society

This module shows Chinese religion at the village level, how each of the four religions has its own niche, and how the earth god was at the center of the village in the Song period.

Module 16 Daoism in the Song and Jin

This module explains how Heavenly Master Daoism came to the fore and became a collaborator with popular religion; why this meant an increased focus on exorcism; how Daoist self-cultivation became radically dualist.

Module 17 Buddhism in the Song

We are going to learn the two main forms of Buddhism in the Song, the more elite Chan, first to gain state support, and the more popular Tiantai, which created lay associations and rituals for lay persons.

Module 18 Dunhuang

This module describes the emergence of a culture of Buddhist cave worship during the Period of Division. You can learn how cave murals and statues, together with texts for the water-land ritual, made the Pure Land something very concrete and real for Chinese Buddhists.

Module 19 Confucianism in the Song 1

This module explores the formation of Daoxue’s two strains, the one (Lu Jiuyuan) more inclusive, the other (Zhu Xi) more exclusive how Daoxue became state orthodoxy.

Module 20 Confucianism in the Song 2

This module illustrates how the dualism of Han and Tang Confucians was overcome by Zhu Xi and how this is related to 1) his creation of the new canon of the Four Books; 2) a positive view of the emotions; and 3) his interest in local social institutions. Understand the special place of academies in the Daoxue landscape.

Good to know

Know what's good

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Develops interdisciplinary capabilities in history, literature, and ritual

Examines historical moments that marked major shifts in Chinese thought and culture

Taught by scholars with expertise in Chinese Cultural History

Provides a foundation for understanding China's contemporary culture and values

Covers a broad historical period, from the Warring States period to the present

Assumes some background knowledge in Chinese history and culture, especially for earlier modules

Reviews summary

Song, jin, and yuan: religion's role in china's evolution

Learners say this course on Religion and Thought in Modern China: the Song, Jin, and Yuan is a comprehensive, engaging voyage through the history of Chinese religions and social thought. Reviews are largely positive, remarking on the course's ability to provide learners with a new reading list and a deeper understanding of China's evolution. Reviewers also frequently mention Professor Lagerwey's personable lecturing style and his impressive knowledge of the subject matter.

Course is well-structured

"It might be a good idea to encourage students to produce an online glossary of terms and names."

"The instructor is warm and personal but the automated captions have not been checked for error and there are some annoying non sequiturs in the text."

"However, no one who has not followed these lectures will be sufficiently up to speed on Chinese history and culture."

Course is challenging but rewarding

"Challenging course but it was very satisfying to be able to glimpse the complexity of religious thought in China during the Song, Jin, and Yuan. Thanks you, Professor..on to Part 4!"

"By the end I just wanted to finish it."

"I have a passing interest in China and things Chinese, so I'm supplementing my other learning with this course on religion and thought."

Course instructor is knowledgeable and engaging

"The instructor is warm and personal but the automated captions have not been checked for error and there are some annoying non sequiturs in the text."

"The instructor vastly overuses the term 'okay', which is a distraction."

"There's also a small handful of quiz items that are either unanswerable or do not appear in the talks."

Course content is valuable

"Thoroughly enjoyed the course! This course has introduced me to so many new reading materials. Thank you."

"Beautiful voyage through Chinese religions history to better understand social changes and thought of modern China"

"loved this course! definitely worth looking into if you would like to know more about the different religions and practices in ancient China."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Religion and Thought in Modern China: the Song, Jin, and Yuan with these activities:

Watch a video lecture on Chinese philosophy

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Take notes on the main ideas of the lecture.

Practice identifying the main ideas of Chinese philosophical texts

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Read a short Chinese philosophical text.
Identify the main ideas of the text.
Check your answers with a classmate or instructor.

Organize your notes and readings

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Create a system for organizing your notes and readings.
Organize your notes and readings according to this system.
Review your notes and readings regularly.

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Read the book 'A History of Chinese Philosophy'

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This book provides a comprehensive introduction to Chinese philosophy, which can help you better understand the historical context of the course material.

View A Short History of Chinese Philosophy... on Amazon

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Read the introduction and first chapter.
Read the chapters on the Warring States and Han periods.
Read the chapters on the Song, Jin, and Yuan periods.
Read the chapters on the Ming and Qing periods.
Write a brief summary of each chapter.

Build a timeline of Chinese philosophical thought

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Gather information about the major philosophers and schools of thought in Chinese history.
Create a timeline that shows the dates of each philosopher's life and the periods in which they were active.
Add brief descriptions of each philosopher's main ideas to the timeline.
Present your timeline to the class.

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Write a blog post about a Chinese philosopher

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Choose a Chinese philosopher to write about.
Research the philosopher's life and ideas.
Write a blog post that introduces the philosopher and their ideas to a general audience.
Publish your blog post.

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Design a lesson plan on Chinese philosophy

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Choose a topic in Chinese philosophy to teach.
Develop a lesson plan that includes objectives, activities, and assessment methods.
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Reflect on your teaching experience.

Career center

Learners who complete Religion and Thought in Modern China: the Song, Jin, and Yuan will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Religious Studies Professor

Religious Studies Professors teach courses on religion and religious thought at universities and colleges. They may also conduct research on religious topics and publish their findings in academic journals. This course would be very useful for Religious Studies Professors who want to specialize in the study of Chinese religion and thought. The course would provide them with a deep understanding of the history, beliefs, and practices of the major religions of China.

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Historian

Historians research and write about the past. They may specialize in a particular period of history, such as the Song, Jin, and Yuan dynasties. This course would be very useful for Historians who want to specialize in the history of Chinese religion and thought. The course would provide them with a deep understanding of the history, beliefs, and practices of the major religions of China during this period.

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Educator

Educators teach students about a variety of subjects, including religion and thought. They may specialize in a particular grade level or subject area. This course may be useful for Educators who want to teach about Chinese religion and thought. The course would provide them with a deep understanding of the history, beliefs, and practices of the major religions of China.

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Writer

Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including education, entertainment, and persuasion. They may specialize in a particular genre or subject area, such as religion and thought. This course may be useful for Writers who want to write about Chinese religion and thought. The course would provide them with a deep understanding of the history, beliefs, and practices of the major religions of China.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. They may specialize in a particular area of law, such as religious law. This course may be useful for Lawyers who want to specialize in religious law in China. The course would provide them with a deep understanding of the history, beliefs, and practices of the major religions of China.

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Archivist

Archivists are responsible for managing and preserving historical documents and records. They may also provide reference and research assistance to researchers. This course may be useful for Archivists who want to specialize in the preservation of Chinese religious archives. The course would provide them with a deep understanding of the history and significance of Chinese religious documents.

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Journalist

Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. They may specialize in a particular beat or subject area, such as religion and thought. This course may be useful for Journalists who want to report on Chinese religion and thought. The course would provide them with a deep understanding of the history, beliefs, and practices of the major religions of China.

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Librarian

Librarians are responsible for managing and providing access to library collections. They may also provide reference and research assistance to library patrons. This course may be useful for Librarians who want to specialize in the collection and preservation of Chinese religious texts and manuscripts. The course would provide them with a deep understanding of the history and significance of Chinese religious literature.

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Theologian

Theologians study religious beliefs and practices. They may specialize in a particular religion, such as Buddhism or Daoism. This course may be useful for Theologians who want to specialize in the study of Chinese religion and thought. The course would provide them with a deep understanding of the history, beliefs, and practices of the major religions of China.

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Philosopher

Philosophers study the fundamental nature of reality and existence. They may specialize in a particular area of philosophy, such as the philosophy of religion. This course may be useful for Philosophers who want to specialize in the study of Chinese philosophy and religion. The course would provide them with a deep understanding of the history, beliefs, and practices of the major religions of China.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They may specialize in a particular area of nonprofit management, such as fundraising or program development. This course may be useful for Nonprofit Managers who want to work with organizations that focus on Chinese religion and thought. The course would provide them with a deep understanding of the history, beliefs, and practices of the major religions of China.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators are responsible for planning and managing exhibitions, as well as preserving and interpreting museum collections. They may also conduct research on museum objects and publish their findings in academic journals. This course may be useful for Museum Curators who want to specialize in the curation of Chinese religious art and artifacts. The course would provide them with a deep understanding of the history and significance of Chinese religious objects.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study human society and social behavior. They may specialize in a particular area of sociology, such as the sociology of religion. This course may be useful for Sociologists who want to specialize in the study of Chinese religion and society. The course would provide them with a deep understanding of the history, beliefs, and practices of the major religions of China.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human societies and cultures. They may specialize in a particular region of the world, such as China. This course may be useful for Anthropologists who want to specialize in the study of Chinese religion and culture. The course would provide them with a deep understanding of the history, beliefs, and practices of the major religions of China.

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Minister

Ministers are religious leaders who oversee a ministry or religious organization. They may be responsible for leading worship services, delivering sermons, and providing pastoral care to members of the congregation. This course may be useful for Ministers who want to gain a deeper understanding of the history of Chinese religion and thought, as well as the different ways that religion has been practiced in China over time.

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