History 58.9

Description: In this course we will examine the history of Daoism, the native religious tradition of China. We will read the great early works of Daoist philosophy (the Tao Te Ching, the Chuang Tzu) as well as the later sacred text of the Daoist church. We will study the history of the Daoist religion and compare it to the history of religious movements in the Middle East and other regions (such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam). We will attempt to understand both the ideas and mystical and ritual practices of the early Chinese Daoists. An optional field trip to a Daoist temple here in New York city will be arranged. Topics to be covered will include: Early shamanism- the use of trance, drugs, and sexual yoga. The mystical cosmology of the early philosophers. Classical systems of breathing meditation and gymnastic yoga. The development of magic, fortune-telling, and feng shui. The role of Daoism in political rebellion and dynastic intrigue. The early Daoist church, its festivals and gods.

Assignments: There will be three short (4-6 page) interpretive essays on in-class readings, topics to be assigned by the instructor. Each of these essays will be worth 20% of the final grade. Each student will develop their own topic for a final paper, 10-15 pages in length. The paper may draw upon in-class readings or may include outside research, at the discretion of the student. Meetings will be held with the instructor to develop an outline and writing plan for this final project, which will count for 30% of the final grade. The remaining 10% of the final grade will be based upon class participation.