Course Details

Students will study the history and main ideas and practices of Taoism, meet the sages who wrote the Taoist texts, be introduced to the various schools of Taoist philosophy, and get a feel for what it means to practice Taoism today. The course will illustrate how religious Taoism established a relationship with Confucian thought and practice as well as how at each stage of its historical development, Taoism exerted a profound influence on Chinese politics, economy, culture, art, natural sciences, and social life.

Outcomes: Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of philosophical and religious Taoist beliefs, practices, and institutions in varied contexts and historical periods.