Adv Class Chin/Rdg Cheng Bro

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

This class introduces students to the Extant Works of the Two Cheng [Brothers] from Henan (Henan Chengshi yishu 河南程氏遺書), a collection of recorded sayings that presents the philosophy of two of the most original, creative, and influential thinkers of the Confucian tradition: Cheng Hao 程顥 (1032-85) and Cheng Yi 程頤 (1033-1107). The Extant Works of the Cheng Brothers from Henan arguably laid the foundation for the two major schools of what in the West is called neo-Confucianism. This is an advanced level class and assumes a fairly high level of ability to read Classical Chinese as well as a solid grasp of Confucian philosophy. The class will be conducted as a seminar, students will come to class regularly prepared to read, translate, and discuss the readings assigned for that day.