Confucianism

Confucianism Before we begin our examination of Confucius: His Life and Ideas, be sure that you understand the essential questions for this entire unit. That is, how do the religions and philosophies of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism impact on the lives of the people of this region? For this particular section, below are the stated objectives.

Knowledge: Attitude: Skills:
 * To learn about the life of Confucius and the environment in which he lived.
 * To know the basic tenets of Confucianism.
 * To learn where his teachings began and where his ideas spread. (easy if you just think about it for a while)
 * To learn some basic features of Chinese history (ancient). This will be addressed in our subsequent unit of study on the ancient history of this region.
 * To appreciate the importance and relevance of Confucian ideas.
 * To consider the extent to which Confucian ideals are embraced and or rejected by one's one culture. (We define culture here as: "The way a people or person lives.")
 * To share opinions and information either orally and/or by using Web 2.0 technologies.
 * To work cooperatively in small groups to demonstrate knowledge and understanding.
 * To analyze and interpret readings from the //Analects// and the //Mencius//.

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=**Warm up for Confucius**= Let's start with the idea that most all of you have heard of Confucius. Indeed some of you might even call yourself a Confucian person (However you care to define that). Nonetheless, it is important that we get our minds into the habit of reading his work so that we develop a deeper appreciation of it. Here then is where we begin:
 * 1) Read each of the quotes in the document. [[file:Quotes from the Analects.pdf]]
 * 2) Put it in your own words. Share using [|Today's Meet]

=Part I: Opening Lesson= In groups of three to four complete the opening task for this lesson as stated below. Group Task:
 * 1) Discuss your paragraph(s). List the three most important points in the paragraph on your Google Doc (Presentation)
 * 2) Select appropriate images from the internet that convey the points of your reading. If you write anything make sure that at least a 20 point font is used to communicate. As well make sure any pictures used are large enough to see.
 * 3) Present this information to the class in a short (Max of 2:00 minute presentation). Use one of your member's computers for this.
 * Group || Reading || Reading for this group || Part II Readings || Part II Assignment Skit ||
 * 1 || The Childhood of Confucius || [[file:Readings on Confucius' Life (6)-1.pdf]] || 1. Confucius say... || [[file:Skit A Mencius.pdf]] ||
 * 2 || The Late Zhou Dynasty || [[file:Readings on Confucius' Life (6).pdf]] || 1. Confucius say... || [[file:Skit B Mencius.pdf]] ||
 * 3 || The Early Zhou Dynasty || [[file:Readings on Confucius' Life (6)-2.pdf]] || 2. Humanity || [[file:Skit C Mencius.pdf]] ||
 * 4 || The Career of Confucius || [[file:The Career of Confucius.pdf]] || 3. Filial piety || [[file:Skit D Mencius.pdf]] ||
 * 5 || The Followers of Confucius || [[file:Readings on Confucius' Life (6)-4.pdf]] || 4. Confucius' ideal government || [[file:Skit E Mencius.pdf]] ||
 * 6 || Confucianism and the Han Dynasty || [[file:Readings on Confucius' Life (6)-5.pdf]] || 5. Tradition and religion || [[file:Skit F Mencius.pdf]] ||

=Part II: Readings= Below are several links to excerpts taken from the //Analects//, teachings by Confucius. In your assigned groups (see above) read the excerpts, and then discuss and record your answers. When you're finished we will share with the class what you group has learned about Confucius' thoughts on some element of culture and society. Be sure to prepare for this discussion by doing the following: Text and Questions below are reprinted from the Columbia University website Asia for Educators: [] =1. "Confucius say..."=
 * Record your answers and thoughts. Again, use Google Docs. The questions are usually at the end of the quotations. You should each do this as an individual even though you discuss the reading with members of your group (class).
 * Each member of your group you will do two things:
 * Summarize the spirit of the readings for the second group made up of one member from each of the groups above.
 * Speak to the questions asked and be prepared to encourage students in your group to share their thoughts about what you were asked to read and answer.
 * How many times have you heard that preamble to some quip about Chinese thought or East Asia in general? Though his thought has had a lasting impact on Chinese and East Asian thought, it is still one of at three philosophical schools to which we must attend our studies.
 * Go to the above link, Confucius say, and read some of the things that Confucius had said (or wrote), and prepare answers to the questions at the end for a classroom discussion.**


 * =As a teacher Confucius modeled the behavior and ethics that he believed were essential to the craft. He also had something to say about 2. humanity.=
 * Go to the above link, humanity, and read some of the things that Confucius had said (or wrote), and prepare answers to the questions at the end for a classroom discussion.**


 * ===If you have ever wondered why Koreans, Chinese and, to a slightly lesser degree, Japanese spend a lot of time taking care of their elders and their ancestor's grave sites, you need to read about 3. filial piety.===
 * Go to the above link,filial piety, and read some of the things that Confucius had said (or wrote), and prepare answers to the questions at the end for a classroom discussion.**


 * What sort of government did Confucius support? His ideal government was something akin to a benevolent dictatorship (if there could be such a political system).

**Go to 4. Confucius' ideal government, and read some of the things that Confucius had said (or wrote), and prepare answers to the questions at the end for a classroom discussion.**

 * ===Finally, Confucius had a lot to say about ceremony, 5. tradition and religion. In no small way all of what he said can be summarized into only a few statements. However, we need to have a thorough comprehension of this man's teaching; therefore...===
 * Go to the above link, tradition and religion, and read some of the things that Confucius had said (or wrote), and prepare answers to the questions at the end for a classroom discussion.**

=Work to be done outside of class=

Text and Questions above are reprinted from the Columbia University website Asia for Educators: [].
 * 1) **Before going to the next section and beginning your assignment for this unit visit this short article on [|Confucius and Confucianism]** complete the homework assignment for this. Be sure to complete the long answer section for full marks [[file:NOTES ON CONFUCIUS AND CONFUCIANISM.pdf]]
 * 2) Read the Wikipedia section here: [|The Four Books and the Five Classics](Yes, I am requiring that you read this. It is an encyclopedic entry and suffices for the purposes of this course.)
 * 3) **Additional (and highly recommended) readings from the web: [|Living in the Chinese Cosmos - Confucianism]**

=**What Would Confucius Do?**= There is no sense in studying about anyone unless we learn from them. I think by now everyone has a pretty good idea about what Confucius really thought about changing in his world. The following document has four contemporary problems or issues. For each one suppose that Confucius were to return to the present day and provide his advice for how each of the problems described should be addressed. You are to be Confucius for this exercise. You are to make recommendations for each one. Your answers should be uploaded to your wikispace.

=Part II: Assignment= =Confucius in Everyday Life=


 * Your assignment for this chapter:**
 * Objective: To identify elements of Confucianism in everyday life in contemporary society. The Skits A to F above have demonstrated this.**

As the above example illustrates. We can find examples of Confucianism being demonstrated in all sorts of genres and situations. Here is what you must do:
 * Example activity to illustrate this assignment.**
 * To begin read The Contract
 * Then, using the chart as a guide, respond to the questions. Where possible use quotes from //The Analects,// to support your position. See the Chart for The Contract.
 * Do this along with other students in your group.
 * The Assignment Confucius in Everyday Life.**
 * 1) Locate a sample demonstrating some sort of Confucian relationship. The genre is up to you, but it must be in English or have English subtitles.
 * 2) Create a visual representation, i.e. Keynote, which follows the example in the chart above. It does not have to be exactly like that, but it must follow the same formula in the information being presented. The sample must be posted on the **wikipage** so that it can be viewed.
 * 3) You can work by yourself (or with one other person).
 * 4) Due date will be posted on the Announcement page.
 * 5) You will post this below your declaration of faith on your wikipage (see your class in the left margin).
 * 6) Rubric: [|Grading Rubric for Confucius in Everyday Life]
 * 7) An example of this assignment can be found here Clemens Jung
 * 8) **MODIFIED LESSON (ESL STUDENTS)**
 * 9) Locate three pictures which demonstrate Confucianism.
 * 10) For each picture explain in one sentence how the picture selected demonstrates Confucianism.
 * 11) This should be posted in your wiki (see your class in the left margin of this wiki)