Course Code and Course Title
[CHES1102] Chinese Religion in Everyday Life
Time and Venue
Mon 2:30pm - 4:15pm (WMY_408)
Wed 1:30pm - 2:15pm (ELB_206)
Instructor
Dr. William Moriarty
Course Description
Religion still remains an important cornerstone of Chinese society today. This course offers you a unique hands-on exploration of religion in contemporary Chinese society, emphasizing its presence and influence in everyday life. The course goes beyond religious texts to immerse you in the richness of Chinese spiritual life, demonstrating how religious traditions are not merely philosophical concepts, but living practices that shape the everyday experiences of individuals and communities.
A special feature of this course is that you will visit a variety of religious sites in Hong Kong to experience firsthand the diversity and vibrancy of everyday Chinese religious life. This includes participating in meditation sessions, attending religious festivals, and learning the intricacies of the tea ceremony in a Buddhist setting. These hands-on experiences are designed to give you a holistic view of religion in Chinese society and deepen your understanding and appreciation of local religious traditions.
In addition to these immersive activities, the course will discuss the broader role of religion in shaping contemporary Chinese society. It will explore how religious beliefs and practices intersect with important social issues, such as economics, the environment, gender, sexuality, and politics. This holistic approach will enable you to understand the multifaceted impact of religion on both the individual and society. In short, this course offers a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, and is ideal if you are interested in understanding the dynamic role of religion in Chinese society and its manifestations in daily life.
Course Outline
Introduction — China as a Religious Society
Spirituality in Modern Chinese Life
Modalities of Doing Religion
The Body — Health, Nation, and Transcendence
Cosmology and the Environment
Religion in Chinese Social and Political History
Market Economy and the Revival of Religions
The Religious Life of Ethnic Minority Communities