This is an introductory course in Chinese philosophy. Drawing on the diverse Chinese thinkers from ancient times, including Confucians, Daoist, Legalists, and more, the course demonstrates that early Chinese philosophical is both interesting in its own right and potentially relevant to contemporary philosophical problems. Students will be introduced to some of the major Chinese philosophical ideas and concepts, and with a focus on learning to accurately and critically apply these ideas in real-world contexts. An understanding of the foundations of Chinese thought may also help us rethink some of the radically different assumptions held by Western intellectual traditions. It also provides background knowledge crucial to an informed understanding of developments in modern and contemporary China.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts and approaches in Chinese philosophy;
2. Accurately apply theoretical knowledge to empirical examples drawn from present-day issues;
3. Compare philosophical thought developed in Chinese contexts with that of other intellectual traditions;
4. Develop the critical skills necessary to contrast different philosophical perspectives on a problem and apply those skills in the context of respectful peer interaction and debate;
5. Create an effective and balanced written presentation of a philosophical issue that employs resources from the Chinese philosophical tradition.

Research-Led Teaching

This course prompts students to actively apply resources of the premodern Chinese philosophical tradition to issues in their own lives and in the contemporary world. Students will gain familiarity with classical Chinese philosophical ideas that continue to be actively researched, debated, and extended in the field of contemporary Chinese philosophy.

Required Resources

No prior knowledge of Chinese language or culture is required for this course. Required readings will be available electronically, with a selection of additional readings listed on Wattle. Students may choose to engage with primary sources in English translation, the original Classical Chinese, or in modern Chinese translation (where available). All required secondary source readings will be available in English.

Course updates and announcements will appear on Wattle. It is important that students regularly consult the course site and check their University email accounts for notifications.

Recommended Resources

Some sample readings (not a complete list; in the case of whole books, assigned readings will be short excerpts only)

Angle, S. C. (2012). Contemporary Confucian Political Philosophy (1st edition). Polity.

Flavel, S. and Hall, B. (2020). State Maternalism: Rethinking Anarchist Readings of the Daodejing. Dao: A Journal of Comparative Philosophy, 19.3, 353-369.

Huang, Y. (2010). The Ethics of Difference in the Zhuangzi. Journal of the American Academy of Religion, 78(1), 65–99.

Knoblock, J., trans. (1988). Xunzi: A translation and study of the complete works. Stanford University Press.

Knoblock, J. & J. K. Riegel, trans. (2013). Mozi: A study and translation of the ethical and political writings. Institute of East Asian Studies, UC Berkeley.

Lau, D.C. trans. (1970). Mencius. Penguin UK.

Lau, D.C. trans. (2000). Confucius: the Analects. The Chinese University Press.

Olberding, A. (2015). From Corpses to Courtesy: Xunzi’s Defense of Etiquette. The Journal of Value Inquiry, 49(1–2), 145–159.

Puett, M., & Gross-Loh, C. (2016). The Path: A New Way to Think About Everything. Penguin UK.

Shang, Y. Pines, Y. trans. (2017). The book of Lord Shang: Apologetics of state power in early China. Columbia University Press.

Sima, Q. Watson, B., trans. (1993). Records of the Grand Historian: Han Dynasty II. (Burton Watson, trans.). Renditions - Columbia University Press.

Wang C. (1907). Lun-heng: Part I: Philosophical Essays of Wang Ch’ung (A. Forke, trans.). Otto Harrassowitz.

Watson, B. (1964). Han Fei Tzu: Basic Writings. Columbia University Press.

Ziporyn, B., trans. (2020). Zhuangzi: The Complete Writings. Hackett Publishing.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction; What does it mean to be human?	in-class written reflection
2	Selfishness and Human Nature	reading quiz, in-class written reflection
3	Philosophers of Ancient China (no tutorial)	recorded presentation
4	Confucian Ritual Theory	reading quiz, in-class written reflection
5	Daoism and the Power of Virtue	reading quiz, in-class written reflection
6	Mohist Utilitarianism	reading quiz, in-class written reflection
7	Hierarchy	pre-reading quiz, in-class written reflection
8	Roles and 'Rights'	independent research proposalreading quiz, in-class written reflection
9	Paternalism and State Control	reading quiz, in-class written reflection
10	Theories of Change	reading quiz, in-class written reflection
11	Freedom and Excellence	reading quiz, in-class written reflection
12	Beyond the Human	reading quiz, in-class written reflection

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Reading Quizzes (10 x 2% = 20%)	20 %	*	*	1
In-class written reflections (10 x 1% = 10%)	10 %	*	*	2, 3
Recorded Presentation and Review	15 %	07/08/2026	21/08/2026	1, 2, 4, 5
Independent research proposal and meeting	10 %	02/10/2026	09/10/2026	2, 3, 5
Final examination	45 %	*	*	1, 2, 3, 5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

There is no participation mark. However, in-class assessments will be given in each class session (both lecture and tutorial) and cannot be submitted late or made up later. Therefore, students should plan to attend all classes if at all possible.

Examination(s)

A written final examination will be given during the examination period.

Assessment Task 1

Reading Quizzes (10 x 2% = 20%)

Ten brief (10-15 minute) reading quizzes will be given in class and will assess preparedness regarding the week's reading assignments and thoughtful engagement with the week's material. The format is mainly multiple choice with a few free response questions and each quiz will be worth 2% of the final mark (20% total). (Weeks 2, 4-12.) Feedback will be given within one week in most cases (or within two weeks at most).

Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

Assessment Task 2

In-class written reflections (10 x 1% = 10%)

In the last 5-10 minutes of each regular tutorial session, students will hand-write a brief written reflection on what they learned during the week. This will be used to assess their level of engagement and whether they are clear about the material they are learning. Each reflection will be worth 1% of the final mark (10% total). (Weeks 1-2, 4-12.) Feedback will be given within one week in most cases (or within two weeks at most).

Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

Assessment Task 3

Recorded Presentation and Review

Students will post a recording (5 minutes) introducing the philosopher of their choice, together with a supplementary submission documenting their research process. The presentation will be assessed on accuracy of content, smoothness of expression, appropriate citation and research methods, and critical engagement. Students will also be asked to watch two other presentations and leave a comment with questions, corrections, or suggestions. (Week 3) Feedback will be given within two weeks of posting.

Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Assessment Task 4

Independent research proposal and meeting

Students will submit a research proposal (500-1000 words) outlining a topic of particular interest to them that relates to the course material. The mark for the assessment includes a brief meeting with the instructor to discuss the topic and how they might go about researching it. (Week 8) Feedback will be given at the meeting or within two weeks of the submission date.

Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Assessment Task 5

Final examination

A two-hour in person written final examination during the examination period will assess the material covered over the course of the class. The format will include multiple-choice, matching, and short answer questions, and also longer essay questions to be answered in relation to the student's proposed independent research topic. (Exam period.) Final written marks are not returned before the final results are released.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

The policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students