F0312 Wisdoms of East and West
The course proposes an intercultural trajectory through some of the great creations of human spirit in ancient civilisations still influential in our days. Jasper\'s notions of \"axial epoch\" and \"axial men\" will be conveniently adduced. The key questions dealt with will be world, human person and society. Religion will be considered only as context.
Intercultural studies are not aimed at providing a hybrid soup of ideas, beliefs and tastes, but at examining and analysing each cultural product in its singularity, as it has historically appeared and as it eventually comes forth at present.
Method will be strictly academic, far from the \"intercultural dialogues\" at fashion. The aim is knowledge, not attitudes. The procedure therefore consists in the lecture, commentary and questioning of significant texts. Each set of texts will be historically contextualized and subsequently contrasted with parallels from other cultures.Students are expected to participate in the form of short communications about subjects of their choice. When written, such papers will account for grading. Otherwise the grading system will consist in a formulary of questions.appealing to understanding, rather than to memory.
Intercultural studies are not aimed at providing a hybrid soup of ideas, beliefs and tastes, but at examining and analysing each cultural product in its singularity, as it has historically appeared and as it eventually comes forth at present.
Method will be strictly academic, far from the \"intercultural dialogues\" at fashion. The aim is knowledge, not attitudes. The procedure therefore consists in the lecture, commentary and questioning of significant texts. Each set of texts will be historically contextualized and subsequently contrasted with parallels from other cultures.Students are expected to participate in the form of short communications about subjects of their choice. When written, such papers will account for grading. Otherwise the grading system will consist in a formulary of questions.appealing to understanding, rather than to memory.
Readings