The unit explores the historical context of the rise and spread of the major religions of Asia. Focusing on the period c.1500BCE-1500CE, topics include the hymns and practices of the nomadic Aryans, the metaphysical speculation of the Upanishads, and the historical processes associated with the development of devotional Hinduism. Also examined is the intellectual ferment of the Warring States period in China (403-221BCE), along with the contrasting ideas of Confucianism and Daoism. The Unit concludes by looking at the character of early Buddhism, its northern spread and transformation through China to Japan. Students will consider such issues as the roles of urbanisation, international trade and royal patronage in the process of cultural transmission, as well as the use of religious/philosophical texts as historical documents.
Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Campus - H Hobart, L Launceston, W Burnie. Study Centre - V Sydney, R Rozelle, P Beauty Point. Distance units may also have a campus identifier of I Isolated, N Interstate, O Overseas. Units delivered in Transnational Education (TNE) Programs have a campus identifier of A Hangzhou, F Fuzhou, G Shanghai, K KDU Malaysia, Q Kuwait or Y Hong Kong.
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