Foundations of Eastern Civilization

Overview

Course No. 3630

Uncover the fascinating origins of East Asian civilization in this comprehensive course that explores the history of China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. How did Eastern civilization develop in terms of history, politics, art, science, and technology? Explore how Eastern civilization’s story unfolds in the modern world through business, politics, and international exchange.

Over 48 lectures by Professor Craig Benjamin, embark on a journey through Eastern civilization, exploring material economy, political philosophies, and cultural connections across thousands of years.

Video Lectures

1. Journey to the East

• Duration: 30 min

• Begin your exploration of Eastern civilization through its geography, history, and key cultural terms.

2. Yin and Yang—The Geography of China

• Duration: 28 min

• Discover the geographical influences on Chinese culture, focusing on its river systems and regional climates.

3. Early China and the Mysterious Xia

• Duration: 30 min

• Investigate the archaeological origins of ancient China, including the enigmatic Xia dynasty.

4. The Coming of the Shang

• Duration: 28 min

• Explore the Shang dynasty’s contributions to writing and social structure in Chinese history.

5. The Shang and Writing for the Gods

• Duration: 30 min

• Learn about the cultural significance of the Shang dynasty’s religious practices and writing system.

6. The Zhou and the Mandate of Heaven

• Duration: 30 min

• Study the Zhou’s political innovations and the enduring influence of the Mandate of Heaven.

7. Great Ideas of the Zhou—Confucianism

• Duration: 29 min

• Delve into the life of Confucius and the foundational philosophy of Confucianism.

8. Great Ideas of the Zhou—Later Confucianism

• Duration: 29 min

• Examine the contrasting views within Confucianism by philosophers Mencius and Xunzi.

9. Great Ideas of the Zhou—Daoism

• Duration: 29 min

• Explore Daoism as a philosophical counterpoint to Confucianism, emphasizing harmony with nature.

10. Great Ideas of the Zhou—Legalism

• Duration: 28 min

• Discover Legalism’s role in shaping state governance across Eastern history.

[…] (continuing in this format for each lecture) […]

47. The Rise of the East Asian Tigers

• Duration: 29 min

• Analyze the late 20th-century economic and technological development of East Asian nations.

48. The Enduring Ideas of Eastern Civilization

• Duration: 37 min

• Reflect on the current and future influence of Eastern civilization on the global stage.