“Early Chinese Philosophy & Practice”

During this two-week course, students will gain a basic understanding and appreciation for the philosophical thought and related cultural practices of the Warring States period. Students will engage with these fascinating ancient texts and thinkers through a combination of engaging and accessible lectures, text reading in translation, group discussion, and even experimental meditation practices. Students will learn the basics of Confucianism, Daoism, and Mohism, but they will also be introduced to fascinating new unearthed manuscripts from the same time period that have revolutionized our understanding of early China, and that only a lucky few have as yet had the opportunity to study. As we move through the course, the various texts and thinkers will be read in comparison to each other, and students will gain an appreciation of the intellectual environment at the time in all its diversity. All readings for this course will be provided by the instructor.

Application Deadline

Students are accepted on a rolling admissions basis while space is available. Please submit your application by the deadline of May 30, 2023 to receive priority consideration for this program. Applications received before this date will be considered as they are received and acceptances will be granted based on careful consideration by our staff. Applications received after this date will be carefully considered as they are received as long as spots are still available.

Your application will be processed and you will receive a reply regarding your acceptance status within one to two weeks of your submission date provided that we have received your teacher reference.

Faculty

2024 Dates and Fees

June 16 - 27, Sunday-Thursday 9 to 11pm (EDT)

“Early Chinese Philosophy & Practice” is offered for only one session this summer. The class will meet for 2 hours each day, Sunday through Thursday, for 2 weeks. This is an online, synchronous course, so students will be expected to join on time, participate in discussions, and keep their cameras on for the duration of the class.

Taught by Dr. Sam Goldstein.

Course Fee: $1200.

The available session listed above is subject to a minimum of 3 students enrolled. The fee includes instruction and course materials (certain additional books may need to be purchased).

Testimonials - Calder Classics Online

I personally find the courses they [Calder Classics] offer the most informative and interactive (and FUN!!). I learned a lot during the four weeks that I have spent here (2 weeks for reading Latin poems, 2 weeks of Intro to Greek), maybe more than I could have learned in a semester in other places. I totally loved the courses and thank you so much for providing me with such a wonderful experience!

My Calder Classics experience was amazing, my teacher was super nice and very helpful! I learned a lot about Augustan Rome and read many interesting authors. Although I wish we had been able to actually go to Rome, I really enjoyed my experience!

The small class sizes made everything much more engaging.

It is hard to recreate the classroom environment over the internet, but I think that this class has done a good job. There is a good amount of material and it is interesting and engaging.

Calder Classics program did compare favorably with other online classes that I've taken, it was in fact a lot more informative and engaging than other online classes that I've taken.

Calder Classics offered lessons daily which was definitely helpful while other programs that I've attended such s creative writing met once or twice a week, I believe this kind of regime was essential for learning any language online.