Catalog Description:
Examines the psychological and historical roots of warrior cultures in Asia. Through selected readings and films the underpinnings of warrior psychology in traditional Asian cultures will be explored in historical context. Characteristics such as duty, enlightenment, honor, loyalty, and discipline will be examined in the context of the individual and group psychology of Asian warrior cultures throughout history. Likewise psychological and historical conceptions of violence, aggression, and strategy will be explored in relation to Asian Warrior cultures. The development of martial arts in Asia will be discussed in relation to traditional religious and psychological systems. Students will be encouraged to relate values derived from Asian warrior cultures to their own lives, while reflecting on the applicability of these ideas to modern life.
Detailed Description:
Course Format
This course is large lecture-discussion course – i.e. we will typically talk about (lecture on) a particular subject. However, even though we are doing a lot of the talking we encourage you all to have a ‘conversation’ about material with us. Therefore, it is expected for students to participate by asking questions, making observations, sharing knowledge, opinions, etc. In order to facilitate our preference is to keep the class format as flexible as possible. As such, we reserve the right to change the topics during the course. We have also been able to get a number of films related to the course materials which we will watch in class.
Guests and Demonstrations
From time to time, we will have guest speakers to talk or demonstrate some aspect of Asian warrior culture. Some of these guests like to have students experience some of the things they are talking about. In the past most students have really enjoyed the experiential part of the course. However, some students might feel uncomfortable participating in the experiential exercises because of medical problems, physical limitations, religious beliefs, etc. Therefore, the experiential exercises are entirely voluntary. Non-participation in these exercises will no way affect your grade in this course. However, it will be necessary for you to at least observe the guest speaker’s demonstrations.
Readings and Reaction Papers
We have tried to keep the reading in this course to a minimum. However, this means that we have a lot of material to cover in the lectures. Therefore, it is very important for students to attend class and to do the reading. There is a lot to cover in this subject – far more than we will be able to get to in a semester. Rather than rush through the material, we will pace ourselves so that we can enjoy what we are studying. In this spirit, we will ask you to write short papers related to the readings, guest speakers, films etc. throughout the semester. These papers should be no longer than 2 pages. Expect to write one of these papers each week. These papers will count towards your grade and will be due at the end of the semester.
What this class is not:
This course is not:
1. Serious or official instruction in any martial arts technique. While we may get an idea of what some techniques are like, real instruction should be sought out from a qualified teacher.
3. Serious or official instruction in any type of meditation. While we may get an idea of what some meditation techniques are like, real instruction should be sought out from a qualified teacher.
4. Meant to ‘convert’ anyone to from any particular martial arts style or religious practice to anything else. There is no ‘best’ martial arts style, just many different flavors. Just like with food, some flavors appeal to some and not others. We ask you to keep an open mind about the styles presented.
Content Warning
This course presents a number of images that are overtly violent in nature. These images can be disturbing to some people, especially when taken out of context. If you find such material objectionable due to religious or other reasons, then you might want to reconsider taking this course. This course also deals with the issue of ritual suicide which may be disturbing to some people. This may also be cause for reconsidering whether or not you should take this course.
Student Outcomes as Stated in Objective Format:
1. Students will gain the ability to summarize the similarities and differences among different traditional Asian warrior cultures.
2. Students will learn to appreciate the perspective of traditional Asian philosophical systems as they apply to conflict between groups and individuals.
3. Students will learn the historical context associated with various types of traditional Asian warrior arts.
Required Readings:
The required readings will be made available on Blackboard.
Recommended Books:
These texts are not required but might be of interest:
1. Funakoshi, G. (1973). Karate-Do Kyoshan: The master text. Tokyo, Japan: Kodansha International.
2. Jou, TH. (1980). The Tao of Tai Chi Chuan: Way to rejuvenation. Warwick, NY: Tai Chi Foundation
3. Lee, B. (1975). Tao of Jeet Kune Do. Burbank, CA: Ohara Publications.
4. Ratte, O., & Westbrook, A. (1973). Secrets of the Samurai: The martial arts of feudal Japan. Utland, VT: Tuttle.
5. Soho, T. (1987). The unfettered mind: Writings of the Zen master to the sword master. Tokyo, Japan: Kodansha International.
6. Smith, RW. (1980). Chinese boxing: Masters and methods. Tokyo, Japan: Kodansha International.
7. Stevens, J. (1984). The sword of no-sword: Life of master warrior Tesshu. Boulder, CO: Shambala Press.
Class Meetings:
Violence and Aggression in Groups and Individuals – East/West Differences
Martial Artists & Martial “Intellectuals”
Martial Arts in America
“Warfare of the Ancient Empires: China” in World History of Warfare, Archer et al. (University of Nebraska Press, 2002) pp. 49-59
“Early Society in East Asia and the Unification of China” In Traditions and Encounters: A Global Perspective on the Past, Bentley and Ziegler (McGraw-Hill 2nd edition 2003) pp. 111-120, 194-209
Week 2. History of China Era of Warring States & Centralization (Buschmann): February 12, 2004
Sunzi – Art of War
Giles, L. (Tr.) (1910). Sunzi – The Art of War.
Becker, CB. (1989). Philosophical Perspectives on the Martial Arts in America. In Nelson, RF. The Overlook Martial Arts Reader. Woodstock, NY: Overlook Press.
Film: Emperor and the Assassin
Kauz, H. (1989). The Aim of Individual Form Practice. In Nelson, RF. The Overlook Martial Arts Reader. Woodstock, NY: Overlook Press.
Chow, D., & Spangler, R. (1977). The Beginnings. In Kung Fu: History, Philosophy, and Technique. Burbank, CA: Unique Publications.
The Development of the Shaolin Temple (Long Fist) Style of Fighting
Shaolin video examples
Chow, D., & Spangler, R. (1977). The Father of Shaolin. In Kung Fu: History, Philosophy, and Technique. Burbank, CA: Unique Publications.
Miller, DE. (1989). A State of Grace: Understanding the Martial Arts. In Nelson, RF. The Overlook Martial Arts Reader. Woodstock, NY: Overlook Press.
Week 5. Shaolin Temple & Buddhist Martial Arts (Volkan): March 4, 2004
Shaolin Video Examples
Chinese Fighting Styles – Other Styles (Mantis)
Chinese Fighting Styles – Wing Chung
Weapons
Film: The Shaolin Temple
Hong-Kingston, M. (1989). The Woman Warrior. In Nelson, RF. The Overlook Martial Arts Reader. Woodstock, NY: Overlook Press.
Smith, RW. (1975). A Policeman’s Pa-Kua. In Chinese Boxing: Masters and Methods. Tokyo, Japan: Kodansha International.
Chow, D., & Spangler, R. (1977). Taoist Contribution to Kung Fu. In Kung Fu: History, Philosophy, and Technique. Burbank, CA: Unique Publications.
Levine, DN. (1989). The Liberal Arts and the Martial Arts. In Nelson, RF. The Overlook Martial Arts Reader. Woodstock, NY: Overlook Press.
Smith, RW. (1975). Master of the Five Excellences. In Chinese Boxing: Masters and Methods. Tokyo, Japan: Kodansha International.
Fundamental Concepts: Chi (Ki)
Wu Dang (Wu Tang) Styles
Tai Ji Chuan
Tai Ji Video examples
Daoist Arts video examples
Week 9. Film: April 1, 2004
Midterm needs to be completed
Lee, B. (1975). Tao of Jeet Kun Do. Burbank, CA: Ohara Publications
Liong, R. (2002). The Lost Art of Tsinoy Healing. From http://www.tsinoy.com/Roots/AlamMoBa.cfm?ID=433
Jeet Kun Do – Lecture Demonstration
Perrin, N. (1989). Giving Up The Gun. In Nelson, RF. The Overlook Martial Arts Reader. Woodstock, NY: Overlook Press.
“ History of Japan” In Traditions and Encounters: A Global Perspective on the Past, Bentley and Ziegler (McGraw-Hill 2nd edition 2003)
Film: History of the Samurai
Musashi, M (1989). The Water Book. In Nelson, RF. The Overlook Martial Arts Reader. Woodstock, NY: Overlook Press.
Friday, K. (1994). Bushido or Bull: A Medieval Historian’s Perspective on the Imperial Army and the Japanese Warrior Tradition. The History Teacher, 27(3), 339-349.
Week 13. Honor, Loyalty and Bushido: (Buschmann & Volkan): April 29, 2004
Film: ‘Hara Kiri’
Lowry, D. (1989). Matters of Concentration. In Nelson, RF. The Overlook Martial Arts Reader. Woodstock, NY: Overlook Press.
Funakoshi, G. (1989). Win By Losing. In Nelson, RF. The Overlook Martial Arts Reader. Woodstock, NY: Overlook Press.
Funakoshi, G. (1989). Entering the Way. In Nelson, RF. The Overlook Martial Arts Reader. Woodstock, NY: Overlook Press.
Week 14. The Japanese Sword – (Volkan): May 6, 2004
Michelle Benzamin Miki - Iaido Demonstration
The Founder, Ueshiba Morihei
Reading TBD
Week 15. Judo & Buddhist Philosophy in Japan: May 13, 2004
Film: Sanshiro
The Way of the Heroes excerpted from Campbell, J. (1962). Oriental Mythology: The Masks of God. New York, NY: Penguin Books.
Midgley, M. Trying Out One’s New Sword
Week 16: Bushido, Aikido & Zen May 20, 2004
Mike Cogan - Karate Demonstration
CB Claiborne - Aikido Demonstration
Online Final Exam
Week 17. Final Exam: May 27, 2007
Final Examination needs to be completed. All Assignments Due
Method for Student Evaluation/Assessment of Learning:
Students will be assessed through a midterm and final exam and written weekly reaction papers.
Midterm – 40 points
Final – 40 points
Weekly Writing – 20 points
Total = 100 points
93 -100 points = A
88-92 points A-
84-88 points B+
76-83 points B
70-75 points B-
65-69 points C+
60-64 points C
55-59 points C-
50-54 points D+
45-49 points D
40-44 points D-
< 40 points = F
Students may take this course for CR/NC or for a letter grade. A Credit (CR) in this course requires a minimum of 60 Points.
Attendance is required. After the third absence students will lose 10 points for each day missed. Extenuating circumstances must be fully documented.
Here is the official text on this:
“All work that students submit as their own work must, in fact, be their own work. For example, if a paper presents ideas of others, it must clearly indicate the source. Word-for-word language taken from other sources – books, papers, web sites, people, etc. – must be placed in quotation marks and the source identified. Likewise, work on tests and exams must be the student’s own work, not copied or taken from other students’ work, and students must comply with instructions regarding use of books, notes, and other materials. In accordance with the CSU Channel Islands policy on academic dishonesty, students in this course who submit the work of others as their own (plagiarize), cheat on tests and examinations, help other students cheat or plagiarize, or commit other acts of academic dishonesty will receive appropriate academic penalties, up to and including failing the course.
Papers with plagiarized ideas or language will be graded “F” and must be rewritten with proper use of quotations and referencing. The grade of “F” will remain the recorded grade on that assignment. Plagiarism or cheating on tests and exams will result in an “F” on the test or exam, very likely resulting in a lower or possibly a failing final grade in the course.
To complete course requirements, students must retake the test or exam during the instructor’s scheduled office hours. In cases where the cheating or plagiarism was premeditated or planned, students may receive an “F” for the course. Students are encouraged to consult with the instructor on when and how to document sources if they have questions about what might constitute an act of plagiarism or cheating. “
What all this means is that if you are caught cheating or plagiarizing we will give you an F and report it to the Dean who may apply other penalties. We will check your test/paper/presentation/etc to see if any cheating has occurred. If you do not know what constitutes cheating or plagiarism please ask – ignorance is not a valid excuse. Please don’t cheat! It is not worth it!