How to Become a Fortune Teller?: The Book of Changes and Predictivism in Ancient China
CEAS 247
Spring 2026
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01
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This seminar explores the Book of Changes as both a divination manual and a philosophical classic. Through close reading of selected hexagrams and traditional commentaries (e.g., Wang Bi, Cheng Yi, Zhu Xi, Wang Fuzhi), we trace how the text evolved from a tool of prognostication into a work of speculative philosophy addressing change, agency, and moral discernment. Topics include correlative cosmology (yin-yang, resonance), chance and decision-making, ethical timing, and the transformation of divination into reflective inquiry. Students will engage in interpretive exercises, textual discussions, and short "divination labs" that reconstruct historical interpretive practices. No prior training in literary Chinese or Chinese philosophy is required (though some background in the latter will be helpful); all readings and discussions are in English. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA CEAS |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (College of East Asian Studies Minor)(College of East Asian Studies) |
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