An outline of the Traditional Chinese Culture.DOC

A Core Course of General Education An outline of the Traditional Chinese Culture 中国传统文化概览 Shandong University Contents Unit 1 3 Unit 2 16 Unit 3 29 Unit 4 37 Unit 5 42 Unit 6 48 Unit 7 52 Unit 8 58 Unit 9 66 Unit 10 71 Unit 11 80 Unit 12 93 Unit 1 An overview of China Section 1 The Geographical Surroundings and the Economic Structure of the Chinese Culture The Chinese culture can be defined as a cultural system rich in distinct national style which took shape within the terrain of China. The culture includes the spiritual culture and behavioral culture as well as their materialized presentations. It is these cultural forms that typify the fundamental features of the Chinese culture. It belongs to the historical category, having undergone 5000-year development before it turns into today’s splendid sight, both extensive and profound. To some extent the Chinese culture indicates the Chinese tradition. Meanwhile it can be relegated to the national category. After a long process of relatively independent development followed by the collision and exchange afterwards between China and foreign countries, the Chinese culture assumed unique characteristics, became an outstanding member in the brilliant global family of national cultures, and grew to be a main representative of Oriental national cultures. For anyone to understand the basic national conditions of ancient China, the Chinese culture is a must, and vice versa. The basic national conditions in China owed its formation to the development of the Chinese culture in the specific historical background and geographical surroundings. Grasping the basic national conditions promises an indispensable channel to the Chinese culture. The following is an introduction of the Chinese culture from the perspectives of the geographical surroundings, economic structure, and historical development and traits. Section 2 The Historical Development of the Chinese Culture China has a 5000-year history of t