Course Code and Course Title

[CHES1102] Chinese Religion in Everyday Life Practice

Time and Venue

Mon 2:30pm - 5:15pm
YIA_505

Course Description

Religion still remains an important cornerstone of Chinese society today. This course offers you a unique hands-on exploration of religion in contemporary Chinese society, emphasizing its presence and influence in everyday life. The course goes beyond religious texts to immerse you in the richness of Chinese spiritual life, demonstrating how religious traditions are not merely philosophical concepts, but living practices that shape the everyday experiences of individuals and communities.

A special feature of this course is that you will visit a variety of religious sites in Hong Kong to experience firsthand the diversity and vibrancy of everyday Chinese religious life. This includes visiting local temples, attending religious events, and exploring haunting places from a sociocultural aspect. These hands-on experiences are designed to give you a holistic view of how Chinese people do religion and deepen your understanding of local religious traditions.

In addition to these immersive activities, the course will discuss the broader role of religion in shaping contemporary Chinese society. It will explore how religious beliefs and practices intersect with important social issues, such as economics, the environment, gender, sexuality, and politics. This holistic approach will enable you to understand the multifaceted impact of religion on both the individual and society. In short, this course offers a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, and is ideal if you are interested in understanding the dynamic role of religion in Chinese society and its manifestations in daily life.