Daoism and Poetry

"Daoism and Poetry" is suitable for undergraduate or graduate study in philosophy, religious studies, or literature departments.


Course Title: Daoism and Poetry

  • Course Code: DAO/LIT 302
  • Credits: 3
  • Level: Upper Division Undergraduate / Graduate
  • Prerequisites: Introduction to Eastern Philosophy or consent of instructor


Course Description:

This course explores the intersection of Daoist philosophy and poetic expression, examining how core Daoist concepts such as wu wei (non-action), ziran (naturalness), and Dao (the Way) have shaped Chinese poetic traditions. Through close readings of classical texts like the Daodejing and Zhuangzi, alongside works of poets such as Tao Yuanming, Wang Wei, and Li Bai, students will investigate how poetry functions as both a philosophical and aesthetic mode of communicating Daoist thought.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. Analyze the philosophical foundations of Daoism and their expression through poetic form.
  2. Interpret classical and modern poetry through a Daoist lens.
  3. Compare Daoist poetics with other philosophical or religious literary traditions.
  4. Compose analytical and creative work that engages Daoist themes and aesthetics.

Course Outline:

Week 1–2: Introduction to Daoism

  • Origins and historical context
  • The Daodejing: Overview and central concepts
  • Introduction to wu wei, ziran, Dao

Week 3–4: The Zhuangzi and Language

  • Paradox, metaphor, and dream logic
  • The limitations and playful potential of language

Week 5–6: Nature and Spontaneity in Daoist Aesthetics

  • Landscape and wilderness
  • Natural imagery as metaphysical symbol

Week 7–8: Classical Daoist Poets

  • Tao Yuanming and the ideal of reclusion
  • Wang Wei and Buddhist-Daoist synthesis
  • Li Bai: intoxication, spontaneity, and the cosmos

Week 9–10: Later and Modern Echoes

  • Tang and Song dynasties: Chan poetry, cold mountain poets (e.g., Hanshan)
  • Daoism in 20th-century Chinese and global poetry

Week 11–12: Comparative Perspectives

  • Daoism vs. Zen poetics
  • Daoism and Romanticism
  • American Daoist-inflected poets (e.g., Gary Snyder)

Week 13–14: Creative Dao

  • Workshop on writing Daoist-inspired poetry
  • Final presentations: recitations and reflections

Week 15: Final Review and Project Submission

Assessment:

  • Participation and Discussion: 20%
  • Reading Reflections (Weekly): 20%
  • Midterm Essay (Comparative Analysis): 20%
  • Poetry Portfolio (Original Work + Commentary): 20%
  • Final Paper or Project: 20%

Readings (Primary Texts):

  • Daodejing (trans. D.C. Lau or Ursula Le Guin)
  • Zhuangzi (Selections)
  • Tao Yuanming: Peach Blossom Spring and other poems
  • Wang Wei: Selected Poems
  • Li Bai and Du Fu (Selections)