1 CONFUCIUS Born 551 BC in state of Lu (Shantung Province) Period of instability in Zhou dynasty Much of life’s history is legendary vs. factual

Basic Beliefs Believed society would improve if traditional focus on relationships and hierarchy were restored – Jen is the most important virtue (“humanness” or benevolence, compassion, humanity) Believed in the good and perfectibility of the individual through learning, especially 2

3 Confucian Relationships Five relationships must be maintained; In these relationships, the “order” must be honored and proper ritual followed: Father-son Elder-young Husband-wife Friend-friend Ruler-Subject

Confucian Relationships 4 All relationships should be built on the principle of concern for someone else, with compassion and respect. Learning self-restraint requires mastering li Li is the rules of behavior that honor those in a higher social status and that will be looked upon admirably by others

5 “Since you yourself desire standing [rank] then help others achieve it; since you yourself desire success then help others attain it.” (Lunyu 12.2, 6.30) “Look at nothing in defiance of ritual, listen to nothi ng in defiance of ritual, speak of nothing in defiance or ritual, never stir hand or foot in defiance of ritual.“ (Lunyu 12.1) Confucius say…

6 “If your desire is for good, the people wil l be good. The moral character of the rul er is the wind; the moral character of those beneath him is the grass. When the wind blows, the grass bends.” (Lunyu 12.19)

7 Confucian Ideals seen in Culture  Obligation of son to parents  Ancestor worship  Collectivism  Hierarchical worldview and social structure  Emphasis on education

Confucianism in Korean Culture  Introductions & Gift Giving –Bow –Business cards –Give/receive with both hands!  Personal contact “rules” –No PDA –Girls hold hands, arm-in-arm  3 rd Party Arbitration –Reveals status/connections –Avoid conflict; social harmony  Laughter –Cover mouth! 8  Last name First name –Lee Sung Il –Paternal last name –Woman keeps maiden name  Age & Status –Always respect elders –Know birthdays, age  No “I” in Korean –It is redundant; “we” valued  Always say “yes” (ne: nay) –Agree –“I understand”

 Pour each others’ drink –Hand position important  Eldest eats first  Metal spoon, chopsticks –Eat rice with spoon –Never put chopsticks in rice  One person pays bill, often the youngest 9 Confucianism in Korean Culture: Dining

 Education one of highest values in Korean society  “Education Fever”  Elementary—mostly public –Grades 1-6  Middle—70%+ public –Grades 1-3  High School—30% public –Grades 1-3  School day & week: long! –~7:30-6 pm (formal) –6 pm-10 pm (private) –Saturday half-days 10 Confucianism in Korean Culture: Education

11 MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday 6:30 a.m. wake up 7:30 school begins 7:40–8:20 morning meeting with principal self-study or supplementary lessons (e.g., English, Korean, or Math) 8:30–8:40 morning meeting 9:00KoreanEnglishMath Military Exercises KoreanKorean History 10:00Foreign LanguageKoreanKorean HistoryEnglishEarth ScienceMusic 11:00MathMusicEnglishMathEnglishChemistry 12:00 p.m.EnglishWorld HistoryKorean Physical Education Physics 12:50–1:30lunch 1:30Physical EducationBiologyArtKoreanMath 2:30Domestic ScienceMathArtPhysicsChemistry 3:30–4:20World HistoryKorean LiteratureClub ActivitiesClass MeetingMusic 4:20–4:30evening meeting 4:30–4:50classroom cleaning time 5–10 /11 p.m. hagwon (a special study, or "cram" school) and/or self-study in the school library

12 Korean High School