Confucianism
- Pharmacy
- Hit614
- 2015-11-25
Megan would like to know about the Confucian background of SKKU.
Megan: |
What different atmosphere, if any, does the Confucianist background lend to Sungkyunkwan? |
Mr. Park: |
Honestly, it is difficult to identify the difference between our atmosphere and that of other high level universities in Korea. However, SKKU is the only institution in Korea that celebrates Confucius’s birthday, and includes courses on Confucianism. |
Megan: |
What does Confucianism mean to you? Is it just a symbol of a dead philosophy, or is some sense of its spirit still alive at the university? |
Mr. Park: |
It is not dead. We are trying to combine characteristics of the historical background such as Confucianism with contemporary components such as technology, but we do tend to focus more on the contemporary. |
Megan: |
If Sungkyunkwan university still supports Confucianist theory, am I supposed to bow down to the professors or put the professors on a pedestal? |
Mr. Park: |
You do not have to worship the professors, but a high level of respect for teachers is commonplace in Korea. A high level of respect for elders is also quite common. |
Megan: |
If the teacher was traditionally considered to be in a higher position, will I have any trouble approaching the professors at Sungkyunkwan? |
Mr. Park: |
No, if you show respect and suitable manners, there are no obstacles or barriers in approaching your professors. If you want to meet or contact your professors; however, you have to carefully arrange a meeting because they are busy with both research and teaching. We have a meeting reservation system for students on ASIS and GLS. |
Megan: |
Last question. Has the university ever suffered a deterioration of Confucianism? |
Mr. Park: |
Yes, after 1910, and during the Japanese occupation it started to decline, but there was a rebirth in 1946- one year after Korea regained its freedom. |
Megan: |
Thank you very much. Now I guess I have a much better understanding of SKKU and its Confucianism component. |
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