K-MOOC

Course Introduction

• This course is designed to reflect on the issues of modern society based on insights into power, institutions, and human psychology advocated in the classic work of Legalist thought, the 『Han Feizi』. In the course, we study the advantages and limitations of Han Feizi's ideas through comparisons with other schools of thought, especially Confucianism and Mencius's Confucian ideas. 『Han Feizi』 features numerous stories related to well-known idioms and anecdotes such as contradiction, planting a bamboo shoot and harvesting a bamboo shoot, and mutual dependence, which help in understanding Han Feizi's philosophy well and also serve as an opportunity to learn the power of storytelling, which is becoming increasingly important. Through this course, we hope to broaden your understanding of Han Feizi's Legalist thought and help you gain strength to live in the world.
  

Course Feedback

• Title: Han Feizi, I wish I had read it a bit earlier!
  I have been retired for over 15 years. During my working years, I tried to build human relationships from a Confucian perspective and to conduct my work and social life accordingly. I was praised for smooth performance, good relationships with employees and clients, but while listening to the Han Feizi lecture, I felt regretful, thinking, "Ah, I wish I had done it this way." Changing people's habits is not easy, but I feel I should apply at least some of Han Feizi's arguments. I am grateful to have come across this opportunity.
• Title: Life, a practical and useful lecture!
  I listened to the lecture while contemplating many things. It is a lecture that will serve as one of the ways to survive in a difficult and complex world.

Learning Objectives

• To explain the characteristics and limitations of Han Feizi's thought through comparison with Confucianism.
• To understand the meaning and role of storytelling in conveying ideas through stories and idioms in 『Han Feizi』.
  
• To understand the core concepts of Legalist thought presented in 『Han Feizi』 and relate them to issues in modern society.
  

Instructor Introduction

Professor Kangjae Lee (Department of Chinese Language and Literature, Seoul National University)

[[[14]]] Affiliation소 속]Department of Chinese Language and Literature, Seoul National University

[[[18]]] Educational Background최종학력]

• Bachelor’s degree in Chinese Language and Literature, Seoul National University(1987)

• Master's degree in Chinese Language and Literature, Seoul National University(1992)

• Ph.D. in Chinese Language and Literature, Seoul National University(1998)

[[[27]]] Major Career주요경력]

• Vice Director, Institute of Humanities, Seoul National University,Director(September 2015 – November 2019)

• Head of the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Division, Korea Research Foundation(November 2019 – December 2022)

• Professor, Department of Chinese Language and Literature, Seoul National University(September 1999 –Present)

[[[40]]] Selected Publications주요저서]

• Kangjae Lee,『How Did the Historians Read the Analects?』,Hakgobang, 2006

• Kangjae Lee,『Semantics of Ancient Chinese Vocabulary』(Translation),China House, 2012

• Kangjae Lee,『Lead Like the Analects』, 21st Century Books, 2023• Kangjae Lee, 『Han Feizi, The Law of Power』, 21st Century Books, 2026

[[[63]]] Awards and Honors

 []•

2016Seoul National University Teaching Award(November 23, 2016)•

2020K-MOOC Activation and Development Award(October 12, 2020)Course ScheduleOngoing 1st session: March 3, 2026 (Tue) – June 9, 2026 (Tue)Ongoing 2nd session: June 11, 2026 (Thu) – August 30, 2026 (Sun)

Ongoing 3rd session: September 1, 2026 (Tue) – December 15, 2026 (Tue)

• Completion and Evaluation Criteria
• Evaluation items: Quizzes (20%), Discussions (10%), Assignments (10%), Midterm Exam (30%), Final Exam (30%)
• Passing criteria: Score of at least 60%

★ Book Giveaway Event Notice

• Every session, three outstanding students who complete the course will be selected, and the instructor’s book 『Han Feizi, The Law of Power』 (21st Century Books) will be sent as a gift.
• * Outstanding students will be selected based on overall performance in assignments and participation, and only those selected will be contacted individually.
  
  

★ 도서 증정 이벤트 안내

• 매 운영회차마다 강좌를 이수한 수강생 중 우수 학습자 3명을 선정하여, 교수님의 저서 <한비자, 권력의 법칙>(21세기 북스)을 선물로 보내드립니다.  
  * 우수 학습자는 과제 수행 및 강좌 참여 등을 종합적으로 고려하여 선정하며, 선정자에 한해 개별 연락드립니다.