The Analects of Confucius Lesson Plan

Define the term “scope” as it is used in the context of an academic field. How does the issue of scope factor into the work of Arthur Waley, of the various Confucius scholars referenced in the introduction, and of Confucius himself? How does it come up for us as readers and students? Why is it important to be aware of scope as we approach the Analects?

Students may refer to the passage in the section "The Analects" in which Waley acknowledges an area that he "must leave to others to write", or another passage, a little bit later in the same section, where he reminds the reader: "We certainly must not forget that Confucius describes himself as a transmitter, not an...