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Traditional Chinese Legal Thought
Last Updated Date:   8 July 2025


4 Units,  Semester 2

Course Description:
This course is an introduction to the major themes and issues in traditional Chinese legal thought. We will focus on the close reading and analysis of selected works by various philosophers and various philosophical schools, including Confucius and later Confucian thinkers (including, but not limited to, Mencius, Xunzi, and Dong Zhongshu), the Legalists, the Mohists, and the Daoists. Attention will also be placed on understanding these thinkers and philosophical schools in historical context and gaining an understanding of how law was applied in premodern China. No prior knowledge of Chinese history or Chinese philosophy is required. All required readings are in English.

Course Convenor: Visiting Sat Pal Khattar Professor Norman P. Ho

Co-teacher(s): NA

Course Codes: LL4375 / LL5375 / LLJ5375 / LL6375

Contact Hours: 9 sessions over 3 weeks: Three 3-hour weekly seminars

Workload: Intensive: Weeks 4 – 6; Dates: 2 – 20 Feb 2026 [Mon: 6.30pm – 9.30pm, Wed: 6.30pm – 9.30pm & Fri: 3pm – 6pm] [*2 Make-up lessons for 16 & 18 Feb on 7 & 14 Feb (Sat: 9am – 12noon)]

Mode of Assessment: 6-Hr Take Home Exam - 100% [Release: Fri, 27 March 2026 (3pm); Due: Fir, 27 March 2026 (9pm)]

Preclusions: LL4375V/LL5375V/LLJ5375V/LL6375V Traditional Chinese Legal Thought

Prerequisites: NUS Compulsory Core Law Curriculum or common law equivalent.

Examination Date: Different Mode of Examination

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