School of Confucian and Oriental Studies, the very institution which boasts over 600 years of history, is one of the most important assets of Sunkyunkwan University. The founding philosophy of the School serves as the moral backbone for the University community. The humanities are believed to be more necessary than ever in order to understand and cope with the confusion of post-modern society. The curriculum has been developed to foster an objective understanding of Confucianism through the study of a wide range of Oriental philosophies, including Taoism and Buddhism, as well as Western philosophy. A special foundation, called the Yanhyeonjae Confucian Academic Institute, provides its students with full tuition and various support programs. Academically distinguished students are granted the privilege of residing in the historic dormitories, which were built in 1398.