CONFUCIANISM is hot in China these days. After children, for whom educators insist the traditional values are important in early education, businessmen are now in the center of a new Confucianism craze.

A high-priced class for high-flying businessmen, Confucianism for moneymakers will enroll its first students in Beijing next month.

The two- to three-day course by the China Studies Club teaches traditional Chinese philosophy to entrepreneurs. This is the first time the course has been offered to business people.

Tuition for the course is so high, about 9,800 yuan (US$1,225), that it's been dubbed the "boss class," since it is oriented toward business owners or high-ranking managers.

Wang Zhenglun, head of the club, said his course offers classes that can be put to practical use.

The new courses on traditional Chinese philosophy have Confucianism at their core. Confucianism values good conduct, practical wisdom, proper social relationships and a stable, stratified society.

"Confucian thought" dominated the Chinese society for thousands of years but was banished from mainstream culture in China in the early and middle periods of the 20th century as New China tried to break from the often oppressive ideas and rigid societal structures of the past.

However, the study of Confucian thought and traditional philosophies has regained popularity.

But some traditional culture courses have been criticized for excessive commercialism.

Scholar Xu Youyu said he felt uneasy about the current fervor for China studies. The expensive "boss class" violates the doctrines of the ancient Chinese saints, he said.

Yet Sun Jiazhou of Beijing-based Renmin University said that business interest in traditional Chinese philosophies is positive. "We're delighted to see people pursue wealth but also respect traditional culture and thought," he said.

Some scholars say study of traditional culture should give practical lessons useful in the new socialist market economy.

These scholars said that traditional culture and thought advocate cultivating the mind and acting with discretion. The ideas can be applied to the development of career, family, health and other aspects of life.

A businessman surnamed He, owner of a travel agency, said he preferred studying traditional philosophy. "Management training only teaches expertise, while Chinese traditional philosophies teach principles. After the course I felt peace of mind and have found my own tempo in business," said He.

Editor: Wing