Religious Studies 210: Introduction to Buddhism
Religious Studies 210: Introduction to Buddhism
Spring Quarter 2015Professor George Bond
Office: Crowe Hall, 4-143
email: [email protected] Hours: Monday, 12-1 and by
appointment at other times.Course Description:
Having begun in India some 2500 years ago, Buddhism now exists
in almost all parts of the world. The Buddhist religion has shaped
the thought and culture of Asia and has also influenced Western
thought and culture in significant ways. In this class we will
explore some of the forms of this diverse religious tradition, One
emphasis of the class will be on investigating the philosophical
and religious teachings of Gautama the Buddha in India as well as
the history and thought of later Buddhists in other parts of Asia.
We will study Buddhism as a religious tradition that established a
system of values, an interpretation of existence and a pattern of
cultural practices and rituals that the Buddhists have interpreted
and applied in various ways to find meaning in life.
Requirements:
Several criteria will be used to establish grades for this
course: there will be two mid-term exams which will each count 40%
of the grade. Class participation in Discussion Sections will count
20% of the grade. Class participation will involve participating in
class discussions and writing and submitting response papers for
the readings.
Books:
1, Peter Harvey, An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History
and Practices.
2, Juan Mascaro, The Dhammapada. (Penguin Classics).
3. John Strong, The Experience of Buddhism.
(Thomson/Wadsworth).
4. Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen Keys (Doubleday)
5. Thich Nhat Hanh, Heart of Understanding.(Parallax Press)
6. Tsangnyon Heruka, The Life of Milarepa. (Penguin Classics)
Illness Policy: If you have a cold, flu or other contagious
illness, you should stay home and get better rather than attending
class. The instructor and the teaching assistants will be glad to
meet with you later to help you catch up on anything you might have
missed and your absence for illness will not count against your
grade.
Class Schedule ( Topics and assignments; subject to
change)Mar.30- Apr. 3
Introduction: Buddhism and the Indian Religious Context
Readings:
Harvey, Introduction to Buddhism, Intro.and Ch. 1, pp. 1-14.
Apr. 6-10 The Life of the Buddha
Readings:
Harvey, Ch.1, pp.14-31,Strong, Experience of Buddhism, Ch.
1.1-1.7, & 1.9-1.11Apr. 13-17
The Central Philosophy of Buddhism: Dharma
Readings: Harvey, Chapters 2 and 3, pp. 32-80.
Strong, Chs, 1.8, and Ch. 3.1-3.4.
Apr. 20-24
The Buddhist Path: Ethics and Meditation Practices.
Readings: Harvey, Ch. 3 pp. 80-87, Ch. 9, and pp.244-257,
Strong, Ch. 3.5
The Dhammapada
Apr.27-29
Theravada Buddhism
Readings: Harvey, pp.73-82, and Ch. 10
Strong, Ch. 2
May 1
1st Midterm ExamMay 4-8
Mahayana Buddhism
Readings: tbaMay 11-15
Mahayana and Zen
May 18-22
Tibetan Buddhism May 25
[Memorial Day holiday]May 27
Buddhism and modernityMay 29
2nd Midterm ExamJune 1
Discussion of Buddhist Meditation
