Introduction to Buddhism: Indian Subcontinent to the New World (3 credits)
Course Syllabus Excerpt
- Mon/Wed/Fri 9:00-10:00 Buchanan D222
- Instructor: Jessica L. Main, jessica.main@ubc.ca, (604) 822-9305, C.K. Choi Building, Room 283
- Office hours: Mondays, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Course Description: Beginning with the origins of Buddhism on the Indian subcontinent (c. 6th century BCE), this course will introduce basic components of the Buddhist worldview, such as karma and the “three jewels”–the Buddha, the Buddhist teachings (dharma), and the Buddhist order (sangha)–covering characteristic Buddhist social roles (male and female renunciates, pious laypersons, and rulers) and forms of Buddhist practice (meditation, chanting, devotion, generosity). It will trace its historical spread from the Indian subcontinent throughout Asia, looking at Mahayana and Theravada streams. This course will examine Buddhism in specific Asian cultures: Southeast, East, and North Asia. And lastly, this course will look at issues in contemporary Buddhism and its spread into Western cultures. Accordingly, the class will be divided into three sections: (1) Origins, worldview, Indian context, and the three jewels (triratna). (2) Spread of Buddhism beyond India: Southeast, East, and North Asia. (3) Buddhism in the modern and contemporary world, with a focus on prison dharma. This course is made possible by the support of The Tung Lin Kok Yuen Canada Foundation, and is a gateway to advanced courses on Buddhism and Asian cultures. Prerequisites: None.
Coursepack and textbooks: Textbooks available for purchase online and coursepacks are available for purchase at the UBC Bookstore. You are welcome to purchase books from another source, so long as you acquire them in time to do the readings as assigned. Please bring a copy of the assigned reading to class on the day specified either hardcopy or on a laptop. Bibliographic information for selected course texts:
- Prebish, Charles S., and Damien Keown. Buddhism: The eBook, Third Edition. JBE Online Books. http://www.jbeonlinebooks.org/eBooks/buddhism/.
- Buswell, Robert E., ed. 2004. Encyclopedia of Buddhism. Macmillan Reference USA/Thomson/Gale.
- Journal of Buddhist Ethics. http://www.buddhistethics.org/.
- Robinson, Richard H., Willard L. Johnson, and Thānissaro Bhikkhu. 2004. The Buddhist Religions: A Historical Introduction, Fifth Edition. Thomson/Wadsworth.
- Strong, John S. 2007. The Experience of Buddhism: Sources and Interpretations, Third Edition. Thomson/Wadsworth.
- Woodhead, Linda, Paul Fletcher, Hiroko Kawanami, and David Smith, eds. 2004. Religions in the Modern World: Traditions and Transformations. Routledge.
Assessment and Grading: Your course work for the semester will be weighted as follows:
- 1 in-class test (multiple choice and short answer) 20%
- 2 short papers (1000 – 1500 words) 30%
- 1 critical response (700 words) 10%
- Class participation/preparation/effort 15%
- 1 Final exam (multiple choice and short answer) 25%
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