Buddhism
REL 372-001 | Spring 2018 | 3 Credit Hours
Recitation or Discussion
Suma Ikeuchi
Contact Information
UA Campus Directory:
Prerequisites
UA Course Catalog Prerequisites:No prereqs found
Course Description
Course Description and Credit HoursSpecific context will be determined by faculty responsible for the course that semester. May be repeated for a maximum of May be repeated for a maximum of 9 hours for differing topics.
This course explores religious themes and movements related to Buddhism in various Asian countries, Europe, and North America, with a focus on modern and contemporary periods. The topics include historical narratives, interpretations of texts, transformations of rituals, diaspora and identity, nationalism and politics, and contemporary pop culture. No previous knowledge of Buddhism is required. IBA ASST
Required Texts
Required Texts from UA Supply Store:
- HARVEY / INTRO TO BUDDHISM (Required)
- HARVEY (RENTAL) / (RENTAL) INTRO TO BUDDHISM (RENTAL)
Course Objectives
Student Learning Outcomes
1. explain key concepts, methods, and approaches in the study of Buddhism
2. support claims with textual evidences
3. articulate the overarching and comparative themes of course content
4. present orally on research findings with an effective usage of digital aids
5. implement the above knowledge in writing assignments
Other Course Materials
TBA
Outline of Topics
Week 1
Introduction
Week 2
An Introduction to Buddhism (1)
Week 3
An Introduction to Buddhism (2)
Week 4
An Introduction to Buddhism (3)
✔ 1st Test
Week 5
Living Buddhism (1)
Week 6
Living Buddhism (2)
✔ Practice Essay Due
Week 7
Living Buddhism (3)
✔ 2nd Test
Week 8
Bonds of the Dead (1)
Week 9
Bonds of the Dead (2)
✔ Practice Essay Revise and Resubmit Due
Week 10
Bonds of the Dead (3)
✔ 3rd Test
Week 11
The Making of Buddhist Modernism (1)
Week 12
The Making of Buddhist Modernism (2)
Week 13
The Making of Buddhist Modernism (3)
✔ 4th Test
Week 14
TBA
Week 15
✔ Making Sample Essay Questions
Summing Up
Finals Week
✔ Final Take-Home Essay Exam Due
Exams and Assignments
1. Workshops (60 points)
Workshops are individual and/or group work activities that will take place during scheduled class sessions either in-class or on Blackboard. Workshops may not necessarily be announced ahead of time. Your preparation for workshops will always include the readings assigned for that class session as well as the possibility of other work announced prior to the workshop.
2. Four Tests (20 points each, 80 in total): There will be three tests, each of which will cover all the readings, class lectures, films, multi-media materials, and discussions up to that point. Most tests will have questions of multiple formats (e.g. multiple-choice, short answers, etc.). The instructor will provide students with more information on how to prepare for them during class.
3. Take-Home Essay Exam (60 points in total)
• Practice Essay Assignment (2-page double-spaced, 15 points)
• Revised and Resubmitted Practice Essay Assignment (Those who did not score 15 points in the practice essay can earn the deducted points by resubmitting.)
• Making Sample Essay Question and Outline in Class (5 points). This is to help students prepare for the upcoming essay exam.
• Final Take-Home Exam Essay (40 points). A list of essay questions will be available on BB at 6am on May 1 (Mon). For the question you chose, please write an essay no longer than 2 pages double-spaced. They are due within 72 hours.
Total Points: 200
Grading Policy
A+ 200 – 190
A 189 – 180
B+ 179 – 170
B 169 – 160
C+ 159 – 150
C 149 – 140
D+ 139 – 130
D 129 – 120
D- 119 – 110
F 109 – 0
Policy on Missed Exams and Coursework
I do not accept any late work or make-up assignments unless there is a documented emergency (injury, sickness, job interview, urgent health problem of close family member, etc.). Computer and network issues, traffic issues, lost items, etc. are not considered as emergencies, so please plan accordingly. I reserve the right to ask for a document or email from someone who can attest to your situation. Please see “Consultation” above – then we discuss appropriate accommodation for your situation.
Attendance Policy
You are expected to attend every class session. I will not take attendance. But you have to be here to do well, especially for workshops. You will need the context I provide in class to make sense of the readings you do on your own. So, I won’t be taking attendance but if you don’t come to class you will probably do very poorly.
Notification of Changes
The instructor will make every effort to follow the guidelines of this syllabus as listed; however, the instructor reserves the right to amend this document as the need arises. In such instances, the instructor will notify students in class and/or via email and will endeavor to provide reasonable time for students to adjust to any changes.
Statement on Academic Misconduct
Students are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the official Code of Academic Conduct provided in the Online Catalog.
Statement On Disability Accommodations
Contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) as detailed in the Online Catalog.
Severe Weather Protocol
Please see the latest Severe Weather Guidelines in the Online Catalog.
Pregnant Student Accommodations
Title IX protects against discrimination related to pregnancy or parental status. If you are pregnant and will need accommodations for this class, please review the University’s FAQs on the UAct website.
Religious Observances
Under the Guidelines for Religious Holiday Observances, students should notify the instructor in writing or via email during the first two weeks of the semester of their intention to be absent from class for religious observance. The instructor will work to provide reasonable opportunity to complete academic responsibilities as long as that does not interfere with the academic integrity of the course. See full guidelines at Religious Holiday Observances Guidelines.
UAct Statement
The UAct website provides an overview of The University's expectations regarding respect and civility.