Buddhism

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

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

TBA

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.