Religion 49 - Buddhism

Professor Gereon Kopf
Office: Main 302
E-mail: kopfg@luther.edu
Phone: 387-1497

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course introduces to the historical, textual, and doctrinal foundations of Buddhism as well as contemporary issues such as Engaged (socially active) Buddhism and the feminist study of Buddhism. Particular emphasis will be given to a philosophical formulation of the basic Buddhist ideas and their conceptual, ethical, and soteriological implications.

COURSE PHILOSOPHY:

It is the underlying philosophy of this course that learning is a dialogical process. In this sense, the course will combine lectures, group work, class discussions and individual projects to examine the basic scriptures, concepts, and practices of Buddhism. Students will actively participate in the investigation of Buddhism and apply the material and skills presented in this course to their academic interests and to contemporary issues. Students will thus not only contribute to the course but also shape it through active participation in the classroom, questions, e-mail contributions, and their research projects. Students are encouraged to suggest particular areas of interest within the Buddhist tradition. While the course does not presuppose any prior knowledge of the intellectual heritage, history, and (the primary) languages of Buddhism, it will demand a certain commitment, openness, and mental effort to explore "new" ideas and to think through a variety of world views and responses to existential questions.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

  1. Students will exhibit an appreciation of the diversity, wealth, and profundity of Buddhism.
  2. Students will exhibit a familiarity with the fundamental texts, concepts, beliefs, and practices of as well as of the "hot topics" within Buddhism.
  3. Students will discern and appreciate the basic conceptual and existential dimensions of the religious phenomenon as it is manifested in the Buddhist tradition.
  4. Students will actively engage with the religious heritage of Buddhism in projects, group work, and class discussions.
  5. Students will exhibit a fundamental knowledge of the methodologies and difficulties involved in the study of Buddhism.
  6. The students will improve their skills in critical thinking and communicating ideas.


COURSE TEXTS:


COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance, participation (in the classroom and the discussion group alike), reading, pop quizzes, and presentations 25% of course grade
3 short exams (20 minutes each) 25% of course grade
Final paper 25% of course grade
6 Response papers 25% of course grade

  1. Attendance and Participation:


    2. This course will not only cover a variety of different Buddhist schools, scriptures, and topics, it will also introduce the students to new world views. In addition, the course cannot but refer to at least 2600 years history, which, for the most part, is not taught in the standard curricula of the U.S. Therefore, it is pivotal that students do the reading as well as attend class discussions and lectures. If necessary, unannounced quizzes will test reading assignments and prepare for the exams.

    If a student misses a class session, it is the student's responsibility to collect all relevant information and material of this particular class session. In general, the students are encouraged to inform the instructor if they expect to miss a class session and to discuss with the instructor ways to make up for it. A total of more than two absences will reflect negatively on the final grade. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of the class.

    Deadlines are binding. If a student would like an extension on a deadline, s/he is expected to contact the instructor prior to the respective day and time. In cases of unforeseen events such as emergencies official documentation is required.

    As mentioned above, it is the philosophy of the course that learning is a dialogical process. Thus, active participation of the individual students is pivotal.

    Finally, the students are required to participate in the discussion group on the website of the class.
     

  2. Presentations:


    3. To reduce the reading load for the individual student, groups or individuals will present selected sections from the textbooks. The presentations are epxected to address the content, context, and concepts of the readings in question. (Grading: one out of three C, two out of three: B, three out of three: A)
     

  3. Final Paper:


    4. Students will research explore a contemporary phenomenon of or a contemporary issue within Buddhism on 4-5 pages. Examples: Buddhism in the media, Buddhism in pop-music, American forms of Buddhism, etc.
     

  4. Grading: Assuming that the reflection paper fulfills the formal requirements of academic work, following criteria apply:
    summary of the sources C
    presentation of an idea/concept or historical event/persons B
    development of an idea or insight from your research A
  1. Exams:


    2. Historical background and data necessary to contextualize course readings will be tested in three short exams (1: early Buddhism, 2: development of Mahayana Buddhism, 3: Buddhism today). Background will be provided by lectures, reference books on reserve, and the webpage for religion 40.
     

  2. Response Papers:


    3. Students are expected to write a two page paper in response to each book. Engage critically with the theme that intrigued you most.

    Grading: Assuming that the reflection paper fulfills the formal requirements of academic work, following criteria apply:
     
    summary of the sources C
    presentation of an idea/concept or historical event/persons B
    development of an idea or insight from your research A

    Students are encouraged to discuss their grade with the instructor within one week of the return of individual assignments.


COURSE SCHEDULE:
WEEK THEME READING ASSIGNMENT EXAM
1-3 The Foundation of Buddhism King Milanda's questions Response Paper 1
Topic of Paper is Due		 _
4-6 The foundation of Mahayana Buddhism I The Lotus Sutra Response Paper 2
Bibliography of Paper is Due		 Exam 1: Early Buddhism
7-11 The foundation of Mahayana Buddhism II The Lankavatara Sutra Response Paper 3 _
12 The Philosophy of Non-Dualism The Awakening of Faith Response Paper 4
First Draft of Paper is Due		 Exam 2: History of Buddhism
13-14 Buddhism and the Politics of Gender and Sexuality Cabezon: Buddhism, Sexuality, and Gender Final Paper Due _
FINALS WEEK _ _ Response Paper 5 Exam 3: Buddhism Today_