Introduction to Buddhism (210-0-21)
Instructors
Darcie Marilyn Price-Wallace
Meeting Info
2122 Sheridan Rd Classroom 250: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
This course provides a rich introduction to the complexity and plurality of Buddhist values, beliefs, practices, institutions and experiences which have flourished in different societies and cultures in the modern era. Our general goal will be to understand Buddhism as not simply an abstract philosophy or doctrine espoused by monastic elites, but as a multifaceted living tradition informing the lives of a wide range of practitioners within any given society. Grounded in anthropological, historical, and philosophical approaches, the course will enable you to both sympathetically understand and critically investigate various Buddhist traditions and their historically specific configurations of cultural values, everyday practices, beliefs, social institutions and personal experiences. Given the limited time available to us, we won't be able to examine the full diversity of contemporary Buddhist societies and cultures in their varying national settings. Instead, we will focus on the Buddhist traditions of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, China, Japan, Nepal, and Tibet. A few of the topics we will cover include syncretism, modernism, popular religion, monasticism, gender, economic development, social movements, political violence and religious revival.
Learning Objectives
1) Learn and evaluate social theories that have been developed to analyze Buddhist cultures.
2) Examine regional and historical differences between Buddhist groups in Asia.
3) Critically consider the relationship between variances among Buddhist doctrine.
4) Learn how the study of religion can contribute to contemporary global issues.
5) Demonstrate an awareness of the multiplicity of Buddhist practices and respect for human diversity.
Teaching Method
Class Materials (Required)
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, In Love with the World: A Monk's Journey Through the Bardos of Living and Dying, 2019.
Class Attributes
Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
Ethics & Values Distro Area