Introduction to Buddhism (210-0-21)
Instructors
Sarah Jacoby
8474671304
Department of Religious Studies, Crowe Hall 4-134, 1860 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208
Office Hours: Wed 1-3pm, Crowe 4-149
Meeting Info
Harris Hall 107: Mon, Wed 12:30PM - 1:50PM
Overview of class
This course provides an introduction to key aspects of the Buddhist religious traditions of multiple Asian countries and the United States. Through careful examination of a variety of literature produced by these traditions, we will consider the ways in which Buddhists have understood human suffering, life after death, karma, merit, the nature of the world and human's place within it, and the path to enlightenment. Our emphasis will be on attempting to understand the moral values, philosophical insights, ritual practices, and social concerns that have shaped Buddhism over centuries of dynamic change in diverse cultural contexts. We will examine not only the history of Buddhism and its three-fold division into Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, but also facets of the contemporary practice of Buddhism with a focus on the place of mindfulness in America. In addition to textbook readings, course readings privilege primary source readings in order to introduce students directly to the narrative, doctrinal, liturgical, and biographical texts that inform our knowledge of what it has meant to live a Buddhist life over time and across cultures.
Learning Objectives
1) Analyze the historical development and cultural significance of Buddhism in several Asian contexts
2) Investigate key Buddhist concepts about suffering, karma, rebirth, selfhood, samsara, and nirvana
3) Reflect critically upon the ways in which Buddhism has transformed (and continues to) as it adapts to new cultural contexts
4) Apply analytical, critical, and interpretive skills vital to the pursuit of liberal arts studies and professional development
Teaching Method
Class Materials (Required)
1. Donald W. Mitchell and Sarah H. Jacoby, Buddhism: Introducing the Buddhist Experience (Oxford University Press, 3rd edition) ISBN: 978-0-19-986187-3
2. Dhammapada (Penguin Classics) ISBN: 978-0-140-44941-9
3. Thich Nhat Hanh, The Other Shore (Parallax Press) ISBN: 978-1941529140
Class Attributes
Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
Ethics & Values Distro Area
Associated Classes
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-339: Thurs 9:00AM - 9:50AM
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-440: Thurs 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-440: Thurs 12:00PM - 12:50PM
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-435: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-339: Thurs 12:00PM - 12:50PM
DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-339: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM