Topics in East Asian Religions (318-0-20)

Topic

Buddhist Cultures & the Rhetoric of Violence

Instructors

Antonio Terrone
847/467-1636
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge Hall #4-439
Office Hours: times vary by quarter, please contact instructor

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-435: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

This course investigates the intersections between religion and violence in the context of Buddhist Asia while also considering why in many religious traditions there seem to be a link between the two. The course will be structured in two parts: in the first part students will be encouraged to build expertise in the basic concepts, definitions, and general academic consensus (as well as debates) about categories including "religion," "violence," "sacrifice," "ritual," "martyrdom," and also "nationalism," "politics," and "terrorism" through reading both primary sources (in English translation) and secondary sources (scholarly writings). We will then move into an analysis of case studies that focus on specific circumstances where Buddhist rhetoric, scriptural authority, and religious practices have played a role in violence including suicide, terrorist-related actions, and self-immolation predominantly in pre- and modern Asia. Some of the provocative questions that this course asks include: Why and how is religion involved in politics? Is Buddhism a pacifist religion? How does religion rationalize violence? How can some Buddhist leaders embrace terror as a political tool? Are the recent practices of self-immolation in Tibet acts of violence? Can non-violence be violent?

The course counts towards the Religion, Law and Politics (RLP) and the Media, Technology, Journalism, and Religion (MTJR) religious studies major concentrations.

Learning Objectives

- Understand the complex relationship between religious belief and violent behavior
- Understand that some Buddhist scriptures address and engage the issue of violence in specific circumstances
- Explore both the justifications and rejections of violence within different religious traditions and historical contexts

Teaching Method

Class Materials (Required)

• Mark Juergensmeyer and Margo Kitts, Princeton Readings in Religion and Violence, Princeton University Press, 2011. ISBN 978-0691129143
• Michael Jerryson & Mark Juergensmeyer (eds), Buddhist Warfare. Oxford University Press, 2010. ISBN 978-0195394849

Class Attributes

Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
Ethics & Values Distro Area