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Lecturer(s)
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Kraus Filip, Ph.D.
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Le Van Tuyen
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Course content
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This introductory course surveys a broad range of religious concepts and practices of various religions in Vietnam, as religion has always had a profound impact on Vietnamese society and culture. Thus, in order to understand every phase of Vietnamese life, the knowledge of religion is fundamental. Even though, officially Vietnam has no state religion, it is considered a predominantly Buddhist nation. However, all the world's great religions can be found in Vietnam. Apart from Buddhism, these are Animism, Confucianism, and Taoism, which are reflected subtly or obviously in behavior and customs of Vietnamese people. Christianity entered Vietnam later and has also become a religious force. Thus, the objective of this course is to shed light on classical and contemporary configurations of religion (Animism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Hinduism, Islam) in Vietnam from the epistemological approach. Attention will also be paid to the Cao Dai and Hoa Hao sects, two new religions established in Vietnam during the French colonial rule. Cao Dai was founded in 1919 by Le Van Trung and is practiced mainly in the Southern Delta region. Caodaism incorporates teaching from Buddha, Jesus, Confucius, Lao Tse, Victor Hugo, and others. Hoa Hao is a reformed Buddhist sect of the Theravada variety founded in 1939 by Huynh Phu So and practiced mainly in the Mekong Delta region. At present, in theory the country enjoys freedom of religion, however, in practice there are a number of limitations on worship. For instance, only eight, state-sanctioned religions are officially permitted, and no religion may propagate an ideology that is considered to contradict that of the government. Thus, special attention will also be paid to the State-Church relations. In short, the objective of this course is: 1) to shed light on the classical and contemporary configurations of religion in Vietnam from the epistemological approach; 2) to discuss religious modernity and plurality in Vietnam; 3) to explore popular beliefs and local cults in Vietnam; 4) to discuss State-Church relations.
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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Lecture, Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training), Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming)
- Attendace
- 27 hours per semester
- Homework for Teaching
- 57.5 hours per semester
- Preparation for the Exam
- 13.5 hours per semester
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Learning outcomes
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1) Improve students' knowledge of religions in Vietnam; 2) Sharpen students' thinking about religious issues in Vietnam, both from personal and sociological perspectives; 3) Give students an understanding of factors that affect the development of religions in Vietnam.
1) Improve students' knowledge of religions in Vietnam; 2) Sharpen students' thinking about religious issues in Vietnam, both from personal and sociological perspectives; 3) Give students an understanding of factors that affect the development of religions in Vietnam.
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Prerequisites
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There are no prerequisites for this course.
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Oral exam, Student performance, Seminar Work
Marks will be awarded on the basis of the following requirements: a) active participation in class - 20 % b) readings - 30 % c) a short paper of 10 pages - 20 % d) oral exam - 30 %
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Recommended literature
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BECHERT, Heinz and VU Duy-Tu. (1976). ?Buddhism in Vietnam,? in Buddhism in the Modern World. DUMOULIN and John C. MARALDO, ed. New York: Collier Books, pp. 186-193.
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BECHERT, Heinz and VU Duy-Tu. (1976). ?Buddhism in Vietnam,? in Buddhism in the Modern World. DUMOULIN and John C. MARALDO, ed. New York: Collier Books, pp. 186-193.
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CADIERE, Leopold. (1989). Religious Beliefs and Practices of the Vietnamese. Victoria.
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CADIERE, Leopold. (1989). Religious Beliefs and Practices of the Vietnamese.
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CADIERE, Leopold. (1989). Religious Beliefs and Practices of the Vietnamese.
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JUMPER, Roy. (1963). Sects and Communism in Vietnam. Orbis, 3:85-96.
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JUMPER, Roy. (1963). Sects and Communism in Vietnam. Orbis, 3:85-96.
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