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Lecturer(s)
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Serrán-Pagán Cristóbal, prof. Dr.
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Course content
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Basic Literature: Kotler, Arnold, ed. (1996) Engaged Buddhist reader. Parallax Press: Berkeley, California. Recommended Literature: Bercholz, Samuel, and Sherab Chodzin Kohn. (1997) An introduction to the Buddha and his teachings. Barnes & Noble Books: New York. His Holiness the Dalai Lama. (2011) A profound mind: Cultivating wisdom in everyday life. Ed. Nicholas Vreeland. Three Rivers Press: New York. McLeod, Melvin, ed. (2017) The pocket Thich Nhat Hanh. Shambala: Boulder. Suzuki, D.T. (1964) An introduction to Zen Buddhism. Grove Press: New York. Yoshinori, Takeuchi. (1995) Buddhist spirituality: Indian, Southeast Asian, Tibetan, Early Chinese. Crossroad: New York.
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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unspecified
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Learning outcomes
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This course explores historical, cultural, philosophical, practical, and comparative developments of the Buddhist tradition from its inception in fifth century BCE India to its flourishing in various parts of the world today. We will take a close look at the life of Siddharta Gautama the Buddha and then we will turn our attention to the main Buddhist teachings and texts and examples of types of Buddhist practice in Theravada and Mahayana contexts. Also, we will examine important Buddhist developments in modern times. We will explore Tibetan Buddhism through the perspective of the Dalai Lama, engaged Buddhism through Thich Nhat Hanh, interfaith dialogue with Christianity, and investigate Buddhist ethical perspectives on a variety of issues. No previous study of Buddhism is required.
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Prerequisites
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unspecified
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Assessment methods and criteria
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unspecified
Students are expected to do the following if they want to get a good grade at the end of the semester: Attend classes (10%): Students are expected to attend classes and sign up on the sheet of paper at the beginning of the class. My policy of attendance is that students may miss up to 2 out of the 13 classes without any penalties. But once the student misses one more class the overall grade will drop one letter grade from A to B to C to D to F unless the student brings me proof of documentation from a doctor in case of illness. The student may fail the class if he or she misses a total of 6 classes which is almost half of the semester. Then, the student will need to repeat the class. Active participation in class (10%): Students are required to read all the material before coming to class. Be ready to actively participate in class discussions by sharing their thoughts with the professor and their classmates. How so? By asking good questions and sharing your opinions based on the reading material and your own research on the given topics. 4 short papers (15% each paper=60%): Students are required to submit 4 short papers (2 pages minimum and 3 pages maximum) based on the assigned readings. Which weakness and which strength did you find in each philosophical argument mentioned in the required chapters (see syllabus in Moodle)? Deadlines are important. Students will drop a letter grade each day it is delayed and is not submitted at the beginning of class. Oral Presentation (20%): Students will present orally one approved topic for research during the Exam week. It is mandatory to present on the chosen day. This counts 20% plus 10% from attendance and active participation. NOTE: In this seminar class there are no exams or quizzes but there are plenty of activities to learn from on how to improve your written and oral skills in English and to advance in your academic knowledge of the subject.
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Recommended literature
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