This course offers an overview of the Buddhist tradition: from its beginnings in North India in the fifth century B.C.E. to its contemporary manifestations in Sri Lanka and South-east Asia, East Asia and Tibet.
A large part of the course will be devoted to examining and understanding the basic vision set forth by Gautama, the Buddha; the developments in ideas and practices that have taken place over the centuries; the spread of the movement across much of Asia and its interaction with indigenous cultural and religious traditions in the various areas to which it came; and the extraordinary diversity of the Buddhist tradition that is the result of the combination of these various elements.
As well, however, we will attempt to look in greater detail at some groups that remain important and vital in the contemporary world, in order to try to obtain a sense of the powerful appeal of
Buddhist ideas and practices.
Course Requirements:
1. Quizzes: There will be six quizzes aimed at testing the student's knowledge of basic terms and ideas of Buddhism. Each quiz will count for 5 marks towards the final grade. The quizzes will be held at the beginning of the classes on September 6, September 27, October 11, October 27, November 15, December
2. Examinations: There will be two examinations, each worth 15 marks. These will involve essay questions designed to enable to student to explore broader general topics and movements. The first will be a take-home exam handed out on October 11 and due on October 18. The second will be held in the exam period, on December 6 at 5 p.m.
3. Essay: An essay of 2000 to 2500 words will be written on a topic selected from a list provided by the instructor, or on a topic developed in consultation with the instructor. The essay will be due on November 22 and will be assigned 40 marks.
4. Textbooks:
Wm Theodore de Bary, The Buddhist Tradition
William LaFleur, Buddhism: A Cultural Perspective
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