AP/RLST 1855 9.00

Buddhism and Asian Cultures

This course introduces the diversity of Buddhist ideas and practices in Asia. Exploring Buddhism as a living tradition, it focuses on the impact and interpretation of Buddhism in historical and contemporary cultures. After developing a background in basic Buddhist philosophy we explore Buddhism’s cultural impact in literature, art, ritual, ethics, economics, social interaction and politics. Beginning with the biography of the Buddha and origins of Buddhism in ancient India, the course covers the development of Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana schools. The first semester will focus on the development of Buddhist ideas and their interpretation in contemporary practice in Southeast Asia (Burma/Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia or Laos), South Asia (India, Nepal, or Sri Lanka) and East Asia (China, Japan or Korea). The first semester's topics will include philosophical and narrative texts, art, archaeology, film and studies of ritual, including issues of monasticism and meditation. The second semester will explore ethnographic accounts of Buddhist life and contemporary issues, including discussions of magic, alchemy, gender and sexuality, democracy, nationalism and war.

RELIGIOUS TRADITION(S) COVERED: Buddhism, East Asian Religions

Course Category: Religion, Literature, and the Arts