BUDDHISM
Religious Studies 3350
Fall 2002
Instructor- Barbara Ring Kotowski, #747-7945, Religious Studies Office
Worrell Rail #202. Office hours before/after class or by appt.
WELCOME TO THIS COURSE
COURSE DESCRIPTION
We explore what it means to be a Buddhist. How does a Buddhist understand th~ world,
society, the individual- in short, the way things are. How have diverse cultures of Asia, the
primary home of Buddhism for its first two millennia, shaped Buddhist ideals, beliefs, and
practices; and how have Buddhists contributed to, and inspired the development of these
cultures? What is the status of Buddhism in America? What are the gender issues within the
Buddhist tradition?
CLASS FORMAT
Our class emphasizes collaborative/cooperative learning by using a discussion format.
Your participation in class discussion is a vital element. Therefore it is essential that you read the
assignment beforehand in order to be actively involved. To assist you I provide vocabulary lists,
supplemental handouts, visual aids and artifacts. Reflection/reaction papers may be assigned at
my discretion. I serve as a leader/participant and provide background and guidance with brief
lectures to supplement the textbooks. Other time will be devoted to student reports and guest
speakers on aspects of Buddhism such as meditation, art or music.
WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS
You are expected complete two short reports (500 word minimum, two full typed pages, doublespaced) on your personal experiences visiting each of two different Buddhist religious events.
You give these reports informally in class to promote our wider understanding of the diversity
within Buddhism. Due dates are listed on course calendar. Since class time is set aside for
presentations no late reports will be accepted.
There will be two exams (mid-term and final). Each will be a combination of objective short
answer and brief essay questions.
Since Buddhism emphasizes both WISDOM and COMPASSION you may choose to write either
a research term paper (2000 word minimum, 8 full typed pages) OR a brief report (1000 words, 4
typed pages) on participation in PRAXIS. Students who choose PRAXIS volunteer
approximately 20 hours during the semester with a community service agency helping people in
need. This provides opportunities for social, intellectual and spiritual growth as well as a
practical way to explore career interests. You present your term paper or PRAXIS report
informally in class to share experience and expand awareness of community concerns.
YOU MUST ATTEND CLASSES WHEN TERM PAPERS/PRAXIS REPORTS ARE
PRESENTED SINCE YOUR COLLEAGUES HAVE SPENT MUCH TIME AND EFFORT
WITH THESE PROJECTS.
EVALUAT ION
Final grade is weighted as follows:
Two reports —30 points each
Two exams -100 points each
Class participation
Term paper OR PRAXIS report
Total
Grading scale:
60 pts
200 pts
40 pts
100 pts
400 pts
A = 400—360 pts
B = 359—320 pts
C = 319—280 pts
D = 279—240 pts
F= 239 pts and below.
Due dates for written requirements are listed in the course calendar.
No late written assignments will be accepted so PLAN AHEAD.
In cases of extreme suffering (Dukkha) clear exceptions through me.
You are not graded on your oral presentations, solely on written material.
Since Buddhism encourages accumulation of “merit”, extra credit may be available if you are
interested in improving your grade Subject matter may include book reports, outside lectures,
special events, movie reviews and creative projects. i will advise you of such opportunities as
they arise.
Attendance is required. Attendance lists will be distributed at the start of each class period.
Latecomers may sign in at the end of class. You are responsible for any material discussed in
class and encouraged to pool resources, share class notes and study together. Only three absences
are allowed. I will drop students after the fourth absence. After October 18, the drop deadline,
you will lose 10 pts. for each absence over the allotted three. For unusual circumstances
(emergencies prolonged illness with Dr.’s verification, etc.) notify me for reconsideration.
TEXTBOOKS
Buddhism: A Cultural. Perspective, William La Fleur. Prentice-Hall, 1988.
Buddhism after Patriarchy, Rita M. Gross. SUNY 1993
Supplemental handouts will be provided periodically.
15%
50%
10%
25%
Week 1
Syllabus
Week 2
Handout
BUDDHISM (RS 3350) COURSE CALENDAR
Aug. 27
Introduction
29
Orientation and Syllabus
Sept. 3
Week 3
Week 4
pp.45-62
“
Week 6
pp.122—145
Roots of Buddhism- Hinduism
5
10
12
17
19
24
26
Week 5
Oct. 1
Week 7
pp.63—76
“
3
8
Week 8
pp.3—14
“
10
15
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
FALL 2002
17
22
24
“
29
31
Nov. 5
7
“
12
14
“
19
21*
“
26
28
Dec. 3*
5
The Buddha & Enlightenment- LaFleur Preface,Ch.1
4 Noble Truths and 8 Fold Path “ Ch.2 pp.1-44
Development of Buddhism
Ch.3
3 Jewels (Treasures)
“ The Buddha
The Sangha
The Dharma
Ch.5
Ch.6
Ch.7,8
pp.77-95
pp.96—121
REPORT # 1 DUE, ORAL CLASS PRESENTATIONS
2500 Years of Poetry
Ch.4
MID TERM EXAM
Orientations
Gross— Ch.1 & 2,
Early Indian Buddhism
Ch.3 & 4, pp.17-54
Indian Mahayana Buddhism
Ch.5, pp.55-77
Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism
Ch.6 & 7pp.79-121
Buddhist World View
Ch.8 & 9pp.125-51
Key Concepts: Egolessness
Ch.10 & llpp.153—71
Emptiness (Sunyata)Ch.12, pp.173—184
Buddha Nature
Ch.13, pp.185-206
Verdicts & Judgements
Ch.14, pp.209-255
Androgynous Institutions
Ch.15, pp.225-255
Androgynous View
Ch.16, pp.257-288
REPORT #2 DUE ORAL CLASS PRESENTATIONS
ORAL CLASS PRESENTATIONS CONT’D
HAPPY THANKSGIVING NO CLASS
TERM PAPERS & PRAXIS REPORTS DUE
ORAL CLASS PRESENTATIONS
FINAL EXAM THURSDAY DEC. 12 l0:OOAM-12:45PM
No due dates for exams or written assignments will be advanced.
It is your responsibility to become aware of any change, if necessary, to this calendar. It will be
announced in class and listed on the blackboard.
*Due dates for reports/papers. You may turn them in earlier than due date.