Trinity Western University
RELIGIONS OF THE EAST
RELS 272 B (3 credit hours)
28 May – 15 June, Summer 2012
Mon-Tues, Thurs-Fri, 1.00.-4.00 p.m. – Northwest #101
Jonathan Dawn, PhD
Seal Kap House #108, Tel. 604.513.2121 ext. 3851; Fax. 604.513.2094; e-mail: jonathan.dawn@twu.ca
A. DESCRIPTION
“An analytical & critical study of the phenomena, the conceptual patterns, & the sacred texts of some of the major
Eastern religions. Each religion is studied as a total perspective for the life which is embodied in interpersonal & communal
life, in cult, & in ideology.”
In so doing, this course provides an introduction to the history, structure, belief systems & worship practices of
the dominant religions springing out of eastern Asia, their undergirding worldviews, as well as their influence in the Western
world. Attempts to achieve a broad understanding & appreciation of these & response to them will be fostered through
pertinent readings, hearing& sharing in the classroom, observing selected videos, visiting one or more important, religious
centres in the greater Vancouver area, &researching&integrating material learned by the thoughtful writing of a research
paper & examinations.
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B. OBJECTIVES
Following the completion of the course requirements, you should be able to:
1.discuss important individuals and key events formative in the historical development of each belief
2.understand fundamental, life-embracing issues that shape the world views for their followers
3.summarizedistinctives (traits, beliefs, requirements, and worship patterns) of each religious system
4.reflect and act upon a deepened understanding and sensitivity to peoples of different Faiths
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C. TEXT MATERIAL
Coogan, Michael, D., Gen. ed.(2005). Eastern Religions. Toronto: Oxford.
Student Resource Notebook
Read & watch the additional materials listed below (& use the study questions in the Resource Notebook):
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D. SCHEDULE
Date
WEEK #1
May 28 – Mon.
Material Covered
Intro.+Trad. Rel’s.
Pre-Reading Due (by 1 pm on the day listed)
Origin of religions: “On the Origin of Religion”:
http://cominganarchy.com/2009/12/03/on-the-origin-of-religion/
“Durkheim on Religion”:
http://web.pdx.edu/~tothm/religion/Durkheim%20on%20Religion.doc
“Some Theories …”:http://www.religioustolerance.org/rel_theory1.htm
Filipino Badjaos (Sea Gypsies):pp.35-57:
http://books.google.ca/books?id=2HaFBGl5BfwC&printsec=frontcover&dq=C
elebrations+with+the+Sun&hl=en&sa=X&ei=5QesT76XFYjliAKqPz0CA&ved=0CDkQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=Celebrations%20with%20the%2
0Sun&f=false
If this does not work, type in http://books.google.ca/; then type in
“Celebrations with the Sun;” click on the top item; click on “View all;” click on
“page 32..;” & scroll to p.35ff.
“The Yanomami of Catrimani River: The Yanomami”:
http://yanomamicatrimani.org/index.php/yanomami (1 ½ pages)
“Yanomamo Religion”: http://ksuanth.wetpaint.com/page/Yanomamo+Religion (1 p.)
May 29 – Tues.Film #1 + Folk Rel.
Folk Religion: Watch “The People’s Buddhism”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6XQf5glQqQWatch 1st 4.48 mins.
May 31 – Thurs.Quiz #1 + Hinduism + Film #2 Text: Chapter on Hinduism (Part 1, pp.8-109)
June 1 – Fri.
Hinduism + Film #3 + Buddhism survey
June 2– Sat.
Field Trip: to Hindu and Buddhist Temples
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Religions of the East (RELS 272 B), Summer ’12, p.2
WEEK #2
June 4 - Mon. Quiz #2 + Buddhism + Film #3
Text: chapter on Buddhism (Part 2: pp.110-211)
June 5 - Tues.Quiz #3 + Sikhism + Film #4 Sikhism: “Sikhism” http://wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism
June 7 - Thurs. Quiz #4 + Confucianism + Film #6
Text: Chapters on Confucianism (Part 3: pp.314-415)
June 8 - Fri. No class today (because of field trip on 2 June)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
WEEK #3
June 11 – Mon.Taoism + Film #7 + Shinto
Text: Chapter on Taoism & Shinto(Parts 3/5: pp. 212-313, 416-517)
Video clip: “How to visit a shrine in Japan”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxGaBzOc0zY&feature=related 4.15m.
June 12 – Tues.Quiz #5 + E. Influences Intro. + Examples
June 14 – Thurs.Quiz #6 + Examples + Review for Final
June 15 – Fri.Final Exam.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Films:
Quizzes & Topic
#1
Traditional Religions: “The Way of the Ancestors”
#1
Trad. Rel’s& Folk Rel.
#2
Hinduism: “330 Million Gods”
#2
Hinduism
#3
Hinduism: Dalit Untouchables
#3
Buddhism
#4
Sikhism: “Sikhism” – a modern history
#4
Sikhism
#5
Buddhism: “Footprint of the Buddha”.
#5
Confucianism & Taoism
#6
Confucianism: Confucius
#6
Shinto
#7
Chinese Trad.Rel’s.: “A Question of Balance”
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E. EXPECTATIONS
1. Read the assigned textbook (all) and extra unit readings in the work book and on-line; use the pages of questions for each
reading and video for your own help; and watch a few video clips on your own.
Participate in the class discussion.
2. Choose ONE (1) independent project from the following 3 (14%). Due: 22 June at noon.
a. Scripture analysis of the Bhagavad Gita
Read ch’s 2, 8-11, 18 of the popular Hindu story, the Bhagavad Gita, & give:
a) an understanding of Hinduism from these writings (about.2 pages (+ quotes)
b) your own response/evaluation/insights/critique (about.2 pages.)(+ quotes)
* Make use of the version at http://eawc.evansville.edu/anthology/gita.htm
b. Portfolio
a)Compile a portfolio of a minimum of 25 documented articles, pictures, advertisements, etc. from the
popular, local press, regional newspapers and magazines that show the influence of Eastern (religious)
worldviews on Canada (& our region in particular). These items are to be from the 2012 only.
** Influence can include such things as actual stories, advertising pertaining to such practices as yoga and
meditation, means for discovering the future, use of terms or symbols, radio or TV programming
If you use an ethnic newspaper/journal/magazine, no more than 2 items can be taken from this.
b)Give a 2-3 page report summarizing your findings on key points learned/inferred/promoted by these
articles/pictures/broadcasts/etc.
c. Interview someone of another faith than yours (& I would suggest either Hindu, Sikh, or Buddhist).
Formulate questions in advance, keeping in mind that you are wanting to learn and not interrogate! Don’t make the
interview rigid, or the questions closed to either the answer you want or portrayed negatively. Let the interviewee
share her/his ideas/beliefs. Remember that it is not a debate. Don’t overlook the connection between belief and
practice, religion and culture. Much of importance will be found in daily life activities.
Analysis. As you reflect on what information you have gathered, think in terms of the triangle of beliefs (&
values), practices, and systems/structures
Comparison. How do your beliefs, practices ad structures compare?
Format: point form; Length: c.5-6 pages double-spaced
Religions of the East (RELS 272 B), Summer’12, p.3
3.
Write a research paper on a topic of your interest BUT cleared with the instructor in advance..(25%) Due:29 June
[-see topic ideas of students from past classes in Appendix A] that either:
You must either a) go into more depth about some aspect of one of the faiths discussed,
or b) compares a theme between different faiths
or c) reviews a faith or offshoot or prophet that we have not covered in class (eg’s. Falun Gong, Sai Baba, religious
affiliations of martial arts)
Develop a well-constructed, 8 page paper, following the APA format* (unless your Dept. uses another which then
must be identified on your cover page), and make good use of at least 8 quality sources (beyond your textbook). [*
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01]
Submit a paper copy of your research essay, BUT be ready to submit an electronic copy if requested.
4. Go on ONE (1) of the followingField Trips (16%) Due: 7 June at 1 pm.
1.
Join the class in visiting a Hindu Temple in Vancouver and aBuddhist Temple in Richmond On Saturday, 2nd
June (8am-12.30 pm). At the Hindu Temple, we shall listen to a Brahman priest, and be able to observe and
ask questions. The time at the ornate Buddhist temple in Richmond will be self-guided with your instructor.
Type up a point-form response (in the Resource Notebook) of a minimum of 2 pages (each)
2. Travel independently to the Sun Yat Sen Gardens in downtown Vancouver & take their tour
(http://www.vancouverchinesegardens.com (-for pricing & direction)*
3. Visit the UBC Museum of Anthropology on your own time(6393 N.W. Marine Drive, Vancouver Tel.604.822.5087; http://www.moa.ubc.ca).*
4. Make your way to theLilwat Aboriginal Cultural Centre & Museum, Whistler, BC (866.441.7522;
http://www.slcc.ca)*
*Submit a single spaced, 3 page, point form report of evidence you saw for an animistic or Confucian worldview &
religious orientation (Same instructions for #s 2, 3, & 4 above)
5. Take the following examinations: (45%)
a. Quizzes (15%)
1) will follow the period after each section is completed. [Missed quizzes will not be repeated.]
2) will include multiple choice & perhaps completion/fill ins, & 25 questions each & 1 pt. each
b. Final Exam [30%]:
1) will be comprehensive
2) will include multiple choice, brief answers & longer answers (about 1/3 each)
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F. COURSE - UNIVERSITY POLICIES (http://www.twu.ca/academics/calendar/2011-2012-academic-calendar.html)
1. ATTENDANCE
a. “[You] are expected to attend all classes…”
b. An attendance list will be circulated in each class. It is each person’s responsibility to sign in at each class.
c. If absences occur that exceed 6 periods of the course (except for documented accidents, injuries or sickness
accompanied by a doctor’s note, or a verified family tragedy), no mark will be given for the Final Examination.
a. Absences from the scheduled quizzes will not be made up but for medical certificates
b. Habitual, unjustified lateness will result in a 5% deduction
2. LATE ASSIGNMENTS
a. Paper copies of all assignments must be submitted. [Save all documents on your computer until you have received a
course grade.]
b. Late assignment will receive a mark but no comments.
c. Assignments are on time if they are handed in during class time on the due date, not afterwards.
d. All late assignments will be accepted up to 1 week late only, but at a penalty of 5%/ day (& weekend)/assignment. If
you know you will have some upcoming commitments or conflict, make sure to do the assignment early.
e. Late assignments must be signed & dated by an administrator or a faculty member, not simply slid under the door
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
3. EXAMINATIONS (& note 1c. above)
a. “A student who is absent from a final examination without an acceptable excuse will be assigned a zero for that
examination. Absence due to illness must be supported by a medical certificate indicating the nature of the illness.
If an examination is missed for any reason, including illness, the student must notify the faculty member prior to
the examination and Enrolment Services within 48 hours of the missed examination, giving written documentation
explaining the absence.”
b. Electronic dictionaries and cell phones cannot be brought to the Quizzes and Final examination.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Religions of the East (RELS 272 B), Summer’12, p.4
4. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Because integrity is a core value of the entire TWU community, it is your responsibility to check at least 1 of:
http://www.acts.twu.ca/lbr/plagiarism.ppt; http://www.acts.twu.ca/lbr/Plagiarism.swf(14 minute flash tutorial)
http://www.acts.twu.ca/lbr/Plagiarism_Short.swf (8 minute flash tutorial). Intentional disregard of these standards will
be penalized, and a permanent notice on one’s academic record.
5. CLASS CANCELLATION
In the event of deteriorating weather conditions overnight or other emergency situation, information regarding the
cancellation of classes will be available on www.twu.ca/conditions. TWU also provides information to the radio stations
CKNW (980 AM), CKWX (1130 AM), STAR FM (107.1 FM), PRAISE (106.5 FM), & KARI (550 AM) by 6.30 a.m., &
announcements will be placed on the University’s weather bulletin notification message box (604.513.2147).
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
6. GRADING SCALE (cf, slightly different university scale)
GRADE
%
GPA
GRADE INTERPRETATION GUIDELINES
A+
97-100
4.3
OUTSTANDING, EXCELLENT WORK. Exceptional performance; strong evidence of
A
93-96
4.0
A-
90-92
3.7
B+
85-89
3.3
B
81-84
3.0
B-
77-80
2.7
C+
73-76
2.3
C
69-72
2.0
C-
64-68
1.7
D+
60-63
1.3
D
55-59
1.0
D-
50-54
0.7
F
1-49
0
original thinking; clear capacity to analyze, synthesize, evaluate, elaborate; eloquence and
insight in written expression; demonstrated masterful grasp of the subject matter and
its implications; evidence of an extensive and detailed knowledge base.
GOOD, COMPETENT WORK. Laudable performance with evidence of some original
thinking, careful organization; satisfactory critical and analyticalcapacity; reasonably
error-free written expression, supported with arguments and well documented; a good
grasp of the subject matter, both concepts and key issues; overall, shows a serious,
responsible engagement with the course content.
REASONABLY SATISFACTORY WORK.Fair performance but limited evidence of
original thinking and the capacity to analyze, synthesize or evaluate course material;
undue reliance on rote memory; fairly clear but uninspiring written expression, with
problems in mechanics or syntax; weak in documented support; satisfactory grasp of
basics, but lacks detailed understanding of the course content.
MINIMALLY ACCEPTABLE WORK. Relatively weak performance with little evidence of
original thinking or ability to analyze and synthesize course material; written expression
frequently lacks a coherent argument; ideas are undeveloped; an inadequate grasp of
basic elements of the course.
INADEQUATE WORK.Poor performance indicating a lack of understanding of essential
subject matter; written expression is poorly organized, often incoherent, with mechanical
and diction errors; shows little evidence of even basic competency in the course content.
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Religions of the East (RELS 272 B), Summer’12, p.5
APPENDIX A:Some past, student research paper ideas
[from: Animism (Voodoo), Folk Religions, Hinduism (sects), Buddhism (sects), Jainism (sects), Sikhism (sects), Shinto, Confucianism. Taoism,
Eastern Influences (martial arts, astrology, FengShui, extreme environmentalism, holistic health, meditation, yoga)]
Buddhism and the Environment or Science or Politics
Symbolism in Hinduism or Sikhism or Buddhism or Jainism or Taoism or Shinto or ….
Hinduism and the environment
Are Hinduism and Buddhism Really Interested in Global Warming?
Ecology from Hindu and Buddhist Perspectives
Role or Restriction?: the Position of Women in Hinduism/ or … / or …
[Religion] and the family/marriage and sex
A Comparison of Hindu and Chinese Views on Health
Is there a difference between religion and culture?
Hearing the Divine: the role of the mantra
On the Comparison of a Monk (Buddhism) and a Sanyassi (Hinduism)
What does it mean to be holy in Hinduism/Buddhism/Shinto/…?
The Role of the Master in Zen
The place/role of a women in Hinduism &/or Buddhism &/or Sikhism & or Shinto
The tension between Conservative and Liberal streams of Sikhism in the GVRD
Reason and Enlightenment to a Zen Buddhist
Parallels between Mahayana (or Pure Land) Buddhism & Christianity
Folk Buddhism/Hinduism
The Relationship of History to Buddhism/Hinduism
The Upsurge of Fundamentalism in Buddhism/Hinduism
Is Hinduism missionary-minded?
Animistic underpinnings of Shintoism
Understanding Animistic N. American Traditions: the Navajo/…
Attitudes toward death in Hinduism/Buddhism/Tibetan Buddhism/…
The Role of the Spirits within Tibetan Buddhism
Jainism: similarities and differences with its Hindu ‘mother’
N. American reinterpretation of Yoga/Reincarnation/Buddhism (as illustrated in the SokaGakkai)
A Comparison of Buddhist & Hindu views on reincarnation
Japanese (or Buddhist or Hindu or Sikh) Festivals as reflections of a religious worldview
Khalistan: Reasons for and against the formation of a Sikh Nation
A Hindu or Buddhist or Chinese or Sikh or Shinto view of suffering
What is religion?
What does it mean to be religious?
Is Hinduism one belief System?
The relationship between religion and culture
The Story behind the Air India Terrorism
Does Wicca have an ancient history?
The Purpose of Prayer in Buddhism or …
A Wiccan View of the World
The Caste System in Sikhism
Evidences of Eastern Influences in Western Medical Practice The Religious ‘Voice’ of Deep Ecology
Why did Buddhism not flourish in India?
The Worldview of Voodoo
The Plight of the Dalits in India
The Worldview of the Falun Gong
Understanding the Hindu Caste System
The Worldview behind Astrology
Varanasi: the heart of Hinduism
The Role of Fatalism in Hinduism
The Life & Death of Sai Baba
Religious tensions in Canadian Sikhism
Are Chinese Traditional Practices Religious?
Art Contextualization and the Buddha Figure
The Resurgence of native American Animism
MaitreiaBuddhe: The Expected One
The ‘Repackaging’ of Buddhism in the West
Maitreia Buddha and Jesus
Buddhist appeal to the West