Buddhism: from India to the World (RELN2301)
Course level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Humanities Arts Social Science
School
Historical & Philosophical Inq
Units
2
Duration
One Semester
Class hours
Lecture 2 Hours/ Week
Tutorial 1 Hour/ Week
Incompatible
RE220, RE820, RELN7301
Assessment methods
Assignments, participation
Course enquiries
A/Prof Adam Bowles
Study Abroad
This course is pre-approved for Study Abroad and Exchange students.
Current course offerings
Course offerings | Location | Mode | Course Profile |
Semester 1, 2024 (19/02/2024 - 15/06/2024) | External | External | Course Profile |
Semester 1, 2024 (19/02/2024 - 15/06/2024) | St Lucia | In Person | Course Profile |
Please Note: Course profiles marked as not available may still be in development.
Course description
This course will introduce students to the teachings of Buddhism and its doctrinal and historical developments. While the initial focus will be the rise of Indian Buddhism in its historical context, over the duration of the semester students will be familiarised with the basic doctrines and practices of Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana (Tibetan) Buddhism, incorporating some examples drawn from contemporary practices. Students shall be encouraged to critically engage with Buddhist texts from different time periods and will be introduced to the problems of interpreting these texts. We will explore Buddhist monasticism, gender, politics, and the varieties of Buddhism in their historical and regional contexts.This course may not run if there are fewer than 20 enrolments.