URL study guide
https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/G_BATRSAL001Course Objective
After finishing this course, the student:- is able to historically contextualize important Buddhist events, persons, concepts and ideas;
- is able to describe and explain social and cultural patterns in these events, concepts and ideas;
- understands the mutual interrelatedness of such events, concepts and ideas;
- is able to read and explain Buddhist sutras.
Course Content
This module is an introduction to Buddhism as religion, philosophy, soteriology, and social-historical movement. In the module, the origins, nature and spread of Buddhism will be covered. Topics that will be discussed include: the context and the life of the Buddha, Early Buddhist teachings, community (Sangha) and Canon(s); Buddhist Philosophy; Buddhist Practices; Buddhist Material Cultures; Buddhist Ethics; Contemporary Buddhist Traditions and Lived Religion; and Buddhism beyond Modernity.Teaching Methods
SeminarsMethod of Assessment
Entry prerequisites to the written assessment:active course attendance higher than eighty percent (=no more than two absences) group presentation assignments (pass/fail) Written assignment (subject to fulfilment of prerequisite above): 100%Literature
- Harvey, P 2012, An Introduction to Buddhism. 2nd edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. ISBN 9780521676748 [Note: Additional literature will be announced on Canvas.]
Language of Tuition
- English
Study type
- Bachelor