URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/G_BATRSAL001

Course 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

Seminars

Method 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.]
Academic year1/09/2431/08/25
Course level6.00 EC

Language of Tuition

  • English

Study type

  • Bachelor