REL 261 - Buddhism

Description: An introductory survey of the Buddhist tradition, emphasizing its origin and development in Asia. Surveys doctrinal developments including the Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna paths, beginning with the legend of the Buddha and the formation of the monastic community.

Disclaimer: This course is currently under review for eligibility as a General Education course. It will not fulfill a General Education requirement unless it is recognized as such by at least one of the three public state universities, and also accepted as a departmental elective by at least one other.

Credits: 3
Lecture: 3
Lab: 0

Course Content:

1. Religious studies methods
2. History of Buddhism
3. Buddhism and the Buddha
4. Buddhism and philosophy
5. Buddhism and cosmology
6. Buddhism and meditation
7. Buddhism and modernity
8. Buddhism beyond Asia

1. Identify fundamental ideals of Buddhist thought and practice from the standpoint of the three major strands of Buddhism. (1-5)
2. Analyze religious ideals to real cases of Buddhists' lives today. (4-7)
3. Identify what is shared and what is unique among the various strands of Buddhist tradition that we examine. (3-7)
4. Explain specific ways in which the study of Buddhism sheds light on important, broader issues presently debated within the study of religion. (8)