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ASIA6051 Buddhist Thought

Offered By School of Culture, History and Language
Academic Career Graduate Coursework
Course Subject Asian Studies
Offered in First Semester, 2011 and First Semester, 2012
Unit Value 6 units
Course Description

The course will be concerned mainly with a history of ideas in Asian Buddhism, and its aim is to give students a conceptual grasp of important Buddhist ideas, myths and symbols. In addition to these theoretical concerns, we will examine the connection between theory and practice and the cross-cultural ramifications of Buddhist thought.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students should have a solid background in the history and basic doctrines of Buddhism and its current place in the world. In addition, they will be familiar with some of the conceptual tensions faced by Buddhists seeking to adapt their tradition to current issues such as abortion, euthanasia, climate change, and maintaining the environment.

Indicative Assessment

Two exams or Essays of 3,000 words (totaling 40%), Tutorial work (30%) and Research Essay of 4,000 words (30%)

Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but may expect more rigorous assessment, additional or more lengthy assignments, tailored to the graduate student’s interests.

Workload

33 contact hours per semester plus up to 7 non-contact hours per week (tutorial preparation and assignment writing).

Course Classification(s) AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs.
Areas of Interest Non Language Asian Studies
Requisite Statement

Permission of Program Convener

Prescribed Texts

Kasulis, T., Zen Action - Zen Person, State University of New York Press, 1981
Powers, J. Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, Snow Lion, 1995.

Programs Master of Asia-Pacific Studies and Master of Asia-Pacific Studies
Other Information

Delivery Mode:

On Campus

Academic Contact Professor John Powers and Professor John Makeham

The information published on the Study at ANU 2011 website applies to the 2011 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2010 website.

Updated:   13 Nov 2015 / Responsible Officer:   The Registrar / Page Contact:   Student Business Solutions