2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

EAST1510 Introduction to East Asian Religions and Philosophies

20 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Martin Seeger
Email: m.seeger@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Module replaces

EAST1500 and EAST1550

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module not only offers an introduction to some of the major religions and philosophical traditions of East Asia but also problematises the ways in which Asian religions have been represented and discussed within Western scholarship. The module also introduces some of Asia's major religious and philosophical texts, which will be discussed in relation to their historical and cultural contexts.

Objectives

This module offers an introduction to some of the major religions and philosophical traditions of East Asia. A central objective is to problematise the ways in which Asian religions have been represented and discussed within Western scholarship. The module will enable students to develop skills of cultural awareness and critical analysis by reflecting on the history of religious and Asian studies. Thus, it will look explore various conceptual, textual and anthropological approaches in the study of East Asian religions. The module also enables students to understand and critically analyse East Asia's major religious and philosophical texts in their broader historical and cultural context.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module you will be able to:
1. Synthesise information from various approaches to demonstrate the complexity of East Asian religious traditions
2. Discuss how historical contexts have shaped the study of East Asian religions and influenced scholarly perspectives.
3. Reflect on how cultural context influences the interpretation and practice of religious beliefs.
4. Develop the ability to critically reflect on personal experiences, values, and assumptions.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module you will be able to:
5 Examine primary sources critically, utilizing them as evidence to support your own arguments.
6 Recognise and assess arguments in scholarly literature, evaluate their credibility, and formulate your own position in response.
7 Communicate your ideas concisely and coherently in writing

Syllabus

The syllabus may include the following topics:
- influential texts of Buddhism, Islam, Shinto, Christianity, Confucianism or Daoism
- the function of texts within the context of religious textual practices
- the production of texts within the development of visual and performing art
- major concepts used in the (Western) study of Asian religions (keywords: Orientalism, scriptualism, Protestantism)
- textual and anthropological approaches to the study of Asian religions
- historical development, major doctrines and social practices of some of the major religions in East Asia (Buddhism, Islam, Shinto, Christianity, Confucianism and Daoism).

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	21	1.00	21.00
Practical	2	1.00	2.00
Seminar	8	1.00	8.00
Independent online learning hours			69.00
Private study hours			100.00
Total Contact hours			31.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Engaging with students during the seminars will allow teaching staff to monitor students' progress and give feedback. The assignments will allow students to explore their interests and receive individual feedback on their understanding and academic progress.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1,500 word essay	50.00
Reflective log	1,500 word reflective essay	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 07/02/2024

Disclaimer

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