2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

THEO2220 Buddhism

20 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Dr Andrew Kennedy
Email: A.W.Kennedy@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

As a broad introduction to the study of Buddhism, the course develops from a critical examination of historical origins, individual and communal practices, and significant doctrines. Ideas, social forms and lineages of practice from later epochs and different cultural contexts are then considered. That process illuminates some problematic issues of tradition, innovation, and social order. A variety of methodological approaches are applied to a variety of primary sources, including suttas and sutras, biographies, commentaries and visual imagery. Amongst the topics discussed are the contemporary practice of Buddhism, the role and status of women in Buddhism and the prospective future for Buddhism in globalized societies.

Objectives

To introduce students to the broad range of ideas and practices that have characterised Buddhist religious forms in different cultures and historical periods; to enable students to reflect critically on those forms and on the scholarly interpretations that have been significant for the development of the western study of Buddhism.

Learning outcomes
The ability to critically assess a variety of influences, social, cultural, soteriological and philosophical, which combine to continually reform a major tradition of ideas and ritual practices.

Syllabus

The origins of Buddhism and their imaginative recreation; the elision and revelation of experience by doctrine; ideal and real forms of Buddhist practice; the origins and philosophy of the Mah'y'na; the practice of Tantra in India and Tibet; Therav'da under colonialism in South-East Asia; the transmission of Buddhism to China and Japan; forms of contemporary Buddhism in Britain; and the consequences of globalization.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	17	1.00	17.00
Seminar	5	1.00	5.00
Private study hours			178.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Seminar assessment, attendance register, one-to-one discussion of essay plans.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Tutorial Performance	Contribution to seminar discussion	10.00
Essay	3,000 words	45.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		55.00

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

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr	45.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		45.00

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: 16/04/2008

Disclaimer

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