Course Description
Religion in Japan from earliest times to the present, with emphasis upon Shinto, the domestication of Buddhism, and the relationship of religion to the Japanese state and "national identity." Particular attention given to the development of Zen in Japan.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Additional readings and a research paper along with more extensive examinations to reflect the additional responsibilities.
Athena Title
JAPANESE RELIGION
Prerequisite
Junior or senior standing or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered every odd-numbered year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
(1) To illumine the hermeneutic issues involved in understanding religion across cultures. (2) To introduce basic elements of the religious traditions of Japan. (3) To demonstrate the diverse factors that affect human life by observing the influence of historic, geographic, and economic factors on the nature and evolution of Japanese beliefs and practices. (4) To illustrate that religious traditions evolve, and that such evolution can be understood by reference to historical, intellectual, cultural, and existential phenomena. (5) To stimulate meaningful comparison, and contrast, of Japanese traditions with those more familar to students from their own cultural heritage. Communicate Effectively through Writing To strengthen skills in written composition, analysis, and presentation by means of projects such as essays, papers, reports, and examinations. Communicate Effectively through Speech To strengthen skills in oral expression, analysis, style, and interaction by means such as class reports, class discussion, and oral examinations. Computer Literacy To enhance and facilitate computer literacy by the use of word processing, the web, email, and OASIS through research, preparation, and presentation of work such as oral class reports and completion of written assignments. Critical Thinking To foster critical thinking by engaging in activities such as classroom discussion and debate, essay examinations, and oral presentations. Moral Reasoning (Ethics) To assist in the continued development of moral and ethical reasoning and reflection by encouraging creative thinking regarding individual and community concerns and needs, the challenging of prejudices and stereotypes, and examining rational and ethical bases of constructive social interactions.
Topical Outline
1. Introduction: "Religion" in Japan 2. Shinto: The Enduring Heritage 3. The Ancient Religious Heritage A. History and Religion in Ancient Japan B. The Myths of the Early Japanese State 4. The Encounter with Buddhism and Continental Culture 5. The Assimilation of Buddhism A. Saicho and the Tendai School B. Kukai and the Shingon School 6. Transition and Reformation in Medieval Japan 7. The Expansion of Buddhism: Pure Land A. Early Pure Land in Japan B. Shinran and "True Pure Land" 8. The Expansion of Buddhism: Nichiren 9. The Expansion of Buddhism: Zen A. The Development of Zen in China and Japan B. Life in the Zen Monastery C. Zen and the Arts 10. Religion in Modern Japan A. Christianity B. Bushido C. Neo-Confucianism D. New religions E. Nationalism and Religion
Syllabus