Course Description
This course focuses on the varieties of Buddhism located throughout East Asia. It highlights themes related to the introduction, adaptation, and maturation of Buddhism in China before continuing on developments for Buddhism in Korea and Japan.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Decided in conjunction with professor at the beginning of the semester.
Athena Title
East Asian Buddhism
Semester Course Offered
Offered every odd-numbered year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will: 1) Understand the innovations in doctrine and praxis that were important to the development of Buddhism in East Asia. 2) Be knowledgeable about the overall history of East Asian Buddhism. 3) Wrestle with challenging philosophical and doctrinal concepts located in primary texts. 4) Critically evaluate traditional East Asian Buddhist myths, while acknowledging their role in the tradition. 5) Explain what some East Asian Buddhists think and do and why they do what they do.
Topical Outline
Weeks 1-4: Introduction to Buddhism up to Mahayana Buddhism Weeks 5-8: Buddhism in China Week 9: Buddhism in Korea Weeks 10-13: Buddhism in Japan Weeks 14-15: Alternative Approaches to Studying East Asian Buddhism
Syllabus