Click on the name of an institution to see their courses relating to
Buddhism:
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Bath College of
Higher Education,
Study of Religions department
University of
Bristol,
Centre for Buddhist Studies,
Department of Theology and Religious
Studies
University
of Cambridge,
Divinity Faculty
University
of Cambridge,
Oriental Faculty
University of
Wales, Cardiff College,
Department of Religious and Theological Studies
Chichester
Institute of Higher Education
School of Religion and Theology
University of
Dundee,
Department of Philosophy
University of
Durham,
Department of Anthropology
University of
Durham,
Department of Philosophy
University
of Edinburgh,
Department of Social Anthropology
University
of Edinburgh,
Centre for Continuing Education
Glasgow Bible
College
Centre for Christian Studies
Goldsmiths
College, University of London,
Department of Historical and Cultural
Studies
University of
Hull,
Theology Department
University of
Kent,
Board of Theology and Religious Studies
King's College,
London,
Department of Theology and Religious Studies
University
of Lancaster,
Department of Religious Studies
University of
Wales, Lampeter,
Department of Theology and Religious Studies
University of
Leeds,
Department of Philosophy
University of
Leeds,
Department of Theology and Religious Studies
University
of Liverpool,
Department of Philosophy
Liverpool
John Moores University,
Department of Psychology
University
of Manchester,
Department of Religions and Theology
University
College of St. Martin,
Department of Religious Studies and Social Ethics
University
of Middlesex,
School of Philosophy and Religious Studies
University
of Newcastle Upon Tyne,
Department of Religious Studies
University of
Oxford,
Oriental Institute
University of
Oxford,
Theology Faculty Centre
School of Oriental and African Studies
University of
Stirling,
Department of Religious Studies
University
of Sunderland,
School of Social and International Studies,
Religious
Studies Section
Westminster
College, Oxford,
School of Theology
University of
Wolverhampton,
Religious Studies Section
BATH COLLEGE OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Study of
Religions Department
Newton St. Loe,
Bath,
BA2 9BN
The following
courses have a Buddhism component. All can be taken part-time.
Level 1
(= year 1)
'Study of religions' SR101 or 102 (depending on
circumstances) usually includes a short section on Zen in the 'Texts and
Interpretations' part of the course. It's about 20% of a module which is 1/6 of
their year. Tutor: Brian Bocking
SR104 'Hinduism and Buddhism' is an
introductory module, 1/6 of a year, aimed particularly at QTS students aiming
for RE jobs but taken by any B.A./B.Sc./DipHE students in the Modular Scheme.
Tutors: Denise Cush, Catherine Robinson.
Level 3 (Advanced - there's
no level 2!)
'Buddhism'
Tutor Brian Bocking with Helen Waterhouse.
1/6 year module.
Broad coverage of Buddhism: texts, history.
'Japanese Religions'
Tutor Brian Bocking
1/6 year
module
Includes Buddhism in relation to Shinto, Confucianism and New
religions etc.
SR310 'Religions in Britain'
This is a placement
course: students spend a week individually in a religious community with
preparation lectures and follow-up seminars.
Buddhist placements we
regularly use include Samye ling, Manjushri & other NKT centres,
Chithurst/Amaravati/Devon Vihara, Khemadhammo's vihara (Forest Hermitage) and
Throssel Hole.
1/6 of year Compulsory for all Study of Religions single
hons/major/minor students though they may not go to a Buddhist placement.
Perhaps 15-20 a year do stay at Buddhist centres.
Postgraduate:
M.A.
in Contemporary Religions module
'Contemporary East Asian
Religions'
Tutor: Brian Bocking
Covers a variety of contemporary religious
movements and traditions in China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Indonesia etc.
including Buddhist movements.
Students may take it as one of their 4 taught
modules, and may develop a dissertation in this area or another area of
contemporary religion (which may include Buddhism).
M.Phil./Ph.D.
research available in Buddhist Studies, various areas.
Topics currently
being supervised in the department include:
Madhyamika and Postmodernism
(You-xuan Wang)
Zen-Christian dialogue in Japan (Tim Barker)
Contemporary Developments in British Buddhism (Helen Waterhouse)
Buddhism in Ireland (Wendy Jermyn)
Staff research interests include:
Denise Cush (books on Buddhism, recent paper on Buddhism & new Age)
Jo Backus (Buddhism & RE - Ph.D. in progress)
Brian Bocking
(Japanese Buddhism, adaptation to UK. E Asian religions including Buddhism)
For further information on the Department, see: Bath College of Higher Education
Study of Religions Department
***********************************************
UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
Centre for
Buddhist Studies,
Department of Theology and Religious Studies,
36
Tyndall's Park Road,
Bristol,
BS8 1PL
Undergraduate course modules
include:
Theravaada Buddhism,
Theravaada Abhidhamma,
Theravaada
Buddhist Practice in Asia
Yoga and Devotion
Pali,
Sanskrit,
Aspects of Indian Civilisation
Mahaayaana Buddhism
The Coming of
Buddhism to Tibet
The Practice of Tibetan Religion
M.A. in Buddhist
Studies
This concentrates mainly on the Theravaada and Indo-Tibetan
traditions.
It is one year full-time or extended study over two years
Course components:
i) Two units of either Sanskrit, or Pali, or
Classical Tibetan (as available).
ii) Theravaada Buddhism and Mayaayaana
Buddhism
Plus either:
Two of:
iii) Psychology and Philosophy in the
Abhidhamma
iv) The Buddhist Path to Awakening
v) Theravaada Practice in
Asia
Or:
vi) The Coming of Buddhism to Tibet and the Practice of Tibetan
religion
Plus a dissertation
Tutors:
Dr Paul Williams for
Indo-Tibetan tradition
Dr Rupert Gethin, for the Theravaada tradition
Postgraduate supervision:
Any aspect of early or Theravaada Buddhist
history or thought
The relationship of early Buddhism and other forms of
Buddhism
The transmission and understanding of Madhyamaka philosophy in
Tibet (and possibly China)
Mahaayaana Buddhist Philosophy and Religion in
India
For further information for courses at Centre for Buddhist Studies
at the Department, see: University of Bristol Dept. of
Theology and Religious Studies
***************************************************************
BRUNEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
300, St
Margaret's Road,
Twickenham,
TW1 1PT
The is an undergraduate
module on Buddhism, and postgraduate supervision on Buddhism is also available.
For information, contact Dr David
Scott
*************************************************************************
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Divinity
Faculty,
The Divinity School,
St. John's Street,
Cambridge,
CB2
1TW
The Faculty has a two part Tripos. In Part I, there is no real
provision for the study of Buddhism. In Part II (year 1 of this), there is:
'Introduction to Hinduism and Buddhism', dealing with basic
concepts.
Part II (year 2 of this):
'Special topics in Hinduism and
Buddhism' covers both Mahaayaana and Theravaada
'Self and Salvation in
Indian and Western Thought', a broad-brush course which contains some questions
from Buddhism
Postgraduate supervision:
Buddhism covered to some
extent.
For further information, contact Dr Julius Lipner
************************************************************************
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Oriental
Studies Faculty,
Sidgwick Avenue,
Cambridge,
CB3 9DA
The
Tripos on Indian Studies includes courses on Sanskrit and Pali, and aspects of
Buddhism are covered in treating Indian culture and history. The Japanese
Studies Tripos includes material on Japanese religions.
For further
information, contact Dr Eivind Kahrs
**************************************************************************
UNIVERSITY OF WALES, CARDIFF COLLEGE
Department of Religious & Theological Studies,
52 Park Place,
Cardiff,
CF1 3AT
Undergraduate course modules include:
Introduction to Indian Religion
Buddhism
Elementary Sanskrit
Sanskrit Texts
Postgraduate Courses:
Postgraduate Supervision:
Jainism (all aspects)
Classical Indian Religion
For information,
contact Dr W.J. Johnson
****************************************************************************
CHICHESTER INSTITUTE OF HIGHER
EDUCATION
School of Religion and Theology,
The Dome,
Upper
Bognor Road,
Bognor Regis,
PO21 1HR
There is an undergraduate
course module on Buddhism
For further information, contact Mr. Clive Erricker
****************************************************************************
UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE
Philosophy
Department,
Dundee,
DD1 4HN
For information on courses with
components relating to Buddhism, contact Mr David Bastow
Postgraduate
supervision is given on topics in Buddhist philosophy
****************************************************************************
UNIVERSITY OF DURHAM
Anthropology
Department,
43, Old Elvet,
Durham,
DH1 3HN
For information
on course components relating to Buddhism, contact Dr Sandra Bell
*****************************************************************************
UNIVERSITY OF DURHAM
Philosophy
Department,
50, Old Elvet,
Durham,
DH1 3HN
For information
on course components relating to Buddhism, contact Professor David
Cooper
****************************************************************************
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Department
of Social Anthropology,
Edinburgh
For information on course
components relating to Buddhism, contact the
Department
****************************************************************************
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Centre
for Continuing Education,
11, Buccleugh Place,
Edinburgh
Autumn
1996 courses include:
'Tibet: History, Culture and Religion'
9 weeks
from the middle of October (dates to be finalised but probably Monday evening
7.30 - 9pm).
14 hours, around 50% on or related to Buddhism
Spring
1997 courses include:
'The Religions of Tibet'.
9 weeks from
mid-January, 1.5 hours per week.
History of Buddhism's introduction to and
growth in Tibet, the history of the various Orders, ecclesiastical and monastic
structures, philosophy, ritual practices, etc. Inevitably, a fair amount of time
will be given to the discussion of Tantra, especially in its social and communal
uses. This course will also cover Bon, Buddhism's "sister religion" in Tibet.
Tutor for both: Martin Mills
****************************************************************************
GLASGOW BIBLE COLLEGE
Centre for
Christian Studies,
731 Western Road,
Glasgow,
G12 8QX,
Scotland
Planned for 1998-99 is a third level course, representing
one quarter of a term's work, on Buddhism. This aims to give an overview of the
various main traditions within Buddhism and understanding of their distinctive
beliefs and practices.
Objectives include developing the ability to respond
critically and sensitively, in the context of interfaith dialogue, to the major
doctrines of Buddhism, and to be able to evaluate the links between Buddhism and
contemporary western thought.
For further information, contact Rory
Mackenzie
****************************************************************************
GOLDSMITHS COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
Department of Historical and Cultural Studies
London,
SE14 6NW
"Buddhist Asia: A Cultural History"
Available to undergraduates as a
course unit on the B.A. Historical Studies syllabus.
The course provides an
introduction to the main beliefs and practices of Buddhism in the context of an
overview of its historical and cultural evolution in Asia. It also considers
selected contemporary ethical and ecological issues from a Buddhist perspective.
"Buddhism through its Texts"
An intercollegiate course (E Paper) to
University of London History undergraduates.
Course Description: Early
Buddhist literature provides a wealth of information on social life, political
organisation, philosophy, religion and culture in ancient India. The aim of this
course is to explore the formative phase of Buddhism in the early centuries B.C.
mainly through primary sources. The Diigha and Majjhima Nikaayas will be used as
the basis of an interdisciplinary exploration of the above themes, supplemented
by appropriate secondary literature. Some knowledge of Buddhism is desirable but
not essential.
Teaching in seminars and examination is by one three-hour
paper which will include a compulsory question on gobbets and an essay of
5000-10000 words.
An M.A. in Philosophy and Religion is scheduled to
commence in September 1997
****************************************************************************
UNIVERSITY OF HULL
Theology
Department,
Hull,
HU6 7RX
This has a module which is a component
of all first year theology or joint honours degrees titled 'Religious Traditions
of South Asia'
It is taught by Dr. Daniel Mariau. Dr. Mariau also teaches
other Indian religion courses as well as Philosophy of Religion.
****************************************************************************
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Board of Theology and
Religious Studies,
Canterbury
Kent,
CT2 7NP
Undergraduate
course modules include:
Asian religions
Introduction to Hinduism and
Buddhism
Indian Religious Thought
Issues in Religious Studies: The Self:
Issues in Religion, Philosophy and Parapsychology Magic
Postgraduate
Courses:
M.A. in Mysticism and Religious Experience, which includes modules
on:
Buddhism and Christianity: Comparative Studies
Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan language
Death and Dying
Postgraduate Supervision:
Mysticism and Religious Experience
Buddhism, especially Tibetan Buddhism
****************************************************************************
KING'S COLLEGE, LONDON
Department of
Theology and Religious Studies,
Strand,
London,
WC2 2LS
B.A.
(Hons) in Religious Studies/Theology/Philosophy - or, indeed, any other
humanities degree within London University: students can take 1 or 2 courses in
other departments/colleges.
Degrees within the Department of Theology and
Religious Studies can be either full or part time, but individual modules cannot
be spread over more than one year. Full time students do four 1-unit modules (or
equivalent) a year
'Approaches to the Indian Religions': First year
introductory course, mainly 'Hinduism' but with some cover of Buddhism, Jainism
and Sikhism.
'Essentials of Buddhism': Second year course concentrating
mainly on Theravaada Buddhism, but including some Mahaayaana
Buddhism.
'Mahaayaana Buddhist Suutras': Third year text-based course on
development of Mahaayaana Buddhism
'Indian Religious Philosophy': Third
year course examining key religio-philosophical issues (ontology, epistemology,
causation, etc.) with a close examination of several classical Indian
philosophical 'systems'.
Approx. half on Buddhism.
M.A. in Indian
Religion offers courses in key areas of Indian Religion,
including several
courses on Buddhism.
Courses on Buddhism can be taken from an M.A. in other
subjects.
M.A. can be done part time, and comprises a total of three modules
(compulsory Methods and Foundations course) plus one dissertation.
Ph.D.
supervision available in both Pali Buddhism (not Abhidhamma) and Mahaayaana
Buddhism
(Dr Sue Hamilton and Prof. Fred Hardy)
For further
information, contact Dr Sue
Hamilton
****************************************************************************
LANCASTER UNIVERSITY
Department of
Religious Studies,
Bailrigg,
Lancaster,
LA1 4YG
Undergraduate Course
(PART ONE)
R.St 100: Religion
in the Modern World
In the first year Religious Studies course
(R.St.100), students are introduced to Religious Studies by exploring the place
of religion in the modern world. Three out of five major religious traditions
(Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam) are selected each year for
special study. The first year course considers key features of these traditions,
and the ways in which they have developed in modern times. Contemporary
transformations of religion, like the growth of the New Age Movement, are also
studied. During the summer term of their first year, Religious Studies students
participate in small groups that focus on special topics, such as one of the
following: Mysticism and Modernity; Religion and Rationality; Evil and
Modernity; the Quest for Eastern Wisdom; Women and Christianity; Hippies, New
Agers and Witches; Religion and Politics; Religion and Psychoanalysis;
Representations of Christ in Modern Art and Film; Religion in India - the
Traditional Meets the Modern.
"Buddhism", is a four weeks part (1/4) of this
full unit consortial course. This course is compulsory for the first year
students.
Workload: Weekly workload is two one-hour lectures and a one hour
seminar, plus your own study, essay and project preparation time.
(PART
TWO)
R.St 201: Traditions and Transformations: Asian Religions and
Modernity
(Two terms, about 65% Buddhism)
Tutors: H.Kawanami,
S.McFarlane, G.Samuel, D.Smith
This course is one of the three core courses
for the second year students.
After an introductory five weeks introducing
the historical, social and cultural background to the religions of South,
Southeast and East Asia, this course consists of three sections, on Theravada
Buddhism, Hinduism and Chinese religions. These religions are reviewed in the
light of the contemporary issues considered in the parallel courses Rst 200 and
202 (authorities and arguments; selves; gender and power; and modernity), and
the various issues are viewed from Asian perspectives. The course is designed
for students entering Part II, and will provide a firm foundation for those
wishing to go on to more specialised study of Western religion. While the course
parallels and complements Rst 200 and 202, it is free-standing and may be taken
as an independent unit.
Teaching method: Two lectures per week, one
seminar per fortnight.
(Other Second & Third Year Courses)
R.St 203op: Theravaada Buddhism
[one term]
Tutor: Hiroko
Kawanami
This course deals with historical traditions and contemporary
religious life in Theravaada Buddhist countries in Southeast Asia. Basic
Buddhist concepts are taught from the Pali canon available in English. The
living faith is observed from people's Buddhist ways of life, their moralities
and rites of passage. The relationship between the monkhood and laity is
observed, including the relationship between religious authority and political
power. The position and status of women in Buddhism is also analysed in detail.
The course does not deal with Theravaada Buddhism as a static entity but as a
fluid living religion characterised by both continuity and change.
Teaching Method: One lecture and one seminar weekly
R.St 206:
Hinduism
Tutor: D.Smith
R.St 213op: Religion in Traditional
China
[one term]
Tutor: Stewart McFarlane
This course will
introduce the major forms of religious expression in China: Confucianism, Taoism
and Buddhism. We shall consider how these traditions have functioned on a
collective and a personal level in traditional Chinese society. The following
texts will be read: Confucian Analects, Tao Te Ching, Chuang Tzu, Platform
Suutra, Amitaayur-Dhyaana Suutra.
Teaching Method: Two weekly lectures
with seminars every three weeks
R.St 221op: Religion and Martial
Arts
[one term]
Stewart McFarlane
The course examines some of the
ways in which martial arts have developed in relation to key images and concepts
in Eastern cultures. We shall also consider how these arts and their related
concepts are appropriated in the West. The distinction between communal and
soteriological religion will be discussed, along with the roles of martial arts
as combat methods, ritualised sports, means of cultural education and
celebration, spiritual training, magical empowerment and protection and symbolic
resistance, dramatic performance and popular entertainment. Eastern notions of
body, mind and reality will be considered in relation to martial arts. Special
arts, traditions and teachers will be considered will include: Kalaripayit,
Shao-lin Ch'uan Fa, Wing Chun, T'ai Chi Ch'uan, Pa Kua, concepts of Bushido,
Kenjutsu, Kano Jigoro, Ueshiba Morihei, Cheng Man-ch'ing, Doshin So. Extensive
use will be made of video material and practical demonstrations.
Teaching Method: one weekly lecture with seminars every three weeks
R.St 222op: Mysticism
[one term]
Tutor: Stewart McFarlane
An introduction to the diversity of mystical practices and experiences
within some of the major religious traditions. Consideration of some of the
important theoretical and methodological problems which arise in the study of
mysticism.
R.St 226op: Eastern Religious Art and
Architecture
[one term]
David Smith
This course deals with Hindu
and Buddhist art and architecture in South and South East Asia: it also looks at
Buddhist art in Tibet. The course covers the following factors: a historical
survey of the subject; prescriptive theories; modern interpretations of the
symbolism; and detailed study of selected sites and themes. Thus the development
of, for instance, the Buddha image, the Buddhist stupa, and the Hindu temple is
surveyed; texts on Hindu architecture are studied (in S. Kramrisch, The Hindu
Temple); the interpretations of Coomaraswamy and Zimmer are assessed; and
Ajanta, Hoysala temples, and the Dance of Siva are examined in depth.
Teaching Method: One lecture and one seminar weekly.
R.St 244op:
Women's Experience in Asian Religions
Tutor: K.Evans
R.St. 245op
Buddhism in Tibetan Societies
[one term]
Geoffrey Samuel
The
course deals with Buddhism and other religious forms in Tibetan societies. A
central theme is the continuing process of historical transformation through
which Mahaayaana and Vajrayaana Buddhism was creatively adapted to its new
social and cultural context in Tibet. The intersection of Buddhism with the
political order and the wider society, including gender issues, will also be
examined in detail.
Teaching Method: One lecture and one seminar weekly
RSt 201 is normally required as a prerequisite to this course.
R.St
250op: Japanese New Religions
[one term]
Tutor: Hiroko Kawanami
The course will explore the nature and functions of religion in modern Japan
with special reference to the period from 1945 to the present. After an
introductory chronological survey the following topics will receive attention:
phenomenology of contemporary Japanese religion in terms of sacred space and
sacred time; the relation between specific religions (Shinto, Buddhism in its
various forms, new religions) and the common forms of Japanese religion;
religion and the ancestors.
Teaching Method: One lecture and one seminar
weekly.
R.St 245: Mahaayaana Buddhism
R.St 303op:
Shamanism
Tutor: G.Samuel
R.St 329op: Introduction to
Sanskrit
Tutor: D. Smith
R.St 331: Religion in Contemporary
India
This course is taught at the Dharmaram College, Bangalore for six weeks
during August and September. On their return to Lancaster, students write a
supervised dissertation on an aspect of contemporary Indian religious life.
R.St 332op: Manifestations of the Goddess in India
Tutor:
D.Smith
M.A. PROGRAMME
The Department of Religious Studies offers a
range of different M.A. courses, including the general M.A., in Religious
Studies along with specialised M.A. courses in Asian Religions, in Religion,
Culture and Society and in Women and Religion. The Department's range of M.A.
modules is available to students taking all of these M.A. courses. The M.A.
courses in Religion, Culture and Society and in Women and Religion also involve
modules taught by other departments within the University.
M.A. IN ASIAN
RELIGIONS
(Course Director: Professor Geoffrey Samuel)
The Department of
Religious Studies at Lancaster University has at present four staff in Asian
Religions - five if Islam is included - giving it one of the largest bodies of
staff in this area in the country. The new M.A. in Asian Religions, first
available from the 1995-96 academic year onwards, is intended to provide an
integrated and coherent programme of study in Asian Religions at M.A. level.
The M.A. course follows the normal pattern of M.A. courses in the
Department - six modules plus dissertation - and provides access to all modules
currently taught within the Department at M.A. level. Students are required to
take the introductory module Studies in Asian Religions and at least two other
Asian religion-related modules from a specified list. Modules from other
departments may be allowed by special arrangement, subject to the approval of
the course director. The actual course structure of each individual student is
arranged by negotiation with the course director, who is currently Professor
Geoffrey Samuel. The module Studies in Asian Religions will play a key role in
providing an integrated course, and will normally consist of a programme of
reading selected by the course director to complement and round out the
student's total programme of study. Where students do not already have some
relevant language competence, the course arranged by the course director may
include material in an appropriate Asian language. In 1995-96, Sanskrit , taught
by David Smith, will be available within the Department, Chinese and Japanese
are offered elsewhere within the University. The Department of Religious Studies
also offers language teaching via the Summer University, and students will be
encouraged to make use of this where appropriate.
A major function of
the M.A. in Asian Religions is to provide a suitable first year for intending
Ph.Ds in Asian Religions. Intending Ph.D students will normally be expected to
take one or more of the three theory and method modules currently offered within
the Department - Method and Theory, RST439; Religion and Social Theory, RST411;
Religion, Ethics and Postmodern Thought, RST412 - as well as the Studies in
Asian Religions module. Their M.A. dissertation will also be oriented towards
acquiring appropriate research skills for the subsequent Ph.D. .
M.A. IN
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
(Course Director: Dr Deborah Sawyer)
The M.A.
programme, lasting twelve calendar months (full-time), is designed to meet the
needs both of those who want to specialise in one area of study, such as Asian
religions, and of those who wish to up-date or extend their competence in
Religious Studies on a wide front by selecting modules in a number of different
areas of study. For students wishing to do advanced research degrees, the M.A.
programme at Lancaster provides the kind of research training now expected by
the major funding councils (including the Humanities Research Board) who award
post-graduate studentships for M.Phil. and Ph.D. research.
Candidates
are required to choose six 'modules', normally three modules in the Michaelmas
term and three modules in the Lent term. A module is a self-contained, one-term
course of study meeting once a week for a two-hour seminar. Candidates are
required in each module to submit one essay of at least 5,000 (Some modules,
especially those in Hebrew or Sanskrit, may require additional course-work).
Candidates are also required to submit a dissertation (15,000 words minimum and
20,000 maximum) on a topic agreed in advance with a supervisor. Work on the M.A.
dissertation begins in the Summer term, to be completed over the summer. It must
be submitted on or before 30 September.
The M.A. programme may also be
taken part-time, over twenty-four or thirty-six calendar months. If taken over
two years, it is recommended that four modules be taken the first year, leaving
two modules and the dissertation to be completed in the second year. If taken
over three years, candidates are expected to do two modules each year.
Other M.A. courses available include the: M.A. in Religion, Culture
and Society
M.A. in Women and Religion.
Please contact the Department
for further details.
M.A. MODULES
[All one term in length]
414
STUDIES IN ASIAN RELIGIONS
Staff: Professor Geoffrey Samuel
Assessment:
1 essay
This module is a core component of the new M.A. in Asian Religions.
It is intended to introduce students to a range of contemporary approaches to
the study of Asian religions, and in particular to include examples of social
anthropological, ethnographic, textual and historical studies. Since the number
of students on this module will be initially small, and their backgrounds
varied, it is anticipated that the module will be taught as a sequence of
directed readings, designed to complement the student's specific background and
interests. In particular, the module will be designed to acquaint students with
a range of methodological approaches relevant to their M.A. dissertation and (in
the case of prospective Ph.D students) their further research interests.
442 WOMEN IN INDIAN AND EAST ASIAN RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS
Staff: Dr
Hiroko Kawanami, with assistance from other staff members
Assessment: 1
essay
This module will explore the position of women in the three major
traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. It will also examine the place of
women in minor Indian and East Asian 'folk' traditions, and of Asian women in
Britain today. It will consider the position of women both 'in theory' (in the
ideology of the tradition, for example) and 'in practice' (in the institutions
of the tradition, for example). It will also consider the critical reactions of
women to their particular religious traditions, and their relation to the reform
and re-creation of these traditions.
462 RELIGIOUS TAOISM AND CHINESE
BUDDHISM
Staff: Mr Stewart McFarlane
Assessment: 1 essay
This module
aims to explore two of the major religious traditions of Chinese history. The
module will focus on these traditions and lineages as they developed between the
late Han dynasty (23-220 C.E.) and the T'ang (618-907). Texts in translation,
early Chinese historical accounts and modern interpretative discussions will be
used. Seminar discussions of pre-circulated material will be the main method of
teaching, rather than formal lectures.
481 THERAVAADA BUDDHISM
Staff: Dr Hiroko Kawanami
Assessment: 1 essay
This module deals with
historical traditions and contemporary religious life in Theravada Buddhist
countries in South-East Asia. Discussions will be based on fundamental concepts
in the Pali canon in order to allow the students to grasp the basic religious
tenets and philosophy in the Buddhist texts. Buddhism is also taught as a living
faith; practised in everyday activities and in rites of passage, providing the
people with morality, a religious identity, and a distinct way of life.
482 BUDDHISM IN TIBETAN SOCIETIES
Staff: Professor Geoffrey Samuel
Assessment: 1 essay
This module deals with the history, philosophy and
contemporary practice of Buddhism in Tibetan societies. A central theme is the
continuing process of historical transformation through which Mahayana and
Vajrayana Buddhism were creatively adapted to a wide range of social and
cultural contexts. In this process, Buddhist ritual and Buddhist concepts became
part of the equipment through which Tibetans of all social and economic
backgrounds dealt with the ongoing problems of everyday life. The intersection
of Buddhism with the political order and the wider society, including gender
issues, will be examined in detail.
For further details contact
Department of Religious Studies, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YG.
Tel. (01524) 592419
Fax (01524) 47039.
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UNIVERSITY OF WALES, LAMPETER
Department of Theology & Religious Studies,
Lampeter,
Dyfed,
SA48 7ED
The following courses have a Buddhism component:
Part I (=Year 1)
1REL0320 Eastern Religions
Including Buddhism,
Confucianism, Hinduism and Taoism, Buddhism is about 20% of the module, which is
1/6 of the first year degree study
Lecturer Dr. Chris Arthur, Dr. Gavin Flood
and Dr. Xinzhong Yao
1SKT0120 Sanskrit 1
1SKT0220 Sanskrit
2
Lecturer: Dr. Gavin Flood
Part II (=Year 2)
3REL0620
Buddhism
1/6 of the second or third year study
Lecturer: Dr. Chris Arthur
& Professor D. L. Matsunaga
3REL0520 Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy
& Spirituality
1/6 of the second or third year study
Lecturer: Dr.
Cathy Cantwell
3REL1920 Chinese Buddhism
1/6 of the second or third
year study
Lecturer: Dr. Xinzhong Yao
3REL1820 Sanskrit
1/6 of the
second or third year study
Lecturer: Dr. Gavin Flood
Language Option:
Classical Chinese
1/6 of the second or third year study
Lecturer: Dr.
Xinzhong Yao
Postgraduate Study
Study of Religion, in which Buddhism
has been one of the research directions.
Comparative Spirituality, of which
Buddhist spirituality is a very important component.
< For further
information, contact Dr Xinzhong
Yao
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UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
Philosophy
Department
Courses part of B.A. Philosophy (single and joint) but also
offered as an elective.
Both are Level 2 10 credit modules (one twelfth):
'Buddhist Philosophy 1': Indian religion/philosophy and its differences with
Western Philosophy - the Four Noble Truths with special emphasis on anattaa and
Dependent Origination - Karma, Nibbaana and the Arahant, Self-construction,
Buddhist Metaphysics, phenomenology and ontology.
'Buddhist Philosophy
2': The Sarvaastivaada and Sautraantika - General Mahaayaana - Emptiness -
Madhyamaka and Zen Anti-Philosophy - Perception, Karma and the External World -
Yogaacaara Idealism - Nirvaa.na in the Mahaayaana -Non-duality.
As of
next year the department of philosophy, in conjunction with the Department of
Arabic studies, will offer an M.A. on 'Western and Oriental Philosophies',
concentrating particularly on Aristotle, the Arabic Aristotelians and Buddhist
Philosophy.
No current possibilities of Ph.D. supervision.
For
further information, contact Dr. Nik
Jewell
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UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
Department of
Theology and Religious Studies,
Leeds,
LS2 9JT
There is an
undergraduate course module on Buddhism
Postgraduate Supervision:
Buddhism and Social Theory
For further information, contact Dr Kim Knott
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UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL
Department of
Philosophy,
Liverpool,
Buddhism is discussed in a third year
philosophy of religion course. The Buddhist content takes up no more than about
a quarter of the module and is elementary.
We have recently had a Ph.D.
completed here on Nietzsche and Buddhism
For further information, contact
Michael
McGhee
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JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY,
LIVERPOOL
Centre for Applied Psychology
M.Sc. in the
Psychology of Human Potential includes:
'Issues in the Psychology of
Spiritual Practice'
Course is only part-time, taking up one fifth a of a
student's programme.
25% is on Buddhism: material relating to the doctrine
of anatta; also other aspects of 'Buddhist Psychology' and meditation practices.
Tutor: Brian Lancaster
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UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
Department
of Religions and Theology,
Manchester,
M13 9PL
Undergraduate
course modules include:
Mahaayaana Buddhism
Themes in Tibetan Buddhism
Hindu and Buddhist World Views
Indian Philosophy
Postgraduate
course modules include:
Indian Philosophy
For further information,
contact Dr Jackie Hirst
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UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ST. MARTIN
Department of Religious Studies and Social Ethics,
Lancaster,
LA1 3JD
Undergraduate course modules include:
Hindu and Buddhist
Ethics
Theravaada and Mahaayaana Buddhism
Indian Religious Tradition
Spirituality: Christian and Buddhist
Postgraduate Courses:
M.A.:
Indian Religious Tradition
Postgraduate Supervision:
Contemporary
Buddhism
For further information, contact Dr Ian Harris
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MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY
School of Philosophy and
Religious Studies,
White Hart Lane,
London,
N17 8HR
B.A.
Honours in Religious Studies
(Specialised Degree Programme)
B.A.
Honours
(Modular Degree Programme)
Courses owned by the School of
Philosophy and Religious Studies:
1st year level 1 course
(One sixth
of six modules per year of FT student's time, FT or PT):
REL1500
'Foundation Religious Studies' Set Module (1/12 on Buddhism)
50% studying
the origins of religion in India, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic religion, the
Renouncer traditions, early Jainism and Buddhism, and 50% on the origins of
monotheistic religion in the Middle-East (Israelite Religion)
2nd/3rd
year level 3 courses
(One sixth of six modules per year of FT student's time,
FT or PT):
REL3315 'Buddhism in India' (100% Buddhism)
Origins of
Buddhism in India, development of early Buddhist doctrine, councils, schools and
doctrinal divisions between the main groupings of Buddhism leading to the rise
of the so-called Hiinayaana and Mahaayaana vehicles, Bodhisattva doctrine,
Celestial Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, Madhyamaka and Yogaacaara, Tantra.
REL3316 'Buddhism beyond India' (100% Buddhism)
The spread of
Buddhism beyond India to China, Tibet, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and Southeast
Asia; Tibetan Buddhism, gradualist versus suddenist debates; Sinicization;
self-power versus other-power and ; Ch'an in China to Zen in Japan; Hua-Yen;
Pure Land; Communist Asia; Buddhism in the West; scholarship; the Theosophical
Society; Buddhism in the USA and Europe
REL3365 'Issues in Contemporary
Religion' (20% Buddhism)
Development and prevalence of Fundamentalism in
Islam, Judaism and Christianity - with reference also to Hinduism and Buddhism.
Inter-faith dialogue; effects of such dialogue on Judaism, Christianity,
Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism.
REL3372 'Religion and Gender II'
(Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam) (33% Buddhism)
- Buddhism: the celibate ideal;
vinaya rules for monks and nuns; forms of marriage: polyandry, polygyny and
monogamy; development of marriage rites in 20th-century Sri Lanka; women under
primitive Buddhism; issue of ordination of women; development of the
lay-bodhisattva ideal; tantra - salvation through sex.
- Hinduism: marriage
and var.naa"sramadharma; the family; sa.mnyaasa; Mother Goddess and the Indian
woman; satii; phallus-worship; tantra; erotic sculptures of Khajuraho.
-
Islam: the Qur'aanic view of women, marriage, adultery and divorce; circumcision
(male and female); veiling of women.
- Comparative: attitudes to
menstruation and childbirth; notions of impurity and impropriety attached to
sexual acts; forbidden times for sex; homosexuality, transvestism,
transsexuality; religious role for women
Course owned by the School
of History (History of Ideas Set)
HOI3200 'Western Encounters with the East'
(+/- 50% Buddhism)
Outline History of contacts with the East-Jesuits, Sir
William 'Oriental' Jones, Max Muller and the 'Sacred Books of the East' series.
American Transcendentalists: Thoreau, Emerson, Whitman. The World's Parliament
of Religions-Chicago 1893 - Swami Vivekaananda's Ramakrishna Mission to the
West. Theosophy and the search for ancient wisdom - Blavatsky, Olcott and
Besant. Pilgrims, hermits, scholars and wandering communicators: W. Y.
Evans-Wentz, Paul Brunton, Lama Anagarika Govinda, Alan Watts, Christmas
Humphreys. Eastern Thought and Western Philosophy: Schopenhauer and the Buddhist
'three signs of being'; Nietsche's Uebermensch and the Arhat, Whitehead and Hwa
Yen. Portraits of the East in literature and film.
Travellers' Tales; the
travelogue. Beat Zen, square Zen and D. T. Suzuki.
Psychotherapy: Jung's
Ma.n.dala. A New Synthesis: the Christian appropriation of the
East
(Courses also available on Philosophy of Religion and Sociology of
Religion but content of Buddhism not known at moment of returning this email)
There is also opportunity for M.Phil or Ph.D supervision relating to
Buddhism
Further information from Christopher
Lamb
****************************************************************************
UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Department of Religious Studies,
Armstrong Building,
Newcastle upon
Tyne,
NE1 7RU
B.A. Honours in Religious Studies
B.A. Honours in
Combined Studies
(all the following modules are available in both degree
programmes. Either degree may be taken part-time)
Three modules on
Buddhism. Students may take I only, I and II, or I, II and III:
'Buddhism I'
(background; origins; early Buddhism; Theravaada)
'Buddhism II' (Mahaayaana)
'Buddhism III' (supervised essay project on Western Buddhism and/or Western
understanding of Buddhism)
These are taken at second or third year of
the three-year degree programme, and each module is one of twelve taken in any
year. They can each be taken on a part-time as well as full-time basis.
There are also four modules on Sanskrit, at first, second and third
year.
Students may drop the course after one semester if they find they are
unsuited to it, in which case they have taken two modules in one sixth of the
year. These modules can also be done part-time.
'Selected Texts in
Sanskrit' (2 modules; texts are selected according to the interests of the
students) Second year modules. May be 100% devoted to Buddhist texts. Can be
done part-time.
Opportunities for M.Phil. or Ph.D. supervision in the
following areas relevant to Buddhism:
Sanskrit textual study; ancient Indian
religious traditions; Indian religions in Britain; new religious
movements
Further information from Dr D.
Killingley
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UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD,
Theology Faculty
Centre,
Mansfield College,
Oxford
This has an undergraduate
course module on Buddhism
For further information, contact Ms Peggy
Morgan
B
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UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD,
Oriental
Institute,
Oxford,
OX1 2LE
Undergraduate course components
include:
Pali for FHS,
Oriental Studies
Buddhism for FHS,
Postgraduate Courses:
M.Phil. in Classical Indian Religion
Postgraduate Supervision:
History of Buddhism,
Buddhist Textual
Studies
For further information, contact Prof. Richard Gombrich
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SCHOOL OF ORIENTAL AND AFRICAN STUDIES
Thornhaugh Street,
Russell Square,
London,
W1H OXG
Various Departments cover material relating to Buddhism, e.g.: Religious
Studies, Languages and Cultures of South Asia, History, Law, and Art and
Archaeology
Undergraduate course modules include:
Introduction to
Buddhist Studies
Introduction to Japanese Religions
Buddhist
Scriptures
History of Buddhism
Translation of Buddhist Texts
Buddhism: Religious and Philosophical Perspectives
Politics and Religion
in China c. 200 - 1000 AD.
Postgraduate Course modules include:
Aspects of Buddhism
Buddhist Literature
Buddhist Texts
Religio-philosophical Ideas of Ancient and Early Mediaeval India.
The
World of Thought in Medieval China
Postgraduate Supervision:
Buddhism, especially all areas of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism:
Tantra ,
Ritual, Iconography, Philosophy, History
For further information,
contact Dr Tadeusz Skorupski
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UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING
Department of Religious
Studies,
Stirling,
FK9 4LA
Religious Studies at Stirling offers a
number of courses on Buddhism as part of the B.A. (hons) degree in Religious
Studies. These include:
7212 'Religion, ethics and society' (semester 2,
second half of first year) of which half the course is currently an introduction
to Buddhism, looking at the rise of Buddhism, its relationship to brahmanical
religion and society and basic Buddhist doctrines. (Lecturer: Dr Richard King)
7213 ' Religion in the Modern World' (semester 3, 1st half of year 2),
section on Buddhism and Hinduism in the modern world
(Lecturer Dr Richard
King)
Advanced Option units (second half of 2nd year to end of fourth
year)
72BF - 'Theravaada Buddhism'
Lecturer - Jennifer Haswell,
(Richard King in previous years)
< 72BH - 'Mahaayaana
Buddhism'
Lecturer Dr. Richard King
Some material on Buddhist
meditation is also included in a course entitled
72BG 'Mysticism and
Religion'
Lecturer - Richard King
At present Religious Studies at
Stirling does not have a taught postgraduate programme.
Further
information on the Department, see:
University of Stirling Department
of Religious Studies
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UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND
School of
Social and International Studies, Religious Studies Section,
Forster
Building,
Chester Road,
Sunderland
Tyne and Wear,
SR1 3SD
Religious Studies component of Joint Honours Scheme of degrees contains
the following modules relating to Buddhism. Each module is one sixth of a
full-time student's workload for a year. All the modules may be studied
part-time:
Level 2: REL202 Buddhism:
A survey course of Buddhist
traditions: teachings, history and practices
Level 3: REL303 Buddhist
Philosophy and Psychology:
Focuses on Buddhist thought
Level 3:
REL305: Ethics in Buddhism, Christianity and Islam:
Looks at foundations of
ethics in worldviews of these religions, their key values, and approach to
various ethical issues.
Level 3: REL306: Dissertation
This can be on
some aspect of Buddhism
Small components of Buddhism are also found in:
Level 1: REL101: Introduction to the Study of Religion
Level 2:
PHI205: The Philosophy of Religion
Within the Historical Studies M.A.,
there is an optional module, 'The Cross-cultural Understanding and Transmission
of Religion', of which around 50% concerns the way in which Buddhism came to be
understood by the West, and then spread to it.
Tutoring on Pali language
is available for postgraduates
Research supervision:
Currently students
are working on:
Karma theory in "Sraavakayaana Buddhism
The 'Four Noble
Truths': their context, interpretation, usage and status in "Sraavakayaana
Buddhism
Images of the Female in Pali Buddhist Literature
gTerma texts in
Tibetan Buddhism
The Buddha nature in Tien tai and Hua yen
Projects on
early and Theravaada Buddhism particularly welcome
For information,
contact Prof. Peter
Harvey
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TRINITY COLLEGE CARMARTHEN
Carmarthen,
Carmarthenshire,
SA31 3EP
There is an undergraduate module on
Buddhism
For further information, contact Miss Wendy Dossett
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WESTMINSTER COLLEGE, OXFORD
School
of Theology,
Oxford,
OX2 9AT
Undergraduate course modules
include:
Buddhism
Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Introduction to Islam,
Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism, Judaism
Socially Engaged Buddhism
Inter-Faith Dialogue
Religious Iconography.
Postgraduate
Supervision:
Buddhism in the West
For further information, contact
Ms Peggy Morgan
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UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON
Religious Studies Section,
Walsall Campus,
Gorway Road,
Walsall,
WS1 3BD
There is an undergraduate module on
Buddhism
Postgraduate Courses:
M.A. Religious Education/Religious
Studies
For further information, contact Dr. George D Chryssides
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