List of UK courses with elements relating to Buddhism

Partly compiled from information in the 1996 AUDTRS (Association of University Departments of Theology and Religious Studies) HANDBOOK, for which grateful acknowledgement is given.
For details of the Handbook on disc, contact Prof. Brian Bocking, Bath College of Higher Education, E-mail: [email protected]

Click on the name of an institution to see their courses relating to Buddhism:
If you are not online please scroll down to see details.

Bath College of Higher Education,
Study of Religions department

University of Bristol,
Centre for Buddhist Studies,
Department of Theology and Religious Studies

Brunel University College

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

Trinity College, Carmarthen

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.

****************************************************************************



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
****************************************************************************


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
****************************************************************************


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
****************************************************************************


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
****************************************************************************


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
****************************************************************************

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
****************************************************************************

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
****************************************************************************


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
****************************************************************************


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
****************************************************************************


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
****************************************************************************

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
****************************************************************************


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
****************************************************************************

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
****************************************************************************


TRINITY COLLEGE CARMARTHEN
Carmarthen,
Carmarthenshire,
SA31 3EP

There is an undergraduate module on Buddhism
For further information, contact Miss Wendy Dossett
****************************************************************************


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
****************************************************************************


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
****************************************************************************



Back