Advanced Study of Buddhism
This course is designed to give students comprehensive knowledge on Buddhism. The historical overview of Buddhism and its core religious teaching is foundational knowledge that will prepare student to study more complex perspectives in Buddhism. Student will examine distinctive forms of Buddhism that have been established in different contexts. It covers the discussion on two major traditions in Buddhism, namely Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism together their historical context and practices. The class is also designed to invoke critical understanding on how the development of Buddhism overtime is interconnected and intertwined with global and local or national development. In this regard, an approach of transnational will be introduced. Furthermore, this course also investigates how Buddhism intersects with contemporary issues such as disaster, gender study, and heritage/Buddhist religious sites.