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Academic Year 2004/2005

Tibetan Buddhism
RELI 343 SP

This course is a historical and thematic introduction to Tibetan Buddhism.
We explore the ways in which Tibetans have assimilated, interpreted and
adapted their vast inheritance of Buddhist theories and practices from
India. Our main focus will be on the distinctively Tibetan presentations of
the Buddhist teachings in iconography, stories, songs, philosophical
discourse, recorded visions and revelations. Over the semester, we will read
a variety of genres and consider the interplay between doctrine, narrative
and ritual in constituting Tibetan Buddhism. Topics include Buddhist ethics
and cosmology, tantric art and ritual, philosophical debate and meditation.
Along the way, we consider the spectrum of what it has meant to be Buddhist
in Tibet, including monastic, lay and yogic lifestyles. To conclude, we look
at religious revival in contemporary Tibet and the politics of
self-representation among the exile community. Prior background in Buddhism
is encouraged but not required.

MAJOR READINGS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS RELI    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Gayley,Holly    

Times: .....F. 01:10PM-04:00PM;     Location: BTFDA414;

Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 20)

SR. major: 0   Jr. major: 1

SR. non-major: 0   Jr. non-major: 0   SO: 0   FR: 0

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal:    Ethical Reasoning, Writing

Last Updated on MAR-21-2005

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