RELI288 - Buddhism in America

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Academic Year 2005/2006

Buddhism in America
RELI 288 FA

Crosslistings:
EAST 286

Buddhism has been in America for just over 100 years. Although this is a comparatively short period of time, already there appear to be new directions as well as distinctive concerns that warrant the claim that an American Buddhism has begun to emerge. Issues such as purity, equality and authority, for example, have all come to the fore as the various traditions of Buddhism make their way onto American soil. This seminar will be a philosophical and socio-historical examination of some of these issues and themes in contemporary American Buddhism.

MAJOR READINGS

Rick Fields, HOW THE SWANS CAME TO THE LAKE
Don Morreale, THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO BUDDHIST AMERICA
Sandy Boucher, TURNING THE WHEEL: AMERICAN WOMEN CREATING THE NEW BUDDHISM
Toni Packer, THE WORK OF THIS MOMENT
Charles Prebish and Kenneth Tanaka (eds.), THE FACES OF BUDDHISM IN AMERICA
Sumi Loundon (ed.), BLUE JEAN BUDDHA
Thich Nhat Hanh, FOR A FUTURE TO BE POSSIBLE

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

1.) A short essay. 2.) A mid-term essay (6-8 pages - typewritten) 3.) a 10 page final essay.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

RELI242 is required. If students have not had RELI242 they must secure a Prerequisite Override and take it to the instructor for a signature. Attendance and participation in discussions. This course fulfills a "Religion in Society" departmental requirement.

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: [RELI242 or EAST242] OR RELI101

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Willis,Janice D.

Times: ...W... 01:10PM-04:00PM; Location: RSCSEM;

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 20)

SR. major: 3 Jr. major: 8

SR. non-major: 2 Jr. non-major: 2 SO: 5 FR: X

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal: Ethical Reasoning, Writing

Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006