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318-CN 62 : Asian Religions ... |
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318-CN 62
Asian Religions
Northwestern University
Spring 2006
Time: M 6:15 - 9:15 PM
Location: MG28
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Course Description & Objectives ... |
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Course Description
This cross-cultural seminar introduces students to the study of Asian religions and the major religious ideas and philosophical schools that have shaped the societies of Asia in both ancient and contemporary contexts. What questions have Asians posed about the life-death-rebirth cycle of humankind, and what philosophical and religious teachings did Asian traditions develop as responses to these questions? What are the ways in which the teachings and ideologies in these traditions were put into practice for the cultivation of body, mind and self? While focusing on the broad outlines of historical development, we will do an in-depth study of concepts, major figures, doctrinal beliefs and practices in the Hindu, Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist, and Shinto religions of Asia.
Course Objectives
- To gain knowledge and an intellectual understanding of Asian cultures and religions.
- To examine each tradition in its historical and cultural contexts.
- To study Asian religions from the “insider” and “outsider” perspectives with a comparative approach.
- To develop skills of critical analysis and interpretation.
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Required Reading ... |
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| WGO |
Willard G. Oxtoby, ed., World Religions: Eastern Traditions. |
| LPL |
Lobsang P. Lhalungpa, Trans. The Life of Milarepa. |
| WR |
Walpola Rahula, What The Buddha Taught. |
| RP |
Red Pine, Trans. Lao-Tzu’s Tao Teaching. |
| BSM |
Barbara Stoler Miller, Trans. The Bhagavadgita, Krishna’s Counsel in Time of War. |
| PY |
Paramahansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi. |
| BW |
Eva Wong, Trans. Seven Taoist Masters. |
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Schedule of Classes & Readings ... |
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Week 01 |
Mar, 27 |
Introduction
- Introduction to the course.
Lecture Topics
- Academic Study of Religion and General Topics.
- What is religion and why do we study it?
- Definitions and Issues.
- Insider and Outsider Perspectives.
- Theories of Religion.
- Religious Theories of Religion.
- India & Hinduism.
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Week 02 |
Apr, 03 |
Hinduism and Its Streams of Thought
Lecture Topics
- The Vedic Religion : Scriptures and Rituals.
- Upanisadic Thought: Brahman and Atman.
- Classical Hinduism: Theistic Traditions and Bhakti.
- Reform and Revival.
Concepts
- Monotehism and Polytheism.
- Caste and Social Structure.
- Samsara & Karma.
- Moksa Liberation.
Reading
- WGO, Introduction & Chapter 7, Chapter 1 (Hinduism).
- Video: Hinduism (Wisdom Series).
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Week 03 |
Apr, 10 |
Krishna’s Bhagavad Gita (Song of the Lord)
Lecture
- Bhagavad Gita in the Historical and Cultural Contexts of India.
* Handout study topics (will be given during the last class)
Reading and Discussion texts
- BSM, The Bhagavad Gita.
- PY, Autobiography of a Yogi.
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Week 04 |
Apr 17 |
Buddha and Buddhism in India
Lecture
- The Buddha, His Teachings, and The Sangha.
- Digital Images: Narratives from Buddha’s life.
Video: Buddhism (Wisdom Series)
Reading
- WGO, pp. 198-251.
- WR, Chapters, 1, 2 & 8.
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Week 05 |
Apr, 24 |
What The Buddha Taught
Reading & Discussion text
- What The Buddha Taught, Chapters 1-7.
* Handout study topics.
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Week 06 |
May, 01 |
Buddhism in China and Japan
Lecture
- Mahayana Buddhism and Its Manifestations.
- Chan in China and Zen in Japan.
Reading
Video: Zen Buddhism (Houston Smith’s Training in a Zen Monastery)
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Week 07 |
May, 08 |
Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet
Lecture
- Mantras, Mandalas and Tibetan Rituals.
- Digital images: Mandala construction and ritual in the presence of Dalai Lama.
Video: Tibetan Buddhism (Multi-Vocal Chanting)
Reading
Discussion Text
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Week 08 |
May 15 |
Religions of East Asia-1
Lecture
- Introduction to China and Japan.
- Confucianism and Chinese Classics; Shinto in Japan.
Reading
- WGO, pp. 352-381, 406-409 (Confucianism).
- WGO, pp. 341-352, 412-420 (Shinto in Japan).
Film: Confucianism
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Week 09 |
May, 22 |
Religions of East Asia-2
Lecture
Reading
- Red Pine, Trans. Lao-Tzu’s Tao Teaching.
- Eva Wong, Trans. Seven Taoist Masters.
* Handout study topics.
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Final Paper Outline Due May 22 |
Week 10 |
May, 29 |
Reading Period
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Week 11 |
Jun, 05-09 |
Exams
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Final Paper Due June 5My mail box, SCS, Evanston Campus |
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Student Responsibilities & Evaluation ... |
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- Class attendance is mandatory.
- Read and reflect on reading materials and participate actively in class discussions.
- Each student submit 1 or 2 thoughtful questions/issues for class discussion.
- Avoid plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty.
The overall grade for the course will be based on the following components :
* A list of topics for final paper will be given by mid quarter.
| Final Paper 50 Pages |
50% |
| Class participation & discussion |
50% |
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Asian Web Links ... |
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Asian Web Links
- ASNIC : Asian Studies Network Information Center (Austin).
- SARAI : South Asian Resource Access on the Internet (Columbia).
- Digital South Asia Library (U. Chicago).
- Electronic Resources for South Asia (Berkeley).
- Digital Dictionary of Buddhism Buddhanet.
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Electronic Resources ... |
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Electronic Resources
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