SYLLABUS
 

Catalog Description  Examines the historical, social, psychological, and spiritual phenomenon of Buddhism, with a focus on the diversity of traditions and cultures within which Buddhism develops. Tracing the development of Buddhist lifestyles, concepts, rituals and beliefs within the varied cultures of Asia and the West, students will be introduced to the themes and dimensions of the Christian-Buddhist dialogues.  This general survey of Buddhism introduces Early Buddhism, Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, and Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism.

Course Description  An ahistoric exploration of Buddhism with emphasis placed upon the fundamental core tenets of Early Buddhism and their modern expression through Buddhist engagement in social justice and humanitarian causes.  Students explore the Early Buddhist Attitude, the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path as well as other key elements of Early Buddhist philosophy, and examine the expression of these concepts as interpreted by the contemporary Engaged Buddhist movement(s).  The central question guiding the course is whether the involvement of Engaged Buddhism in peacemaking, environmental activism, human rights, gender equity, ethnic concerns, environmentalism, health care and-so-forth is consistent with the founding principles of the Buddhist tradition.  The Internet-based, online course utilizes Internet resources, online technologies and the WebCT educational platform.

Course Objectives   Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Discuss the philosophical foundations of Buddhism including the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Noble Path and the early Buddhist Attitude;

• Discuss and describe the manner in which each of the Four Noble Truths is interpreted by contemporary Engaged Buddhist activists;

• Discuss the fundamental outlook of Engaged Buddhism with regard to contemporary socio-political issues and their relation to Buddhist practice;

• Define key terms and concepts related to the discussion of early Buddhists tenets and contemporary Engaged Buddhism;

• Discuss the involvement of Engaged Buddhism in the areas of peace making, environmental activism, human rights, gender equity, ethnic concerns, and health care;

• Discuss the views and philosophies of contemporary leaders in the Engaged Buddhism movement(s).

Class Format and Activities  This course is offered online utilizing a WebCT instructional platform and Internet resources.  Students are required to have access to a computer that is connected to the Internet prior to registration.   Students are also expected to be familiar with basic electronic technologies including sending and receiving e-mail and attachments, web board postings, navigating the Internet and World Wide Web, performing informational searches on the Internet, and transmitting and downloading files. Regular weekly e-mail communication with the instructor and the submission/completion of all required assignments is important to the successful completion of the course.  Collaborative electronic communication between classmates concerning course content is encouraged.

There is one required in-person meeting at the conclusion of the course convened for the purpose of administering the Final Examination.  The meeting and Final Examination are held on the Chaminade University of Honolulu campus or an at an approved alternate location.

Specific weekly course assignments, as described in the course schedule, are to be completed by the student. Weekly course assignments typically include: (1) a reading assignment, and (2) posting a response to a discussion question in the WebCT forum. In addition, students are required to compose and submit two Reflection Papers, take one Midterm Examination, prepare and submit one written Course Paper, participate in at least five online chat sessions, and take one comprehensive Final Examination.

Students may also be required to submit additional written assignments and/or quizzes from time to time as determined and directed by the Instructor. Written assignments are due to the Instructor via e-mail by the due dates stated in the Course Schedule.

Expectations  Religion 35590 is a writing-intensive, upper division course taught online during an accelerated  session.  Consequently, the course requires an extensive amount of independent reading, research, writing, discussion and critical reflection in order to satisfactorily complete course requirements.

Regular Participation   This course is conducted entirely online using a variety of instructional support technologies including e-mail, web board discussions and live, real-time chat sessions.  These important elements of your online learning experience require your active and sustained participation, and thus constitute course "attendance."

Web Board-based class discussions are utilized as a means of stimulating and encouraging thoughtful reflection concerning the topics, themes and subject matter covered in the course.  Regular weekly participation in web board discussions is required.  In the event that technical difficulties disrupt access or utilization of the web board system, the instructor may elect to utilize e-mail to conduct discussions and maintain dialogue.

With the possible exception of documented emergencies, there will be no extensions given on assignment due dates or the final examination without the prior approval of the instructor. Students who fail to submit assignments or comply with other requirements are advised to withdraw from the course in order to avoid a final course grade of "F". Grades of "Incomplete" will only be given in cases of documented extraordinary circumstances (see Incomplete Grades).

Course Schedule   A listing of weekly assignments appears in the Course Schedule.  Students are encouraged to contact the Instructor directly with any questions or for clarification of assigned tasks or due dates.  Since it is advantageous to everyone when assigned tasks are completed in unison, no late submissions to WebCT Forum discussions are accepted.

Required Text(s)  

Three textbooks are required:

Rahula, Walpola.  What the Buddha Taught.  New York: Grove Press, 1974.
(ISBN:  0802130313)

Queen, Christopher S., ed.  Engaged Buddhism in the West.  Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2000.  (ISBN:  0-312-39013-0)

Hanh, Thich Naht.  The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching.  New York:  Broadway Books, 1999.  (ISBN:  0-7679-0369-2)

Recommended Text(s).

The following texts are recommended as supplemental resources:

Hagen, Steve.  Buddhism Plain and Simple.   New York:  Broadway Books, 1998.
(ISBN: 0767903323)

Smith, Jean.  Radiant Mind:  Essential Buddhist Teachings and Texts.    Riverhead Books, 1999.  (ISBN: 157322717X)

Mizuno, Kogan.  Basic Buddhist Concepts.  Charles E. Tuttle Co., 1987.
(ISBN: 4333012031)

Bachelor, Stephen.  Buddhism Without Beliefs:  A Contemporary Guide to Awakening.  Riverhead Books, 1998.  (ISBN: 1573226564)

Mizuno, Kogan.  Essentials of Buddhism.  Charles E. Tuttle Co., 1997.    (ISBN: 4333016835)

The course presumes a RE103-level understanding of the Buddhist tradition.  If you need to refresh your knowledge, you are encouraged to acquire a basic World Religions textbook and review the chapter(s) on Buddhism.  An excellent treatment of the history and various branches of Buddhism may be found in:

Molloy, Micheal.  Experiencing the World's Religions:  Tradition, Challenge, and Change.  Mountain View, California:  Mayfield Publishing Company, 1999. 

Reading Assignments  The course is reading and writing intensive.  As indicated in the Course Schedule, there is usually a reading assignment to complete during each course week.  In order for students to participate effectively in Web Board discussions, prepare for examinations and complete written assignments, it is expected that each student complete assigned readings during the time period indicated on the Course Schedule.

Recommended Resource(s)  Students are encouraged to utilize the Buddhism and General Internet resource links on the course website.   Please notify the Instructor if you discover additional recourses on the Internet that may be of value to other students.

Study Guide  There is one Study Guide for the course.  The Study Guide provides a list of the key individuals, terms and concepts covered in the course as well as sample essay questions and study tips.  Since the Midterm and Final Examinations are drawn in part from items appearing in the Study Guide, students are encouraged to refer to the guide throughout the course and develop a working familiarity with its content. 

Course Website  An Internet Website dedicated to the course is accessible via a link on the RE35590 WebCT homepage.  The Website provides links to important course documents - such as the Syllabus, Schedule, Study Guide and Course Paper Requirements.  Students are required to read and assume responsibility for all course materials, requirements, assignment schedules/deadlines, and resources published on the Website.  Please contact the instructor if there are any aspects of the Syllabus or other course documents that require explanation or further clarification.

In addition, links to Internet resource sites related to Buddhism, writing resources and other items of interest are included for students to use at their leisure.  Note:   Since Internet resources and the course Website are in continual flux, students are encouraged to inform the instructor of other web sites or online resources that may be of value to include on the course web site. 

E-Mail Communications  Please use the WebCT e-mail system to communicate with the Instructor.

Technical Assistance In the event that technical questions or difficulties arise, students are encouraged to contact the Chaminade Computer Lab for assistance. The Computer Lab may be reached by telephone at 735-4819.

Qualitative Assessments and Quantitative Criteria  Your achievement of course learning objectives is accomplished partially through active participation in collaborative online learning experiences, such as weekly responses to discussion questions in the Forum and scheduled chat sessions.  Typically, participation in Forum discussions includes (1) composing and posting a response to an assigned discussion topic or question, (2) posting a comment, observation or question in response to the contribution of another student, and (3) responding to the questions, comments or observations students have posted in response to your contribution to the discussion.   Consequently, it is recommended that you review Forum discussions regularly in order to remain current with the progress of discussions taking place and to respond to comments or questions in a timely manner.     

Good participation, however, is more than simply the number of times you post a note.  Instead, good participation in an online learning environment is determined through the application of qualitative criteria listed below.  You are encouraged to use these criteria to guide the composition  your contributions to Forum discussions. 

(1)  Comments are supported by more than personal opinion, such as cited references or quotes, cited Internet research information or other credible resources;

(2)  Comments are fair and balanced even if in disagreement;

(3) Comments contribute meaningfully to the discussion by bringing new insights, experiences or perceptions.

Note:  Frivolous comments and hollow statements do not contribute meaningfully to a discussion.  Examples of comments that do not contribute meaningfully to a discussion include "good job," "I agree," "I wish I had thought of that," "I like/don't like your paragraph," and-so-forth.  Instead, meaningful comments add qualitative "value" to a discussion by lending new information, insights or perspectives that enrich our understanding of the subject under discussion. 

Chat Sessions  "Chat Sessions" provide an opportunity for us to talk about topics relevant to the Humanities, discuss course material, address questions or clarify issues during real time.   Students are required to participate in three (3) Chat Sessions during the term.   Attendance credit is given for attending and participating in the five required Chat Sessions, but students are welcome to attend and participate in as many sessions beyond those required as they wish.  A schedule of available days and times for Chat Sessions appears in the course Schedule.

Course Paper  There is one Course Paper assigned in the course (see Paper Requirements for further, detailed information).   Course Papers are due to the Instructor on the date indicated in the Course Schedule.  

Course Papers are expected to reflect the results of independent research and should be double-spaced with all references cited properly.   For information concerning proper formats and citations, consult the MLA Handbook.*  The Course Paper should be between six to eight pages in length, written in the first person singular voice, and include a bibliography.   Papers not written in the first-person singular voice will loose one full grade point automatically, or, at the discretion of the Instructor, may be rejected entirely. 

* The MLA Handbook is available for reference use in the Sullivan Library and is available  for purchase at the Chaminade University Bookstore.  In addition, the Purdue Online Writing Lab is an excellent online writing resource, including MLA handouts and an Internet link to the MLA web site.  This site may be reached through the Internet at:  http://owl.english.purdue.edu

Reflection Papers  There are two (2) reflection papers in the course on topics assigned by the instructor.  Reflection papers are intended to provide an opportunity for you to reflect upon the meaning and implications of material covered in the course and are graded on a pass/fail basis.

Examinations  There are one examination administered during the course; the Final Examination.  The Final Examination requires in-person attendance on the date/time listed in the Course Schedule.  No make-up examinations will be allowed for the Final Examination.

Grading  Excellence in this course requires not only academic mastery of course content, but also personal reflection upon the academic issues raised in the course.  At minimum, satisfactory performance entails the successful completion of the following:  (1) weekly web board discussions concerning topics provided by the instructor (pass/fail); (2) two reflection papers (pass/fail); (3) one written course paper on an approved research subject of six to eight pages in length (scored); (4) three required live, real-time online chat sessions; and (5) one comprehensive final examination (scored).  The weight of the various elements comprising the overall course grade is summarized as follows:

 
 
Table 1.   Assignment Weight

Table 1.  List of various weights assigned to grade points achieved on specific scored and non-scored assignments during the term.  At the end of the term, weighted points acquired on scored and non-scored assignments are combined and the cumulative total is used in the conversion of grade points to course letter grades.

Table 2.  Conversion: Points to Letter Grades  

Table 2.  List of the point value ranges applied in the conversion of accumulated points to letter grades.

 
All grades will reflect the standards set forth in Chaminade's 2001-2002 General Catalog.  As indicated in the catalog, an "A" signifies outstanding scholarship and unusual intellectual initiative; a "B" signifies superior work; a "C" signifies a competent grasp of the subject matter; a "D" signifies inferior work; and an "F" indicates failure to grasp the minimum subject matter.  Since the final examination comprises 30% of the course grade, it is not possible to earn a letter grade higher than a "D" if the final examination is failed or missed.

Deadlines  Students are expected assume responsibility for knowing, observing and meeting assignment deadlines as described in the course schedule. Late or make-up assignments will not be accepted by the instructor, except under extraordinary documented circumstances, such as military deployment or serious illness.   It is the students' responsibility to provide the instructor with verifiable documentation for any extraordinary circumstances that prevent the submission of assignments on time, and to present a plan to complete missed deadlines and/or assignments missed to the instructor for approval.

Withdrawals  Students who miss two consecutive weeks of class, prior to the withdrawal deadline, may be withdrawn from class by the instructor.  The student must obtain written permission from the Instructor to re-enroll in a class from which a student has been withdrawn.   Only when a student presents written evidence (such as a military order, physician's statement or other reasonable justification), will a request for post-deadline withdrawal be approved.  Withdrawal forms may be obtained from the Accelerated Programs office or a Chaminade Program Coordinator at various military bases.            

Incomplete Grades  Incomplete grades will not be issued except in extraordinary circumstances, i.e., military deployment, medical or other emergency.  In no case will an Incomplete grade be assigned unless the majority of work has been completed to the satisfaction of the Instructor.  Should an extraordinary circumstance arise which will or may prevent the completion of required course work, contact the Instructor immediately. 

Proctored Final Examinations  When extraordinary circumstances prevent a student from taking a final examination on the scheduled date, a proctored final examination may be administered by an approved proctor at a later date.  Acceptable extraordinary circumstances are defined as:  medical illness; family emergency; or military duty/deployment.  Students are required to provide written documentation serving as evidence in support of extraordinary circumstances.   Arrangements for proctored final examinations must be made in advance with the Chaminade University Evening Programs Office.  It is presently the policy of the Evening Programs Office to administer proctored examinations during the second week of the next term following the term for which an Incomplete grade was assigned.  The Evening Programs Office may be reached at 735-4755.  Note:   Off campus staff do not proctor final examinations.

Plagiarism The Chaminade University of Honolulu General Catalog states that:

"Plagiarism is the offering of work of another as one's own.  Plagiarism is a serious offense and may include, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Complete or partial copying directly from a published or unpublished source without proper acknowledgement to the author. Minor changes in wording or syntax are not sufficient to avoid charges of plagiarism. Proper acknowledgement of the source of a text is always mandatory.

2. Paraphrasing the work of another without proper author acknowledgement.

3. Submitting as one's own original work (however freely given or purchased) the original exam, research paper, manuscript, report, computer file, or other assignment that has been prepared by another individual."

This policy statement means that students' are not allowed to submit the work of another as their own, that altering the work of another for presentation as one's own constitutes plagiarism, and that all sources must be properly cited. If a student commits plagiarism, or fails to properly cite all sources, then the student will receive no credit for the assignment and the Academic Dean will be notified accordingly.

If there is any doubt about whether or not the use or submission of a particular work constitutes plagiarism, contact the Instructor for guidance and assistance.

Mutual Consideration and Respect  As subjects examined during this course may touch upon topics, beliefs, and/or issues considered sensitive by some students, it is imperative that all students demonstrate courtesy and respect concerning the views, opinions, and beliefs of others.               

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© Robert G. Mitchell, 2000-2005.  All rights reserved.
    This page was last updated on 07/18/2005.