RE 355 BUDDHISM
Winter Evening 2007
Description: This
course will examine the historical, social, psychological and spiritual
phenomena that constitute Buddhism. It is intended as both a general survey of
Buddhism, its history and development, and a reflection on contemporary
movements and developments in Buddhist thought and actions.
Required Texts:
Rahula,
Walpola. What the Buddha Taught.
Hanh, Thich Nhat. The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching
Queen, Christopher S., editor. Engaged Buddhism in the West.
Excerpts from:
Hahn, Thich Nhat. Being Peace and The
Miracle of Mindfulness.
Unno, Taitetsu.
Tatsuguchi, Roland K. Shin Buddhism: A Brief Overview.
Chappell, David. Buddhist Peacework.
His Holiness The Dalai Lama. Ethics for the New
Millennium.
Kotler, Arnold. Engaged Buddhist Reader.
Hairston, Maxine, John Ruszkiewicz,
and Christy Friend. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for
Writers, 5th edition.
And other authors…
The Student will:
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Demonstrate an understanding of the philosophical foundations of Buddhism
including the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Noble Path and the early
Buddhist Attitude;.
·
Discuss the
Theravada teaching on the Four Noble Truths and “Mental Culture.”
·
Discuss the
development and meaning of the Mahayana teachings on śūñyā,
bodhisattva, and karuna.
·
Discuss the
teaching and practice at the center of Engaged Buddhism and Buddhist work for
peace and compassion for all beings.
·
Discuss the involvement of Engaged Buddhism in the areas of peace making,
environmental activism, human rights, gender equity, ethnic concerns, and
health care.
Organizational themes refer to underlying structural links
that contribute to the choice of content, the pedagogy selected for participation
of the teacher/learner and student/teacher in bringing the content to life, and
fulfillment of the course objectives within a broader frame of education and
building community.
v Educate
for formation in faith;
v Provide
an integral quality education;
v Educate
for family spirit;
v Educate
for service, justice and peace; and
v Educate
for adaptation and change.
These characteristics are important in the way we
will teach the course, in our expectation of your participation in the
realization of the course goals and objectives, and in the selection of
materials we will ask you to read. As the semester progresses, the specific
character of your education in a Marianist University will impact on your
discipline in ways that emphasize the reflective dialogue between faith and
reason in the issues and values we study. Marianist education seeks graduates
who, having been schooled with a concern for the whole person, approach their
professions from this same wholistic perspective as they seek to build
communities that serve the needs of justice and peace, while seeking creative
ways to adapt to changing environments and needs.
Two explicit outcomes
arise from these organizational themes:
1.
The students will incorporate into their essays and
class project an awareness of the Marianist educational characteristics and how
they impact on their reading of the sources and themes for the course and their
own personal philosophy and practice in regard to religion and religious communities.
2.
Students will develop an awareness and deeper
appreciation for the diversity of theories and experiences in the origins and
development of Buddhism, and discuss the impact of ethnic and religious
diversity on the study of Buddhism.
Evaluation:
v
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.
v
Final Exam: 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 at an approved alternate location.
v
v
Participation
in discussions: Weekly course assignments typically include: (1) a reading assignment,
and (2) posting a response to discussion questions in the WebCT
forum.
·
If you have more than two weeks of non-participation, your grade may be
lowered by one or more letter grades. You are responsible for communicating any
special circumstances to your teacher that may prevent you from participating
in the online discussions or completing other.
v
Chapter/Reading
Presentations: Students will be assigned one or more presentation(s)
based on the reading materials. The presentation must outline the major points
of the assigned reading, relate the content to the course, and attempt a
critique of the contents and/or arguments encountered in the reading. The grade
for the presentation is based on comprehensiveness, clarity, and conciseness.
v
Reflections: Students are required to write three reflective
essays based on the readings and presentations.
Grade Calculation:
Participation online: more
than two weeks of non-participation may result in a reduction of one or more grade(s).
Excessive non-participation may result in failure of the course.
Reflective Essays: 30% 300 points total
Presentations: 20% 200 points total
Online participation: 30% 300 points total
Final Exam: 20% 200 points total
Your grade is calculated
using the following scale:
A: 93-100%; B: 83-92%; C:
73-82%; D: 63-72%; F: 0-62%
It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any specific special needs or difficulties so that appropriate strategies for completion of work may be mutually developed.
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
and web board discussions and written presentations posted online. 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).
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.
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.
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COURSE REQUIREMENTS |
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.
Reflection Papers There are three (3) reflection
papers required 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 the material covered in the course and are graded.
Examinations There is 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) three reflection papers
(scored); and (3) satisfactory presentation of assigned chapters, and (4) one
comprehensive final examination (scored).
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POLICIES |
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.
Plagiarism
The
"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:
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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. |
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2. |
Paraphrasing the work of another without proper author acknowledgement. |
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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.
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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.
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
Test Proctor criteria for online courses for Off Island
students
Test
proctor should be a testing officer at a
Information
needed:
1. Test
Proctor’s name & title
2. Phone &
fax number
3. Email
address
4. Physical
address of the testing center
5. Date of the
exam(s)
Class Schedule
Winter Evening 2007
Dr.
Henry Hall 206a Office: 735-4826; secretary: 735-4827
Email: [email protected] (use internal mail
in WebCt for all course related communications)
|
Week |
Topic |
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January 8
-20 |
Introduction and
Orientation |
Read “Orientation”
Document And Syllabus Answer Questions in Forum:
January 8 discussion one |
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January 15-20 |
Buddhist Attitude of Mind |
Rahula, 1 – 15 Answer Questions in Forum: January 15 discussion 2 |
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January
21-27 |
Ahimsa and Non-Violence Values at the heart of a tradition The First Noble Truth |
·
Colette Caillat,
“Ahimsa,” from The Encyclopedia of Religion. ·
Mark Juergensmeyer,
“Nonviolence,” from The Encyclopedia of Religion. ·
Rahula, 16 – 28 ·
Answer Questions in Forum: January 21 discussion 3. |
|
January
28-February 3 |
The Second, Third, and
Fourth Noble Truths |
·
Rahula, 16 -
50 ·
Charles S.J. White, “The Way to Enlightenment:
Buddhism,” in Study
Guide: Joseph Campbell, Transformations of Myth Through Time ( ·
Hanh, 1 – 46 ·
Answer Questions in Forum: January 28 discussion 4. |
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February
4-10 |
Anatta Noble Eightfold Path |
·
Rahula, 51 – 75 ·
Hahn, 49 – 118 ·
Answer Questions in Forum: February 4 discussion 5. The Four Noble Truths Reflective Essay (February 11) Post under Four Noble
Truths Essay in the Forum. |
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February
11-17 |
Quest for the Buddha See Forum: February 11
discussion 6. Quest for the Buddha Reflective Essay Draft due: February 16 Email
the draft to me (do not post your draft) Draft returned by February
20 Final paper due: February 23 posted on the forum for
February 11-17. See Course Content area
for readings |
“The Legend of the Buddha Shakyamuni,”
in Buddhist Scriptures. 34-66. David J. Kalupahana, “Life of
the Buddha,” chap. in A History of Buddhist Philosophy (Honolulu:
University of Hawaii Press, 1992), 22-29. Kenneth Kramer, “The Traceless Buddha,” from World
Scriptures: An Introduction to Comparative Religions (New York: Paulist Press, 1986), 73-95 His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Freedom in Exile: The
Autobiography of the Dalai Lama (New York: HarperCollins Publishers,
1990), 1-2, 6-13, 203-208, 267-271. Reproduced in Religious
Worlds: Primary |
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February
18-24 |
Rise of the Mahayana Buddhist Teachings |
John M. Koller and Patricia Koller, “Rise of the Mahayana,” chap. in A Sourcebook
in Asian Philosophy (New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1991), 247-261. Hanh,
121-160. |
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February
25- March 3 |
Engaged Buddhism as
Peacemaking |
Queen, 1 – 94 See Group Assignments
under “Study Groups” in forum. |
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March
4-11 |
Engaging the Issues:
Environment, Race, and Human Rights |
Queen 159 – 246 See Group Assignments
under “Study Groups” in forum. Engaged Buddhism Essay (post on the Forum under “Engaged Buddhism Essay” Due March 11. |
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March 12
– March 17 |
Buddhism Today and
Tomorrow Review for Final Exam |
Rahula, 76 -89 Queen, 485 - 511 Report to Chaminade Campus
for final exam on March 17. |