Fall 2010 Course Listings

HR 1513 : Buddhist Japanese I
Instructor: Kurioka
Time: Monday/Thursday 12:40PM - 2:00PM
Location: JSC Room 132
Course Level: Intermediate
Course Description: Introduces basics of Japanese grammar, vocabulary, kana & kanji, and dictionary work, including both Buddhist vocabulary and dictionaries. Work with paragraph length selections from modern popular Japanese publications on Buddhism. Course format: Lecture. Evaluation method: Participation/Exam.

HR 1570 : Ritual, Practice and Ceremony in Buddhism
Instructor: Bridge
Time: Monday 9:40AM - 12:30PM
Location: JSC Room 130
Course Level: Introductory
Course Description: This course will examine ritual and practice in the Buddhist tradition, as well as a practicum session devoted specifically to chanting. Topics will include the relationship between practice, doctrine, & ritual, ritual architecture, and historical and modern examples of ritual practice. Offered every other semester.
Course Format: Lecture & Practicum Session.
Evaluation: Written report, practicum exam and participation.

HR 1614 : Introduction to Shin Buddhist Thought
Instructor: Matsumoto
Time: Tuesday 2:10PM - 5:00PM
Location: JSC Room 130
Course Level: Introductory
Course Description: This course will introduce the thought and practice of Shin Buddhism, a major form of Pure Land Buddhism founded by Shinran (1173-1262). The development and implications of Shin Buddhist thought will be considered within the context of contemporary religious and philosophic discussions.
Course format: Lecture.
Evaluation method: Participation/Term paper.

HR 2850 : Buddhism in the West
Instructor: Mitchell
Time: Wednesday 2:10PM - 5:00PM
Location: JSC Room 130
Course Level: Introductory
Course Description:
Please note day and time change
This course surveys the history of Buddhist traditions in the West. Beginning with 19th century colonial contact and Asian immigration through 21st century global exchanges, we will explore the various ways that Buddhists, Buddhist communities, and Buddhist ideas have come to the West and influenced modern religious culture. In addition to a historical survey, we will also focus on thematic issues relevant to contemporary Buddhist practice such as feminism, socially and environmentally engaged Buddhism, responses to modernity, Buddhism and mass media, and globalization.
Previous Buddhist studies courses helpful but not required.
Format: seminar with lecture and discussion.
Evaluation: class participation, book review, final research paper.

HRPS 3016 : Psychological Aspects of Buddhism II: Dialogues with Contemporary Western Psychology
Instructor: Kinst
Time: Wednesday 9:40AM - 12:30PM
Location: JSC Room 130
Course Level: Intermediate
Course Description: This course will explore the interface of traditional Buddhist teachings on the nature of human experience and contemporary Western psychological thoughts and practices. Fundamental of Abhidharma, Yogacara and Madhyamaka teaching will be covered. Writings by contemporary authors will be used to clarify points of contact, divergence, misunderstanding and natural benefit.
NO prerequisits or previous experience nor Buddhist practice are required.
Course format: Seminar, lecture/discussion, practices presented.
Evaluation: Weekly papers (1-2 pages), final paper (8-10pages) or class presentation.

HRCE 3076 : Issues in Shin Buddhist Ministry
Instructor: Yamaoka
Time: Thursday 2:10 - 5:00 pm
Location: JSC Room 130
Course Level: Intermediate
Course Description: Explore the difficulties and direction of Buddhism Ministry within the Western context.

HRPH 4566 : Works of Shinran I: Shorter Writings & Tannisho
Instructor: Matsumoto
Time: Thursday 9:40AM - 12:30PM
Location: JSC Room 130
Course Level: Advanced
Course Description: Introduction to the teachings of Shinran through a study of his shorter writings and Tannisho. Course will utilize the English translations of Shinran’s works to support the study of original texts. Course is required for ministerial aspirants. Fulfills Area Distribution Requirement for Area I.
HRPH 1614 Introduction to Shin Buddhist Thought and at least 1 year of college level Japanese language study (minimal level: ability to use character dictionary) or Instructor’s permission.
Course format: Lecture.
Evaluation method: Participation/course project.

HRHS 8152 : Buddhist Traditions of South Asia
Instructor: Grumbach
This is an Online Course
Our online courses are co-sponsored by the Starr King School for the Ministry
Course Level: Introductory
Course Description: Introduces the Buddhist traditions as they originated in India and develop throughout South and Southeast Asia. First half of the required year long introductory survey of the entire Buddhist tradition. Usually offered each fall semester.
Course format: Online discussion.
Evaluation method: Participation/Term paper.

HRHS 8350 : History of the Pure Land Buddhist Tradition
Instructor: Amstutz
This is an Online Course
Our online courses are co-sponsored by the Starr King School for the Ministry
Course Level: Introductory
Course Description: The Shin Buddhist tradition traces its origins to the works of Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, T’an-luan, Taoch’o, Shan-tao, Genshin, and Honen. This course examines their contributions to the development of Shin Buddhism. Required of ministerial aspirants.
HRPH 1614 Introduction to Shin Buddhist Thought recommended as background.
Course format: Online discussion.
Evaluation method: Participation/term paper.

HR 8455 : Topics in Buddhist Thought: Women, Family, Dharma
Instructor: Grumbach
This is an Online Course
Our online courses are co-sponsored by the Starr King School for the Ministry
Course Level: Intermediate
Course Description: This course challenges several generalized notions about Buddhism (e.g., that it is largely male, monastic, and requires the practice of individual meditation) by examining the roles women have played in the development and spread of Buddhism and by looking at the family as the locus of practice. Women in the history of Buddhism will be a focus of the course, but we will also examine men’s issues as well as children and the Dharma.
Topics will include women’s roles in the formation and continued success of Buddhism; the relationships of nuns/monks to their families; the role of marriage in Buddhist "monasticism"; gender symbolism and gender-shifting; and practice within the family.
Prerequisites: Assumes some knowledge of Buddhism.
Course Format: Online "lecture" and online discussion.
Evaluation method: Participation/term paper.