Note: please refer to our covid response page for the latest updates about course delivery method, mask and vaccine requirements, and other information as we navigate the pandemic.
The GTU Registrar’s Office is responsible for listing all courses offered throughout the GTU consortium. IBS courses are publicly listed via the GTU student information system, Sonis. Please visit GTU Sonis and search for courses by semester and school to see IBS’s current listings. Students should be aware that the information on the GTU Website is the most updated and correct version of courses currently available.
Current IBS students should log in to Populi to register for courses. GTU MA and Buddhist Chaplaincy Certificate students will need to log in to GTU Sonis.
* Note: While the IBS offers a set of classes each semester, there are instances in which a class may be cancelled due to low enrollment.
Fall 2022
| Course Number | Course Title | Primary Faculty Last Name | Time/Delivery Method | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HR-8107 | INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM AND BUDDHIST STUDIES | Calobrisi | Online | This course introduces the student to the Buddhist tradition and the academic study of Buddhism. The course covers the development of Buddhism across Asia, its history, major texts, lineages, practices and doctrines. Secondarily, we will discuss the academic discipline of Buddhist studies, its own historical development, methodologies, orientations and assumptions. It is required for the Certificate in Buddhist Studies. |
| HRHS-8151 | BUDDHIST TRDTNS OF SOUTH ASIA | Ramswick | Online | Introduces the Buddhist traditions as they originate in India and develop throughout south and southeast Asia. First half of the required year long introductory survey of the entire Buddhist tradition. Lecture/seminar. Requirements:1 research paper; 1 reflection paper; class presentation. Required course for: M.A. (Buddhist Studies), M.B.S, M.Div., Buddhist Chaplaincy Certificate Program, Kyoshi Cetificate. NOTE: This course is co-sponsored by SKSM. |
| HRPH-1614 | INTRO TO SHIN BUDDHIST THOUGHT | Bridge | Online | Introduces the major ideas of Shin thought in the context of contemporary religious and philosophic discussions. Evaluation based on participation in discussion forums and final research paper. Intended for MA/MTS and MDiv students. [HR 1510, HR 1550 or instructor's permission; Faculty Consent required] |
| HR-1630 | METHODS IN STUDY OF BUDDHISM | Calobrisi | Online/hybrid | A survey of different approaches to the study of Buddhism, including textual, anthropological, sociological, historical, and bibliographic. Particular attention will be given to contemporary critical studies, appropriate historical and social contextualization of doctrinal claims, and relations between Buddhism and other religions in the modern world. May be upgraded for doctoral students. [Auditors with Faculty permission] |
| HR-8145 | BUDDHIST JAPANESE I | Thompson | Online | This course introduces the basics of Japanese grammar, vocabulary, kana & kanji (Japanese characters), and dictionary work. Students will acquire knowledge of the characteristics of Japanese grammar and some Buddhist terminology. Students learn various types of sentences, which include simple and compound sentences. The final exam requires the student to translate two (unrelated) paragraphs of simplified academic texts related to Buddhism. Course format: Lecture/ online. Evaluation method: Participation/ Homework Assignments/ 2 Exams/ 1 Essay. |
| HR-8357 | BUDDHIST JAPANESE III | Thompson | Online | This course introduces high intermediate Japanese grammar. It is focused on understanding compound and complex sentences. We also analyze why subjects and phrases are omitted in typical Japanese sentences. Students will acquire the knowledge of multiple language equivalents (Skt., Ch., Tib.) and the corresponding concepts within Buddhist thought. Students will continue to build upon knowledge of Buddhist terminology and kanji. [Auditors with Faculty Permission] |
| HRIR-2000 | BUDDHISM AND WORLD RELIGIONS | Lin | Thursdays, 2:10-5:00 pm | Contextualizes the history, thought, and practice of Buddhism within the broad sweep of world religions, historically and contemporarily. |
| HR-2850 | BUDDHISM IN THE WEST | Mitchell | Thursdays, 9:40-12:30 | 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 and developed in Western contexts. Previous Buddhist studies courses helpful but not required. [Auditors with faculty permission] |
| PSHR-3076 | BUDDHIST PASTORAL CARE I | Lin | Tuesdays, 2:10-5:00 pm | Buddhist teachings and practices have much to offer the world of pastoral care and chaplaincy. This course integrates Buddhist teachings into the study of pastoral care and counseling, and chaplaincy, and explores their relevance in an interfaith setting. Key aspects of pastoral care will be covered in conjunction with applicable Buddhist teachings and practices. Psychological principles which are central to contemporary pastoral care will be included as well as specific topics such as family life and transitions, illness, addiction, trauma, grief, and wider social considerations. Exercises and reflections aimed at developing self-awareness and the skills necessary for effective pastoral care will also be included. There are no prerequisites for this course. Course format: seminar/lecture/discussion; Method of Evaluation: class participation/weekly reflection papers/ final paper. Intended audience: MA/MDiv/MTS. DMin/PhD/ThD with additional requirements. [16 max enrollment; Auditors with faculty permission] |
| SA-8318 | READINGS IN VAJRAYANA TEXTS | Payne | Online | Introduces a major Vajrayana (tantric or esoteric Buddhist) tantra, commentary, ancillary text, or set of texts in English translation. Different texts may be selected depending on their significance for various Buddhist traditions of Asia. May be augmented with work on text in canonic language(s). HRHS 1515 Buddhist Traditions of South Asia and HRHS 1518 Buddhist Traditions of East Asia are recommended as background. Fulfills the textual studies (Biblical Studies or Sacred Texts) requirement for the GTU MA. May be repeated for credit when a different text is chosen for study. [Auditors with Faculty Permission] |
| HR-3300 | TERMS, TEXTS & TRANSLATIONS | Payne | Online | A study of the key terminology of Buddhist studies across the tradition, the ways in which texts are studied, and issues of translation. These issues have all been central for the understanding of Buddhism as it has moved from one society to another, and this course examines how they affect the interpretation of Buddhism in the present. |
| HR-4548 | TOPICS IN SHIN BUDDHIST THGHT | Miyaji | Tuesdays, 9:40 - 12:30 | Examination of a topic of instructor’s choice drawing from the interactions between Shin thought and contemporary thought and society. May be repeated for credit when topic is different. |
| HRPH-4569 | WORKS OF SHINRAN IV:TANNISHO | Matsumoto | Mondays, 2:10-5:00 pm | Introduction to the teachings of Shinran through a study of a key summary of his thought. Course will utilize the English translation to support the study of the original text. HRPH 1614 Introduction to Shin Buddhist thought, and at least one year of college level Japanese language study (minimal level: ability to use character dictionary), or instructor’s permission is prerequisite to enrollment. Fulfills the textual studies (Biblical Studies or Sacred Texts) requirement for the GTU MA. |
| HRPH-8458 | TOPICS IN BUDDHIST PRACTICE | Pokorny | Online | (online version of HRPH 4558) Examination of a topic of instructor’s choice from the history of Buddhist thought, such as meditation, ritual, or debate. Where appropriate, primary source materials will be employed in the study of the topic. Course may be repeated for credit, if topic is different. |
Spring 2023
| Course Number | Course Title | Primary Faculty Last Name | Time/Delivery Method | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HRHS-8152 | BUDDHIST TRDTNS OF EAST ASIA | Ramswick | Online | Introduces the Buddhist traditions transmitted to East Asia and the development of new traditions. Second half of the required year long introductory survey of the entire Buddhist tradition. Usually offered each Spring semester. Course format: Online discussion. Evaluation method: Participation/term paper. |
| HR-8150 | ZEN BUDDHISM | Pokorny | Online | A survey of the history, teachings, doctrines, practices and textual traditions of Zen Buddhism as this tradition developed in China, Korea, Japan, and its contemporary transmission to the West. Socio- historical aspects of the tradition’s development and history will also be considered. |
| HR-1596 | INTRO THERAVADA BUDDHIST TRAD | Quli | Tuesdays, 9:40-12:30 | INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF THERAVADA BUDDHIST TRADITIONS This course will survey the traditions of Buddhism commonly referred to as Theravada, with reference to their doctrine, development, and concrete localizations throughout South and Southeast Asia, as well as the contemporary West. We will also interrogate the shifting representations of these traditions that emerge in their interface with modernity. The course will incorporate both foundational primary texts and representative secondary scholarship in an attempt to broadly chart the living and historical dimensions of these traditions and the terms of their contemporary study. |
| HR-1615 | READINGS EARLY BUDDHIST TEXTS: | Lin | Tuesdays, 2:10-5:00 | READINGS IN EARLY BUDDHIST TEXTS: THE LONG DISCOURSES OF THE BUDDHA The Long Discourses of the Buddha (the Digha Nikaya) is a collection of discourses filled with colorful stories, compelling characters and important teachings. Much more than any other discourse collection of early Buddhism, the Long Discourses of the Buddha gives the reader a view into life in ancient India in which the Buddha lived and taught. This course consists of in depth readings (in translation) of selected discourses from which we will learn about important teachings, spiritual practices, ethical values, cosmologies, political theories and myths from early Buddhism and ancient India. There are no prerequisites for this course. Course format: seminar/lecture/discussion; Method of Evaluation: class participation, mid-term and final papers. Intended audience: MA/MDiv/MTS. DMin/PhD/ThD with additional requirements. |
| HR-8146 | BUDDHIST JAPANESE II | Thompson | Online | This course is a bridge from introductory level to Intermediate level Japanese; continuing to cover basic Japanese grammar, and introducing to intermediate level Japanese grammar. Students learn relational particles in depth and idioms that will help the student understand Buddhist texts. Students will acquire more Buddhist terminology and kanji. During the course, students will read 1- 2 paragraphs length selections (the level of difficulty is adjusted to this course) from modern Japanese publications on Buddhism. Course format: Lecture/ online. Evaluation method: Participation/ Homework Assignments/ 2 Exams/ 1 Essay. |
| HR-8359 | BUDDHIST JAPANESE IV | Thompson | Online | Students will be required to read extended text selections in Japanese. Discourse level grammar and sentence analysis will be studied in depth. Students will continue to build upon knowledge of Buddhist terminology and kanji. This course also introduces basics of classical Japanese. |
| HRCE-3014 | ISSUES IN BUDDHIST MINISTRY | Dunford | Thursdays, 2:10-5:00 | Explore the difficulties and direction in Buddhist Ministry within the Western context. Also, through a person-centered educational process, explore ways and means to develop one's personal ministry for the west. To study and evaluate an educational process will be the core element of the course. Lecture/seminar with research papers which include personal reflection documents within the words of the Buddhist teachers. Course is for MA students with an emphasis on ministry and chaplaincy. |
| HR-8317 | READINGS IN MAHAYANA TEXTS | TBA | Online | Introduces a major Mahāyāna sūtra or śastra in English translation. May be augmented with work on text in canonic language(s). Usually alternates annually between the three Pure Land sūtras (required of ministerial aspirants) and other Mahāyāna texts. HRHS 1515 Buddhist Traditions of South Asia and HRHS 1518 Buddhist Traditions of East Asia are recommended as background. Fulfills the textual studies (Biblical Studies or Sacred Texts) requirement for the GTU MA. |
| HRHS-3250 | HISTORY OF PURE LAND:7 MASTERS | Bridge | Online/Mondays 9:40-12:30 | SEVEN MASTERS OF JODO SHINSHU The Shin Buddhist tradition traces its origins to the works of Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, T'an-luan, Tao-ch'o, Shan-tao, Genshin, and Honen. This course examines their contributions to the development of Shin Buddhism. Required of ministerial aspirants. Format: Lecture. Evaluation: Final examination. [HRPH 1614 Introduction to Shin Buddhist Thought recommended as background] |
| HRPH-8454 | WORKS OF SHINRAN II | Miyaji | Online | This online course is an introduction to the teachings of Shinran through a study of his major treatise. Course will focus on the doctrinal content of the text, making use of the English translation. Course is required for ministerial aspirants. Fulfills the Area Distribution Requirement for Area I. [HRPH 1614 and at least one year of college level Japanese language study (minimal level: ability to use character dictionary), or instructor's permission] |
| HRPH-4556 | TOPICS IN BUDDHIST THOUGHT | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| HRHS-5526 | TPCS IN BUDDHISM IN THE WEST | Mitchell | Thursdays, 9:40-12:30 | CENTERING AND DECENTERING IDENTITY. This course will explore the intersections of identity in the context of American Buddhism. How have different Buddhist thinkers foregrounded social or cultural identities and their embodied challenges in the American context? How have Buddhist drawn from doctrinal positions such as “no-self” to engage or dis-engage with racism, sexism, trans- and homophobia both within and outside the sangha? Over the course of the semester, we will look at specific case studies, do close reading of contemporary Buddhist writing, and engage larger theoretical issues in the inter-related fields of critical race theory, post-colonial theory, and feminist/womanist theory. We examine key Buddhist concepts such as dukkha, anatta, anitya, and sunyata as they related to the discussion of Buddhism, practice, and the understanding of the sangha. This course is co-taught by PhD student Angela Lintz Small with a Newhall Award and Scott Mitchell. [Auditors with faculty permission] |