Note: the Institute of Buddhist Studies will continue to monitor the ongoing COVID-19 situation and may make changes to the following course schedule, may alter the course modality (e.g., online or hybrid), or institute safety measures (e.g., reduced class size, vaccine requirements for students) to keep our community safe. Students should contact the faculty of record for the most updated information on how an individual class will be conducted. IBS will communicate directly with current students as the situation develops.
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 2021
| Course Number | Course Title | Faculty | Time/Delivery Method | Course Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HR-8107 | INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM AND BUDDHIST STUDIES | Montrose | 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 | Mondays, 9:40 - 12:30 [onsite or hybrid] | 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-3300 | TERMS, TEXTS & TRANSLATIONS | Payne | TBD [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-1630 | METHODS IN BUDDHIST STUDIES | Calobrisi | Fridays, 9:40 - 12:30 [most likely hybrid/online; contact instructor] | 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] |
| HRHS-8307 | HSTRY OF SHIN BUDDHIST TRDTN | Wondra | Online | HISTORY OF THE SHIN BUDDHIST TRADITION: PREMODERN A survey of themes and problems in the history of Jodoshinshu Buddhism, from Honen into the Tokugawa period, including doctrine but also other associated issues (institutionalization, women's roles, evolution of teachings, interaction with political and economic regimes, etc.). Online course, with readings and written interactions among students and instructor. Evaluation based on weekly student writings and a final paper. Primary aim is to establish basic knowledge, which may serve as foundation for subsequent studies. For all students concerned with Shin Buddhism's interaction with Japanese history, but assumes some general familiarity with Buddhist traditions. |
| HRPH-4568 | WORKS OF SHINRAN III | Miyaji | TBD | WORKS OF SHINRAN III: TEACHING, PRACTICE AND REALIZATION, CONTINUED Continuation of the study of Shinran's major treatise, which was taken up in HR 4567 Works of Shinran II. Course is recommended for ministerial aspirants. Fulfills the Area Distribution Requirement for Area I. [HR 4567 or equivalent as determined by the instructor; Faculty Consent required] |
| HRPS-8250 | ESOTERIC BUDDHISM | Payne | Online | A survey of the history, teachings, doctrines, practices, and textual traditions of esoteric, or tantric, Buddhism. Particular focus may be given to Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, or Japanese forms of esoteric Buddhism. As appropriate attention will also be given to basic introduction to the traditions of Indian tantra that provided the religious context for the development of the Buddhist tantric tradition. |
| 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. |
Spring 2022
| Course Number | Course Name | Faculty | Delivery Method | Course 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. NOTE: This course is co-sponsored by SKSM. |
| HR-3040 | ZEN BUDDHISM | Pokorny | TBD | TBD |
| HR-3017 | THREE PURE LAND SUTRAS | Bridge | TBD | TBD |
| PSHR-5160 | TOPICS IN BUDDHIST PASTORAL CARE | Kinst | TBD | TBD |
| HRPH-8453 | WORKS OF SHINRAN I | Miyaji | TBD | TBD |
| HR-2850 | BUDDHISM AND THE WEST | Mitchell | TBD | TBD |
| HRRS-4551 | TOPICS IN THERAVADA BUDDHIST STUDIES | Quli | TBD | |
| HRPH-8488 | TOPICS IN JAPANESE RELIGIONS | Leighton | TBD | TBD |
| HR-8156 | BUDDHIST JAPANESE II | Thompson | TBD | TBD |