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-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-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. |
| 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. |
| 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. NOTE: This course is co-sponsored by SKSM. |
| HRHS-5526 | TPCS IN BUDDHISM IN THE WEST | Mitchell | Thursdays, 9:40-12:30 | TOPICS IN BUDDHISM IN THE WEST Specialized topic related to the introduction of Buddhist thought and practice is selected by instructor. Course may be repeated for credit, if topic is different. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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] |
| HRPH-4569 | WORKS OF SHINRAN IV:TANNISHO | Matsumoto | Tuesdays, 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. |
| 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] |