Religious Studies 210: Introduction to Buddhism

Spring Quarter 2015

Professor George Bond
Office: Crowe Hall, 4-143
email: gbond@northwestern.edu
Office Hours: Monday, 12-1 and by appointment at other times.
Course Description:
Having begun in India some 2500 years ago, Buddhism now exists in almost all parts of the
world. The Buddhist religion has shaped the thought and culture of Asia and has also
influenced Western thought and culture in significant ways. In this class we will explore some
of the forms of this diverse religious tradition, One emphasis of the class will be on
investigating the philosophical and religious teachings of Gautama the Buddha in India as well
as the history and thought of later Buddhists in other parts of Asia. We will study Buddhism as
a religious tradition that established a system of values, an interpretation of existence and a
pattern of cultural practices and rituals that the Buddhists have interpreted and applied in
various ways to find meaning in life.
Requirements:
Several criteria will be used to establish grades for this course: there will be two midterm exams which will each count 40% of the grade. Class participation in Discussion
Sections will count 20% of the grade. Class participation will involve participating in
class discussions and writing and submitting response papers for the readings.
Books:
1, Peter Harvey, An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History and Practices.
2, Juan Mascaro, The Dhammapada. (Penguin Classics).
3. John Strong, The Experience of Buddhism. (Thomson/Wadsworth).
4. Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen Keys (Doubleday)
5. Thich Nhat Hanh, Heart of Understanding.(Parallax Press)
6. Tsangnyon Heruka, The Life of Milarepa. (Penguin Classics)
Illness Policy:
If you have a cold, flu or other contagious illness, you should stay home and get better rather
than attending class. The instructor and the teaching assistants will be glad to meet with you
later to help you catch up on anything you might have missed and your absence for illness will
not count against your grade.

Class Schedule

( Topics and assignments; subject to change)

Mar.30- Apr. 3

Introduction: Buddhism and the Indian Religious Context

Readings:
Harvey, Introduction to Buddhism, Intro.and Ch. 1, pp. 1-14.

Apr. 6-10

The Life of the Buddha

Readings:
Harvey, Ch.1, pp.14-31,
Strong, Experience of Buddhism, Ch. 1.1-1.7, & 1.9-1.11

Apr. 13-17

The Central Philosophy of Buddhism: Dharma

Readings: Harvey, Chapters 2 and 3, pp. 32-80.
Strong, Chs, 1.8, and Ch. 3.1-3.4.

Apr. 20-24

The Buddhist Path: Ethics and Meditation Practices.

Readings: Harvey, Ch. 3 pp. 80-87, Ch. 9, and pp.244-257,
Strong, Ch. 3.5
The Dhammapada

Apr.27-29

Theravada Buddhism
Readings: Harvey, pp.73-82, and Ch. 10
Strong, Ch. 2

May 1

1st Midterm Exam

May 4-8

Mahayana Buddhism
Readings: tba

May 11-15

Mahayana and Zen

May 18-22

Tibetan Buddhism

May 25

[Memorial Day holiday]

May 27

Buddhism and modernity

May 29

2nd Midterm Exam

June 1

Discussion of Buddhist Meditation