EALC-2544:  Introduction to Buddhism

Course description: This course examines the evolution of Buddhism from its original Indian contexts to its evolutions in East Asia in the wake of encounters with native Chinese thought. Modern global developments will be considered at the end of the semester. The first half of the course will focus on doctrinal foundations, while the second will consider social applications, particularly the socially conscious forms of Buddhism emerging in contemporary Asia and the West. The primary organizing purpose of the course will be to trace the tradition’s diversity and adaptations and to ask: How much can Buddhism change while remaining “Buddhism”? At the end of the course, students should have proficiency in understanding Buddhism as an evolutionary and dynamic tradition of continuity and change. This course is cross listed with THEO-2544.