Course Outline: ME6210 Special Topic in Buddhist Studies: Buddhism in Japan , 2010/2011, Semester 1

Basic Data
Program: 
Master of Arts (Buddhist Studies)
Semester: 
First Semester (July 12-November 13, 2010) Academic year 2010/2011
Credit / status: 
3 credits / Elective subject
Course Organization: 

The course is lecture-based with active participation expected from the students. Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled classes to be eligible to sit for the final written examination. In addition to active class participation, students are required to write and submit one essay, and a final written examination.

Course plan for 13 lectures of three hours each including a free discussion on the topic for half an hour each day:

  • Lecture 1: Introduction of Buddhism to Japan.
  • Lecture 2: Prince Shotoku and His Contribution to Buddhism.
  • Lecture 3: Taika Reforms.
  • Lecture 4: Six Schools of Nara Buddhism and their basic teachings.
  • Lecture 5: Heian Buddhism: Tendai and Shingon Schools.
  • Lecture 6: Mappo Theory.Pure Land Buddhism: Honen, Shinran and Mappo Theory.
  • Lecture7: Pure Land Buddhism: Jodo and Jodo Shin Schools
  • Lecture 8: Nichiren Buddhism.
  • Lecture 9: Zen Buddhism: Eisai (Rinzai Zen) and Dogen (Soto Zen).
  • Lecture 10: Buddhism in Edo Period.
  • Lecture 11: Buddhism after Meiji Period.
  • Lecture 12: Buddhism and ways of thinking of the Japanese people.
  • Lecture 13: Buddhist Impact on Japanese Culture.
Course Requirements: 

NULL

Allocation of Marks: 
  • Class participation: 10%
  • Essay assignment: 40%
  • Final examination: 50%
Course Objectives: 

By the end of the course, students would acquire a thorough understanding of the nature, types, and practices of Buddhism in Japan.

Grading: 

All tests, assignments and examinations are graded as follows with grade point and numerical marks:

Grade Performance Grade value Percentage Equivalence
A Excellent 4.0 90-100
B+ Very Good 3.5 80-89
B Good 3.0 70-79
C+ Fairly Good 2.5 60-69
C Fair 2.0 50-59
D+ Poor 1.5 40-49
D Very Poor 1.0 30-39
F Fail 0.0 29 or less
I Incomplete
W Withdrawn
WF Withdrawn because of failure
AU Audit