Spring 2013 Courses
PHIL 252 Buddhist Philosophy: Madhyamaka and Yogacara
Constance Kassor (Philosophy)
TTh 9 - 10:20 a.m.
This course examines the two principal schools of Indian Mahayana Buddhist philosophy. The Madhyamaka school is highly skeptical and critical in its dialectic. The Yogacara or Cittamatra school is highly idealist. The two present contrasting interpretations of the thesis that phenomena are empty and contrasting interpretations of the relationship between conventional and ultimate reality. The debate between their respective proponents is among the most fertile in the history of Buddhist philosophy. We will read each school's principal sutras and early philosophical texts, medieval Tibetan and Chinese commentarial literature and recent scholarly discussions of the texts and doctrines of these schools. Constance Kassor is a Smith alumna currently finishing her PhD in Buddhist Studies at Emory University. Prerequisites: one course in Philosophy or Buddhist Studies. Enrollment limited to 40. {H} 4 credits
REL 263 Zen
Peter Gregory (Religion)
TTh 9 - 10:20 a.m.
Beginning with a survey of some of the fundamental ideas and institutions developed in China and
Japan, the course will focus on the transmission and transformation of Zen in America. It will
take a broad historical approach, looking at the forces that shaped the way in which Zen was presented
to “the West” and exploring the ways in which westerners appropriated, adapted, and continue to
engage the tradition. {H} 4 credits
REL 275 Religious History of South Asia: Ancient to Medieval
Andy Rotman (Religion)
MW 1:10 - 2:30 p.m.
This course is an introduction to the literature, thought, and practice of religious traditions in India, from ancient times to the medieval period. Readings will include materials from the Vedas, Upanishads, and epics, from plays and poetry, as well as Buddhist and Jain literature. Particular consideration will be given to the themes of dharma, karma, love, and liberation as they are articulated in Classical Hinduism. {H} 4 credits
REL 360 Seminar: Problems in Buddhist Thought: Enlightenment
Jamie Hubbard (Religion)
T 3 - 4:50 p.m.
Buddhists the world over understand the Buddha as an enlightened being and Buddhahood as the highest
goal of Buddhist practice, but there is little agreement beyond this. What do Buddhas know? Is
enlightenment our innate nature or a nurtured quality? Is nirvana a state of joyous ecstasy or
the elimination of all passions and pleasures? Can women be Buddhas? How can a Buddha simultaneously
be free from all desire yet want to save all beings? Can Buddhas be found in the world today? Does
this ideal still make sense in light of contemporary psychology? Is Prozac easier and faster than
meditation? We will explore contemporary views of Buddhahood as well as earlier ideas drawn from
the classical Theravada, Tibetan, and East Asian traditions. Prerequisite: one course in Buddhist
traditions or permission of the instructor. {H} 4 credits
Five College Courses Spring 2013
There are also many Buddhism-related courses offered throughout the Five Colleges. You can use the Five College Course Guide to find courses in Buddhism. Search for "Buddhism" in the keyword search.
Amherst College
REL 326/ASLC 326/WAGS 326 Enlightening Passion: Sexuality and Gender in Tibetan Buddhism (P. Zamperini) MW 12:30 - 1:50 p.m.
ARHA 148/ASLC 123 Arts of Japan (S. Morse) MWF 9 - 9:50 a.m.
ARHA 261/ASLC 260 Buddhist Art of Asia (S. Morse) MWF 11 - 11:50 a.m.
ASLC 326 Reading Buddhist Texts (A. Olendski) TTh 2:30 - 3:50 p.m.
ASLC 366 The Monkey, the Outlaws, and the Stone: The Novel in Pre-modern China (P. Zamperini) TTh 11:30 a.m.- 12:50 p.m.
Hampshire College
CSI 242 Buddhist Economics (S. Darlington, H. Scharber) TTh 2 - 3:20 p.m.
HACU 164 World Religions (A. Hodder) MW 1 - 2:20 p.m.
HACU 208 Decoding Zen Buddhism:Philosophy, History and Practice (R. Joo) T 6 - 8:50 p.m.
HACU 247 Introduction to Modern Buddhism (R. Joo) W 2:30 - 5 p.m.
Mount Holyoke College
GNDST 210/RELIG 241 Women and Gender in Philosophy and Religion (S. Mrozik) TTh 1:15 - 2:30 p.m.
Jewish 249/RELIG 249 Encounters Between Judaism and Other Religious Traditions: Christianity, Islam and Buddhism (L. Fine)
PE 117 Bon Odori (Japanese Spiritual Dance) K. Haneishi TTh 2:15 - 3:05 p.m.
UMass Amherst
Chinese 451 Intermediate Classical Chinese (D. Schneider) MWF 11:15 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.
Graduate Study
Many students from Smith College have continued their study of Buddhism in graduate school. You could be next. See this online guide to graduate programs in Buddhist studies that was compiled by H-Buddhism.
