Fall 2013 Courses
BUX 120 The Study of Buddhism
Constance Kassor
M 7 - 9 p.m.
This course introduces students to the academic study of Buddhism through readings, lectures by Smith faculty and guests, and trips to local Buddhist centers. We will critically examine the history of Buddhist studies within the context of numerous disciplines, including anthropology, art, cultural studies, gender studies, government, literature, philosophy, and religion, with a focus on regional, sectarian, and historical differences. Materials to be considered include poetry, painting, philosophy, political tracts, and more. Graded S/U only. (E) 1 credit
ARH 226 The Art of India
Marylin Rhie
(Art)
MWF 1:10 - 2:30 p.m.
The art of India and bordering regions to the north from the Indus Valley civilization through the ancient and classical Gupta age, the medieval period, and the Mughal-Rajput period, as expressed in the architecture, sculpture, and painting of the Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, and Muslim religions. {A}{H} 4 credits
REL 105 An Introduction to World Religions
Vera Shevzov and Carol Zaleski
TTh 10:30 - 11:50 a.m.
An exploration of the religious texts and practices of major traditions (Hindu, Buddhist, Chinese, Jewish, Christian, Islamic) as well as those of smaller, more localized communities. Diverse forms of classical and contemporary religious experience and expression are analyzed through texts, rituals, and films as well as through fieldwork. {H} 4 credits
REL 260 Buddhist Thought
Peter Gregory
TTh 9 - 10:20 a.m.
Enduring patterns of Buddhist thought concerning the interpretations of self, world, nature, good and evil, love, wisdom, time, and enlightenment as revealed in a careful reading of two major Mahayana texts. Enrollment limited to 35. {H} 4 credits
REL 262 The Poetry of Enlightenment
Peter Gregory
TTh 1 - 2:20 p.m.
This course will explore ancient and modern Buddhist-inspired poetry from China, Korea, Japan, and the United States. It will be divided into two roughly equal parts. The first half of the course will be devoted to the East Asian tradition of Buddhist-inspired poetry, and the second half of the course will be devoted to the American tradition of Buddhist-inspired poetry. We will read selections from such notables as Wang Wei, Han Shan, and Su Shi (China), Saigyo, Ikkyu, and Ryokan (Japan), Ko Un (Korea), and Gary Snyder, Philip Whalen, Jane Hirshfield, and Dan Gerber (U.S.). Enrollment limited to 20 students. (E) {H}{L} 4 credits
Five College Courses Fall 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
ASLC 124/HIST 171 Chinese Civilization
(J. Dennerline) TTh 10 - 11:20 a.m.
ASLC 144/ RELI 143 Religion in Ancient India
(M. Heim) TTh 1- 2:20 p.m.
ASLC 143 Arts of China
(S. Morse)
MWF 10 - 10:50 a.m.
ASLC 152/RELI 152 Buddhist Traditions
(M. Heim)
TTh 10 - 11:20 a.m.
Hampshire College
HACU 0157 Philosophy as a Way of Life
(C. Cox)
TTh 10:30 - 11:50 a.m.
HACU 0249 Asian Spirituality in the West
(R. Joo)
TTh 2 - 3:20 p.m.
HACU 0310/CSI 0310 Buddhism and Psychotherapy (R. Joo, P. Gilford) W 2:30 - 5:20 p.m.
IA 0199 High Spirits Reading and Writing
(D. Gorlin) TTh 12:30 - 1:50 p.m.
Mount Holyoke College
HIST 232 Topic: Medieval Centraol Asia
(R. Payne)
M 7 - 9:50 p.m.
RELIG 263 Introduction to Buddhism
(S. Mrozik) MW 2:40 - 3:55 p.m.
UMass Amherst
PSYCH 391D Seminar: Consciousness
(R. Bogartz) TTh 1 - 2:15 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.
