Subject: ASIA

Term: Spring 2025

ASIA 217: Buddhism (100/9902)

TR 01:00-02:15 PM Jan 13-Apr 28

Liang, J

From India to Indonesia, from Tibet to the United States, the reach of Buddhism has been pervasive and persistent throughout the past millennia. What makes Buddhism so popular? Why are there so many Buddhist traditions all over the world, and what are those? What makes them different, and what sets of core tenets do they share, if any? In this course, we will explore together the basic teachings of Buddhism in its manifold emanations. Using Buddhism as an example, we will also begin to think about religion as a tool of social organization or resistance, as a cosmopolitan language to converse with other cultures, and as an integral part of human lives past and present. Offered as ASIA 217 and RLGN 217.

ASIA 346: Buddhism Goes to the Movies (100/9905)

R 04:00-06:30 PM Jan 13-Apr 28

Liang, J

This seminar delves into the lively expressions of being Buddhist, "doing Buddhism," or just thinking along Buddhist lines across the cinematic world. It also queries the rich emanations of Buddhist teachings and practices that inspired cinematic expressions beyond the those traditionally labeled as "films about Buddhism." Taking seriously the claim that the practice of seeing brings about spiritual liberation and interpreting films as Buddhist scriptures, students will critically and creatively examine these visual contemplations on the Buddha, his teaching, Buddhist communities, history, practice, and stories of Buddhists in the many worlds they inhabit. Offered as ASIA 346 and RLGN 346.