BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY

FALL 2021

INSTRUCTOR: DR. STEPHEN J. LAUMAKIS
OFFICE: 207 JRC
PHONE: 962-5363
CLASS HOURS: MWF 10:55-12:00, SEPTEMBER 8-DECEMBER 15, 2021
OFFICE HOURS: 7:30-8:00 MWF & BY APPOINTMENT

COURSE DESCRIPTION/GOALS:

This course in the history and development of Buddhism will be divided into three parts. After an introductory overview we will begin with Buddhism in India by looking at the earliest teachings and doctrines of the Buddha and their relationship to the basic beliefs and practices of Hinduism. Second, we will trace the subsequent development of the different schools of Buddhist thought in China. Particular attention will be given to the teachings of Bodhidharma and Huineng and their connection to traditional Buddhism. Finally, we will focus on two types of Japanese Buddhism: Zen and Pure Land Buddhism; and two forms of contemporary Buddhism: the Buddhism of Thich Nhat Hanh and the Dalai Lama. Throughout the course we will be concerned with both the cultural and historical transformations of Buddhism as well as its relevance as a source of meaning and insight about the nature of reality.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. Gaining a basic understanding of the subject (i.e., factual knowledge, methods, principles, generalizations, theories).
*This objective will be demonstrated by papers and class participation.

2. Developing knowledge and understanding of diverse perspectives, global awareness, or other cultures.
* This objective will be demonstrated by papers, and class participation.

3. Learning to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points of view.
*This objective will be demonstrated by papers, class participation, and discussion leading.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Hanh, Thich Nhat. The Miracle of Mindfulness
Laumakis, Stephen J. An Introduction to Buddhist Philosophy
Reps, Paul. Zen Flesh, Zen Bones
Bodhidharma, The Zen Teachings of Bodhidharma (On-line)
Dhammapada (On-line)
Hui-neng, The Sutra of Huineng (On-line)
The Diamond Sutra (On-line)
SELECTED HANDOUTS & OTHER ON-LINE TEXTS

ASSIGNMENTS:

Reading of assigned materials is a MUST in order to introduce you to the subject matter, facilitate class discussion and participation, pose distressing questions, and just plain make you think. Students will be assigned weekly readings relevant to each tradition. They will be asked to participate in an on-line discussion of the readings as well as prepare a one-page reaction paper for class each week. Class time will be devoted to discussion and to presentations about the readings. Students will be evaluated based on general class discussion and participation, short weekly reaction papers, in-class presentations and discussion leading, and a midterm and final paper.

The course will begin with a lecture format--for two weeks only. It will then proceed in seminar style with SIGNIFICANT emphasis on student participation. Students will be responsible for five areas of activity: 1) Participation, 2) Weekly Reaction Papers, 3) Discussion Leading, 4) a Midterm Paper, and 5) a Final Paper.

1) PARTICIPATION includes class discussion of the assigned readings and/or Web postings at the Threaded Discussion Area arranged for the class. Students MUST post at least one reaction to the readings each week.

2) WEEKLY REACTION PAPERS are 1 TYPED PAGE in length and are based on the pre-assigned readings. Students responsible for Discussion Leading in class will be exempt from the Weekly Reaction Papers during that week. They will, however, be responsible for significant Web postings.

3) DISCUSSION LEADING consists of selecting a topic/reading (by WEEK #3), meeting with Dr. Laumakis to discuss your choice (at least one week before your topic is to be discussed), posting questions and comments for discussion on the Web prior to your discussion, and leading class discussion during the class you present the issues involved in your selection.

4) THE MIDTERM PAPER is a response to this question: What is the most basic/important teaching of the Buddha and why? This (3-5 page) paper will justify your own understanding of the most essential teaching of the Buddha.

5) THE FINAL PAPER: involves a choice amonog three topics: Option #1 is a comparative paper and a reflection on the semester long practice of considering “WWBD?” This (5-10 page) paper will be concerned with the differences between WWBD and what one would normally do. It should begin with an account of your own Noble Truths and Path and compare these with the Buddha’s. Finally, it should include an assessment of what the Buddha got right and what he got wrong and why; Option #2 is a (5-10 page) response to this question: What exactly is Buddhism? (Possible answers might include: a religion, a philosphy, both, neither, a secular mental health practice,...?) It should include both evidence for your view as well as reasons for why any alternative answer(s) is/are wrong; Option #3 is a (5-10 page) paper response to this question: What exactly did the Buddha get right? (Or: What is true in Buddhism?)

6) NOTE: Late papers will be penalized one full grade for each day they are late!

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Attendance is expected. Excessive absence may result in grade reduction. Given the uncertainties surrounding the virus and its potential impact on our class, please familiarize yourself with the SPECIAL GUIDELINES DUE TO COVID-19 FOR COURSE ATTENDANCE.

GRADE DISTRIBUTION:

Participation/Web Discussion = (20%) _____ Weekly Reaction Papers = (20%) _____

Discussion Leading = (10%) _____ Midterm Paper= (10%) _____

Final Paper= (20%) _____ Additional 20% (add where you want!)

ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS:

Academic accommodations will be provided for qualified students with documented disabilities including but not limited to mental health diagnoses, learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder, Autism, chronic medical conditions, visual, mobility, and hearing disabilities. Students are invited to contact the Disability Resources office about accommodations early in the semester. Appointments can be made by calling 651-962-6315 or in person in Murray Herrick, room 110. For further information, you can locate the Disability Resources office on the web at http://www.stthomas.edu/enhancementprog/.