| Unit name | Buddhism in Practice |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRSM0118 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Langer |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
N/A |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
N/A |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
N/A |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit aims to provide students with an overview of Buddhist practice from its beginnings in India to its modern forms, focusing especially on the southern (TheravÄda) tradition of Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The unit will offer students in depth knowledge of several important topics: Buddhist ethics, monasticism, the monk-laity relationship, rituals of magic and protection, the position of women, controversy over the nuns’ ordination, and the issue of Buddhism and violence. These themes will be investigated by using various kinds of sources ranging from primary textual sources in translation and the writings of historians and social anthropologists to audio-visual material generated in the field.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit students will have:
1. developed a comprehensive understanding of the actuality of Buddhism in Asia
2. gained an in-depth knowledge of significant topics in Asian Buddhism, including Buddhist ethics, the position of women, and issues of Buddhism and violence
3. advanced their ability to critically evaluate scholarly theories and popular
assumptions regarding the nature of the relationship between religion's
theory and practice
4. developed advanced skills in the researching, reading and presentation
of complex material
5. displayed high level skills in evaluating, analysing, synthesising and (where
appropriate) critiquing images and ideas.
6. applied existing analytical strategies to new evidence with flexibility and
creativity
7. demonstrated the capacity for independent research
Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class discussion, investigative activities, and practical activities. Students will be expected to engage with readings and participate on a weekly basis. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Students will have the opportunity to practice their oral presentation skills
and to work on their seminar skills.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
1 X 2,000 word portfolio (30%) [ILOs 1-7].
1 X 4,000-word summative essay (70%) [ILOs 1-7].
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete
reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the
Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments
required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School/Centre
shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. THRSM0118).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
