Fall 2009

ANS 340 • History of Indian Buddhism

Course Description

This course introduces students to the institutional, social, economic, and doctrinal history of Buddhism in India. Emerging in the 5th century B.C.E. Buddhism spread quickly across South Asia. For more than 1500 years it had a significant impact on Indian culture, philosophy, art, architecture, and politics. The course discusses Buddhist teachings, from their earliest formulations to later developments, the spread of Buddhist institutions, and resulting social, political, and economic issues. Finally, we will take a look at the revival of Buddhism in India in the 20th century and its impact on society.

Grading Policy

Attendance/participation 20% Oral presentation 20% Short essays/quizzes 20% Midterm exam 20% Final exam 20%

Texts

Prebish/Keown, Buddhism - the eBook Schopen, Bones, Stones, and Buddhist Monks Schopen, Buddhist Monks and Business Matters Course packet

back