Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - HUM 331 J100

Special Topics in Asian Religious Traditions (4)

Class Number: 3943

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 13, 2020
    Thu, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Location: TBA

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Studies a specific Asian religious tradition through the cultural and historical contexts that structure religious meaning. Students may repeat this course once for further credit under a different topic. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:


Buddhist Ethics in Contemporary Society

This seminar will begin with an introduction to Buddhist philosophy and ethical thought through reading two texts. The first, compiled in the third century BCE, is the Dhammapada found in a collection of texts within the Pali Buddhist canon known as the Khuddaka Nikāya (Minor Collection). It is one of the most accessible ancient sources of Buddhist insight into Buddhist teachings (Buddhadhamma) and deals frequently with Buddhist insights into ethical conduct. The second text, also from Theravadin (“Teachings of the Elders”) tradition, is written by a Thai academic and Theravadin monk named Phra Prayudh Payutto. This text is a broad introduction to Buddhist teachings and addresses topics such as “What is Life,” “What is the Nature of Existence,” and “How Should We Live Our Lives?” Despite being an “introduction” this is a dense and challenging work that sheds light on the foundations of early Buddhist philosophy as the foundation for ethical action.  

During the second half of the term we will examine a wide range of contemporary ethical challenges (e.g. euthanasia and suicide, abortion and contraception, sexual identity, sexual equality, social justice, ethics of economics, attitudes toward the natural world). We will use Peter Harvey’s book for this purpose as he draws directly upon Pali Theravadin primary sources in his exploration of the above topics and provides a helpful introduction to Buddhist doctrine and the fundamental concepts that shape Buddhist ethics.

Grading

  • Attendance 5%
  • Student-led Discussions 20%
  • Paper Proposal 15%
  • Term Paper 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

Late assignments will be accepted but 2% per day will be deducted from the assignment grade.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Peter Harvey, An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics: Foundations, Values and Issues (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000).

Phra Prayudh Payutto, Buddhadhamma: Natural Laws and Values for Life, trans. Grant A. Olson (State University of New York Press, 1995).

Acharya Buddharakkhita, trans., Dhammapada: The Buddha’s Path of Wisdom, (Kandy, Sri Lanka: Buddha Dharma Education Association, 1985).

Free E-Book Download from:        http://www.buddhanet.net/pdf_file/scrndhamma.pdf

* Additional sources will be available online. Please also make good use of the excellent online Journal of Buddhist Ethics  

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.