Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - HIST 468W D100

Problems in the History of Religion (4)

Buddha, Jesus, Monasticism

Class Number: 2935

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units, including nine units of lower division history.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An advanced examination into the concepts and methodology of the history of religion. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 468W may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

            Recently mainstream society has shifted its perspective on monks and nuns.  No longer about hierarchy and sexual repression, monasticism has emerged as a potential source to save us from modernity’s hyper-consumption.  Last year alone saw the publication of books like How to Focus: A Monastic Guide for an Age of Distraction, Saint Hildegard's Guide to Wellness: Herbalism, Nutrition, and Health Advice from a Trailblazing Medieval Nun, and Eat Like a Monk: A Plant-Based Guide to Conscious Cooking and Mindful Eating.

            This seminar looks at how people today have imitated historical monks and nuns imitating Jesus and the Buddha.  The semester runs along a series of questions:  Who were the historical Jesus and Buddha?  What did they teach?  How well do the rules for monks and nuns reflect those teachings?  How well did monks and nuns follow those rules?  What practical benefits might the monastic lifestyle have for our everyday lives now?

            Sources will range from the Gospel of Mark and the Buddhist Pali canon, to historical monastic codes and biographies—ideal and actual—to modern accounts of “living Biblically” or “Buddhistically.”  Students are welcome to work on historical assignments on Jesus, Buddha, or any aspect of monasticism.  Students without a background in religion or the history of religion are particularly welcome.

            I am also teaching a one-unit FASS 224 experiential course on monastic meditation this summer.

Grading

  • Seminar attendance and participation 20%
  • Posting discussion questions 8%
  • Minor assignments (short written responses, oral presentation, prospectus) 24%
  • Research paper 48%

NOTES:

The minor assignments will be graded pass/almost/incomplete/fail.  For the minor assignments and research paper, you will have the option of revising and resubmitting to improve the grade.


 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The New Testament, 2nd edition, trans. David Bentley Hart (New Haven: Yale UP, 2023)

Other readings will be made available online


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.