Course Outline: CB301 Buddhism in China, 2010/2011, Semester 1

Basic Data
Program: 
Bachelor of Arts (Buddhist Studies)
Semester: 
First Semester (July 12-November 13, 2010) Academic year 2010/2011
Subject: 
CB301 - Buddhism in China
Credit / status: 
3 credits / Minor Subject
Instructor: 
法庆博士
Recommended Texts: 

Required Textbook:

  • Ch’en, Kenneth. Buddhism in China: A Historical Survey. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1964.

Recommend Reference

  • Chan,Wing-tsit, ed. A Source Book in Chinese Philosophy. New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1963.
  • Ch’en, The Chinese Transformation of Buddhism. Princeton University Press, 1973.
  • Fung, Yu-lan. A Short History of Chinese Philosophy. New York:
  • Junjiro, Takakusu. The Essentials of Buddhist Philosophy. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 2002.
  • Kenneth K. Inada. “The Chinese Doctrinal Acceptance of Buddhism.” Journal of Chinese Philosophy, vol 24:1 (1991), PP. 5-17.
  • Walter, Liebenthal. “Chinese Buddhism During the 4th and 5th Centuries.” Monumental Nipponica, Vol. 11, No. 1. (1995), pp. 44-83.
  • Weinstein, Stanley. Buddhism under the T’ang. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 1987.
  • Zürcher, Erik. The Buddhist Conquest of China: The Spread and Adaptation of Buddhism in Early Medieval China, 2 vols. Leiden, Netherlands: Brill, 1959.
Course Organization: 

It is a traditional lecture based course, however students are encouraged to ask questions in the class.

  • Week 1: The background of Buddhism in Central Asia and their connection with China.
  • Week 2: The religious background of China prior to the arrival of Buddhism.
  • Week 3: Han Dynasty and the accepting Buddhism
  • Week 4: Early Translations of Chinese texts
  • Week 5-7: Characteristics of early Buddhist schools introduced to China
  • Week 8: Midterm exam
  • Week 9: Kumārajīva
  • Week 10: Hui Yuan
  • Week 11: The arising of Pure land Buddhism
  • Week 12: Growth of monastic institutions
  • Week 13: The diversity of cultural manifestation in Art, Architecture and Sculpture.
  • Week 14: Presentation
  • Week 15: Review
Course Requirements: 

Students require to read the assigned textbook before joining the class (weekly reading assignment will be given in the class). One essay (around 5 pages, double space with footnotes and bibliography) and one presentation are required.

For essay writing guide: http://ibc.ac.th/faqing/essayguide

Allocation of Marks: 
  • Class participation 5%
  • Presentation 10%
  • One Essay 20%
  • Mid-term exam 25%
  • Final written exam 40%
Course Objectives: 

Upon completion of this course the student will:

  • 1. Understand the historical and philosophical background of the accepting Buddhism in China.
  • 2. Understand the characteristics of early Buddhist schools in China.
  • 3. How Buddhism influenced the Chinese culture

.

Grading: 

All tests, assignments and examinations are graded as follows with grade point and numerical marks:

Grade Performance Grade value Percentage Equivalence
A+ Excellent 4.0 90-100
A Almost Excellent 3.75 85-89
A- Fairly Excellent 3.5 80-84
B+ Very Good 3.25 75-79
B Good 3.0 70-74
B- Fairly Good 2.75 65-69
C+ Fair 2.5 60-64
C Satisfactory 2.25 55-59
C- Minimum Satisfactory 2.0 50-54
D+ Fairly Poor 1.5 40-49
D Poor 1.0 30-39
F Fail 0.0 29 or less
I Incomplete
W Withdrawn
WF Withdrawn because of failure
AU Audit