Course Outline: SM109 Science and Buddhism, 2011/2012, Semester 2

Basic Data
Program: 
Bachelor of Arts (Buddhist Studies)
Semester: 
Second Semester (December 05, 2011–April 07, 2012) Academic Year 2011/2012
Subject: 
SM109 - Science and Buddhism
Credit / status: 
3 credits / General Subject
Instructor: 
真满法师
Recommended Texts: 

Required Textbooks

Recommended Texts

  • Cohen, Martin. Philosophy for Dummies. West Sussex: John Wiley and Sons, 2010.
  • Barua, Ankur, et al. Applied Buddhism in Modern Science. Germany: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller, 2010.
  • Lopez, Donald S. Buddhism and Science: A Guide for the Perplexed. Chicago: The University of Chicago, 2008.
  • Wallace, Alan, ed. Buddhism and Science: Breaking New Ground. New York: Columbia University, 2003.
  • Mon, Mehn Tin. Buddha Abhidhamma Ultimate Science. Kuala Lumpur: Majujaya Indah, 2002.
  • Kalupahana, David J. A Sourcebook of Early Buddhist Philosophy. Colombo: Buddhist Cultural Centre, 2007.
  • Jayasuria, W. F. The Psychology and Philosophy of Buddhism. Kuala Lumpur: BMS, 1976.
  • Buddhadasa, Kirthisinghe, ed. Buddhism and Science. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1996.
  • Dharmasiri, Gunapala. Fundamentals of Buddhist Ethics. Antioch, Calif: Golden Leaves, 1989.
  • Saddhatissa, Hammalava. Buddhist Ethics: The Path to Nirvana. London: Wisdom, 1987.
  • Jayatileke, K. N. Ethics in Buddhist Perspectives. Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society, 1985.
  • U Chan Htoon. Buddhism and the Age of Science. Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society, 2004.
  • Wijesekera, A. Knowledge and Conduct: Buddhist Contributions to Philosophy and Ethics. Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society, 2007.
  • Waluchow, Wilfrid J. The Dimensions of Ethics. New York: Broadview, 2003.
  • Boorstein, Seymour. Buddhism in Psychotherapy. Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society, 2005.
  • Benson, Herbert, et al. Mind Science: An East–West Dialogue. Somerville, MA: Wisdom, 1991.
  • Buddhist Cosmology. California: Dhammakaya Open University, 2000. DOU BOOKS. Web. 11 July 2011. http://book.dou.us/dhammakaya-book-en.html
Course Organization: 
  • Session 1 Overview of Scope, Preliminary & 6W1H of Science.
  • Session 2 History of Buddhism and Science linkage.
  • Session 3 The Commonalities between Buddhism and Science.
  • Session 4 3 differing standpoints – pro, divergent, above.
  • Session 5 – 7 Proto-Buddhism, Revision, Presentation.
  • Session 8 Buddhism and Philosophy.
  • Session 9 Buddhism and Psychology.
  • Session 10 Proto- Buddhism in Practice.
  • Session 11 – 15 Current research and issues in Buddhism and Science, Revision, Debate.
Course Requirements: 

All students are expected to:

  • 1. Attend a minimum of 80% of the schedule classes to be eligible to sit for the final examination.
  • 2. Submit an essay of not less than 1500 words by session 13th of the course.
  • 3. Demonstrate active. participation in class. (cooperative learning & group presentation)
  • 4. Actively participate in the in-class reinforcement quizzes after each session.
  • 5. Submit a take-home exam prior to the final written exam.
  • 6. Access http://ibc.ac.th/faqingessayguide or see me before attempting any essay.
Allocation of Marks: 

1. Cooperative Learning & Reinforcement Quizzes 5 %
2. Mid-term + Group Presentation 15%
3. Compulsory Essay of 1500 words 20%
4. Final take-home Exam 20%
5. Final Written Examination 40 %

Course Objectives: 

By the end of the course, students are expected to:-
a. demonstrate an understanding on why and how modern science attempt to link Buddhism to science.
b. demonstrate an understanding of what proto Buddhism is and why it should be the base to relate Buddhism to science and vice versa.
c. identify and demonstrate the 3 current standpoints of equating Buddhism as science.
d. identify and demonstrate an understanding of the currently accepted commonalities between modern science and Buddhism.
e. identify and apply proto Buddhism to the contemporary issues of the accepted commonalities between modern science and Buddhism.
f. demonstrate reflective and application skills of materials covered in the course instead of mere regurgitation.

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