Course Outline: ST401 Special Topic 3: Buddhist Approach to the Current Social Issues/Problems, 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: 
ST401 - Special Topic III
Credit / status: 
3 credits / Major Required Subject
Instructor: 
Sajal Barua法师
Recommended Texts: 
  • Chakravarti, Uma. The social dimensions of early Buddhism. New Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal, 1996.
  • De Silva, Padmasiri, “Suicide and Emotional Ambivalence: An Early Buddhist Perspective,” Frank J. Hoffman and Deegalle Mahinda edited Pali Buddhism. London: Curzon, 1996.
  • ----. Environmental philosophy and ethics in Buddhism. New York: St. Martin, 1998.
  • ----. Buddhism, Ethics and Society: the conflicts and dilemmas of our times. Clayton, Vic.: Monash Asia Institute, Monash University, 2002.
  • Dhammavihari Thero. Dharma: Man, Religion, Society & Governance in Buddhism. Kandy: Buddhist Cultural Centre, 2006.
  • Gross, Rita M. Buddhism After Patriarchy. New York: State University of New York, 1993.
  • Harris, Elizabeth. Violence and disruption in Society. Kandy: BPS, 1994.
  • Horner, I.B. Women Under Primitive Buddhism. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1975.
  • Kalupahana, D.J. The Buddha and the Concept of Peace. Sri Lanka: Vishvalekha, 1999.
  • Keown, Damien., Charles S. Prebish, and Wayne R. Husted., eds. Buddhism and Human Rights. Richmond, Surrey: Curzon,1998.
  • Keown, Damien. The Nature of Buddhist Ethics. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave, 2001.
  • ----. Buddhism and Bioethics. London: Macmillan, 1995.
  • Pandey, K.C. Ed. Ecological Perspectives in Buddhism. New Delhi: Readworthy, 2008.
  • Saddhatissa, H. Buddhist Ethics: The path to Nirvāna. London: Wisdom, 1987.
  • Sahni, Pragati. Environmental ethics in Buddhism: a virtues approach. London and New York: Routledge, 2008.
Course Organization: 

3 hour blocks lectures are arranged and the following topics will be discussed in the class:

  • Lecture 1 Social relevance of the Buddha’s teaching in modern day.
  • Lecture 2 Buddhism and Bio-ethics: euthanasia.
  • Lecture 3 Buddhist view of suicide, assisted suicide and abortion.
  • Lecture 4 Buddhist understanding of conflict and violence.
  • Lecture 5 The concept of ‘just war’ – a Buddhist outlook.
  • Lecture 6 Inter-religious harmony.
  • Lecture 7 Buddhist attitude to gender issues.
  • Lecture 8 Does Buddhism promulgate human rights?
  • Lecture 9 Environmental concern in Buddhism.
  • Lecture 10 Buddhist view on economics.
  • Lecture 11 Poverty and underdevelopment.
  • Lecture 12 Presentation.
  • Lecture 13 Presentation.
  • Lecture 14 Review
Course Requirements: 

All students are expected:

  • 1. To attend minimum of 80% of the schedule classes to be eligible to sit for the final examination.
  • 2. Students are required to write an essay not less than 1500 words.
  • 3. Class Participation.
  • 4. Midterm written examination.
  • 5. Presentation.
  • 6. Final written examination.
  • 7. For essay writing related helpful guide: http://ibc.ac.th/faqingessayguide
Allocation of Marks: 
  • 1. Class Participation 5%
  • 2. Short Essay Writing 10%
  • 3. Presentation 10%
  • 4. Midterm Examination 15%
  • 5. Final Written Examination 60%
Course Objectives: 

This course is intended to provide the students a clear picture how Buddhism is tremendously useful not only for spiritual development but to solve most of the current social problems and create a better harmonious world for all. Students are expected get familiar with appropriate Buddhist teachings to deal with the critical modern-day problems, their causes of arising and how to approach solving them holistically.

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