Download Instructor: Dr. Amita Satyal Office: 317 Conklin Hall Office Hours: 1

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Department of History
[email protected]
http://history.newark.rutgers.edu
SYLLABUS
21:510:226:01 Early Buddhist Tradition
Fall 2013
Life Science Center 103
Tues, Thurs: 10:00-11:20 am
Instructor: Dr. Amita Satyal
Office: 317 Conklin Hall
Office Hours: 1-2 pm on Tuesdays, or by appointment
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 973-353-3901
Course Overview
This is a course in the history of ideas; it proposes a thematic survey of the Early Buddhist
Tradition through a selective study of the formative primary texts in translation. These texts,
constituting the Buddhist Canon (in Pali language), contain several thousand discourses
attributed to the famous teacher-monk from India, Gautama the Buddha (lit., The Awakened
One, 563-483 BCE). In this course, students will not only learn to creatively and critically
engage with these literary materials representing the Buddha’s insights from 2600 years ago,
but also explore ways in which these ancient teachings might be relevant to the present times.
In addition, students will be able to consistently practice their reading and writing skills on
quizzes and papers. Further, students will be able to bring questions and observations to class
on numerous occasions throughout the semester. The course format will be a combination of
lecture and class discussion. Lectures will complement readings using written materials and
visual aids. Class discussion will draw upon several strategies designed to facilitate student
understanding and participation. At the same time, students’ purposeful reflection—i.e.,
regularly examining what has been learnt and connecting it to what is being learnt—will be
indispensable to developing interpretive skills and new understanding as this course
progresses. Prior knowledge of Buddhism will be an asset but is neither required nor assumed
for this course.
Students must be prepared to learn a few Pali terms. Also, these discourses must be read
bearing in mind that these are originally oral texts—arranged, delivered, and engaged
differently in distinct cultural-historical contexts—which are structured to elaborate parts of
Dhamma [lit., Truth/ natural laws] but never the whole. (This is typical of how knowledge is
transmitted in preliterate cultures.) Moreover, the texts in question are not isolated from
meditative practice. In the Buddha’s teachings, it is this unique interplay of knowledge and
practice—rather practical training of the mind—that is held foundational to the generation of
right wisdom that is liberative. Wisdom that is, indeed can be, born only within, out of quiet
contemplation.
Course Readings
There is one course textbook: Bhikkhu Bodhi ed., In the Words of the Buddha An Anthology of
Discourses from the Pali Canon (Somervile, MA: Wisdom Publications, 2005). Paperback: 512
pages. ISBN-10: 0861714911. ISBN-13: 978-0861714919. All other course materials will be posted
on the course website at https://blackboard.newark.rutgers.edu/. Course materials posted
such can be accessed by students registered for the course and must be used for course-related
Note: Course syllabus/schedule may be subject to change(s).
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purposes only. Students must bring the course textbook to each class, besides a printed copy of
the other assigned readings, if any. Using computers and other electronic devices is not
permitted while class is in session.
Course Policies
1. Academic Integrity and Code of Student Conduct
Registration for this course assumes the student’s agreement to read and abide by the
university’s policy on academic integrity and code of student conduct. This information is
available on http://studentconduct.rutgers.edu/academic-integrity. Be advised that the
university clearly states that students are responsible for understanding the principles of
academic integrity and abiding by them in all aspects of their work at the university.
Plagiarism and cheating will fetch an ‘F’ on the course. Additional penalties determined by Newark
Academic Integrity Facilitators may also apply. (Evidently, the simplest way out is not to
plagiarize or cheat any bit!) The university also requires students to fully fill out the Academic
Integrity Honor Pledge (see right below FYI) on all assignments. In this course, the assignment
will not be assigned a grade if the pledge is missing or is incomplete on it. No exceptions. (For
electronic submissions, students may insert their e-sign or print name against ‘Signature’).
*Academic Integrity Honor Pledge*
*On my honor, I have neither received nor given any unauthorized assistance
on this examination (assignment).*
Print Name:
Signature:
Date:
2. Attendance
Attendance is required.
Any student who misses eight or more sessions through any combination of excused and unexcused
absences may not earn credit in this class. Such students should withdraw to avoid getting an ‘F’.
If a student misses more than two classes before and after the drop date, their final grade is
lowered by a third of a grade; if a student misses more than four classes, their final grade is
lowered by one full grade; and, if a student misses more than six classes, their final grade is
lowered by two full grades. Makeups are not permitted for missed classes.
Not all absences can or will be excused. Supporting documents must be produced when
requested. Planned absences (i.e., participation in university athletics and religious observance)
may be excused as per university policy and must be reported to the instructor on e-mail well
in advance.
Students are responsible for signing the attendance sheet and will have until 10:05 am to sign
in. Leaving class early without the instructor’s prior permission will cause loss of at least half
an attendance for the day; unforeseen medical conditions are exempted provided the instructor
is informed as soon as possible.
3. Students with Special Needs and Disability
Students with special needs and disability are requested to first contact the Office of Student
Life and Leadership, Paul Robeson Campus Center for academic accommodations, approvals
and related documentation. Visit http://robeson.rutgers.edu/studentlife/disability.html for
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more information. Once a letter of accommodation is granted, the concerned student is advised
to contact the instructor to discuss implementing the approved accommodation. If needed, the
student may also electronically access course materials in class, record lectures, and capture
slide images of lecture presentations with the instructor’s permission.
4. Communication
E-mail is the preferred mode of course communication. Paper and grade questions will
typically be addressed in meetings during office hours or by appointment. Office hour
meetings are walk-ins. E-mail in advance for appointments that will be scheduled for Tuesdays
and Thursdays between 9:00-10 am or 2:00-3:00 pm during the semester.
Aside from regular communication with the class, unscheduled changes, too, will be
announced via blackboard e-mail. Students are responsible for regularly checking their e-mail –
a good idea to check it a few times everyday during the semester! Keep e-mail address current
on blackboard with sufficient space at all times. Bounced or skipped e-mails is not a valid
excuse for any purpose in this course. The addressee and sender’s name is required on all
course e-mails, besides an apt subject line. Voicemail messages are not accepted.
Weekly Schedule*
WEEK
TOPIC
1) Sept 3, 5
Introduction to Early Buddhism
2) Sept 10, 12
The Buddha: Historical and Literary Context
3) Sept 17, 19
The Human Condition and Release (from it)
4) Sept 24, 26
Approaching the Dhammā
5) Oct 1, 3
Happiness and Rebirth
6) Oct 8, 10
7) Oct 15, 17
A Conditioned Existence
The Path to Liberation
8) Oct 22, 24
Taming the Mind
October 25
FIRST PAPER DUE (via blackboard) BY 9 AM
9) Oct 29, 31
Content of Insight-I
10) Nov 5, 7
Content of Insight-II
11) Nov 12, 14
Special Lecture (TBA); Early Buddhist Women
12) Nov 19, 21
Nov 26
Freedom,Violence and Anger
NO CLASS!
Nov 28-Dec 1
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS!
13) Dec 3, 5
In-class Documentary Films (TBA)
14) Dec 9
Final Review Session
December 17
SECOND PAPER DUE (via blackboard) BY 11:30 AM
*See ‘Course Reading List’ on blackboard for details on assigned readings for each week.
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Course Requirements
1. Class Grade: Class preparedness, participation in class discussion and class conduct.
2. Weekly Quizzes: In-class. Quiz format may vary (e.g., objective type, filling in blanks, short
answers, essays). Makeups are not permitted for missed quizzes.
3. Papers: Two papers (6-8 pages each) due via blackboard. Details about papers, including
schedule and format will be confirmed on blackboard closer to the time. Makeups are not
permitted for missed papers.
Scoring Rubric and Grades
CATEGORY
Class Grade
Weekly Quizzes
Papers
WEIGHT
20%
40%
40%
Grades are non-negotiable. A student’s final grade is based on their individual performance
and fulfillment of the course requirements listed on this syllabus.
Have a nice semester!
‘The Bodhi Leaf’
A well-known motif in Early Buddhist art, the Bodhi or Peepal leaf (Bot. name: Ficus Religiosa) represents
supreme wisdom and knowing. It was under a Peepal tree in Bodhgaya (northern India) that Siddhartha
Gautama, the Buddha (to-be), meditated for forty nine days and reached full and perfect awakening. Hence
the Peepal’s other name, Bodhi (lit., awakening/knowing), from which is derived the title ‘Buddha.’