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P 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). 2 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 3 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. 4 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.’