Buddhist Ethics and Global Justice

Nitze Leadership Seminar II
Thailand 2006

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SMCM Thailand 2005

Syllabus

NITZ 280—Leadership Seminar II
John Schroeder
8-9:50am, Library 112
Office Hours: T-W 2-3pm
jwschroeder@smcm.edu

 

REQUIRED TEXTS

Burtt: The Teachings of the Compassionate Buddha
Mitchell, Donald: Introducing the Buddhist Experience
Shantideva: The Way of the Bodhisattva
Thich Nhat Hanh: Heart Sutra and Commentary
Warren: Buddhism in Translations
Berlitz Thai Language

 

REQUIRED ARTICLES AND BOOK CHAPTERS

Angulimala Sutta
Brahmajala Sutta 1.29-1.37; 3.32-3.74
Buddhadasa: “Dhammic Socialism”   
Cakkavatti-Sihanada (“Lion’s Roar Sutra”)
Dalai Lama: “Dependent Origination and the Nature of Reality”
---“Understanding our True Nature”
Kamala Tiyavanich: Forest Recollections: Wandering Monks in Twentieth Century Thailand,
---“Introduction,” pp. 1-10, pp. 18-38, 243-151.
Kasulis: “Nagarjuna and Emptiness”
Loy: “Buddhism and Poverty”
Lotus Sutra (“Parable of Medicinal Herbs”)
Mahasatipatthana Sutta (“Foundations of Mindfulness”)
Pasuk Phongpaichit  “Thailand: Economy and Politics, “Revolt and Repression,” (Chapter 9)
Schroeder: Skillful Means (Chapters 1 and 3)
Sivaraksa: “Buddhism With a Small b”
Thich Nhat Hanh: “Please, Call Me By My True Names”
Thurman: “Nagarjuna’s Guidelines for Buddhist Social Action”

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Preparation for, attendance at, and participation in class sessions. This includes a trip to the Thai Buddhist temple near D.C. on Sat, Feb 11th, as well your attendance at two guest lectures (March 27th and April 12th). Worth 15% of course grade. 

2.One short critical essay (8-10 pages). This essay will critically assess the philosophical, moral, and religious significance of early Buddhist philosophy. The specific topic will be discussed and assigned in class, and worth 20% of course grade.  

3. In-Class Presentation: Each student is responsible for researching a specific topic of Engaged Buddhism, selecting certain articles or book chapters for the class to read, and then presenting the material and leading the class in a discussion for a class period (45 minutes). A select bibliography for your presentation is due to me on Feb 16th, and a written outline is due to me the day before you present. Worth 15% of course grade.

4. Blog entries: Each student is responsible for weekly internet blog submissions on assigned readings, and pairs of students will be responsible for posting weekly questions for the group. Worth 15% of course grade.

5. Final Essay. The final essay (15-17 pages) is a culmination of a semester’s intensive study of Buddhist philosophy. It can include elements from your first essay, as well as a continuation and development of research from your presentation. Worth 30% of course grade.

 

 Web Journals
Discussion Forum
Alison Stout
Kevin Fogle
Ashley Graham
Julie Pollock
Megan Sikowitz
Gary Stapleto
Madeline Eberhardt
Grady White
Karina Karakulov
Chantal Russell
Theresa Tenaglia
Meredith Epstein
Mary Jeanes
Lydia Park
Stephanie Isberg
Elizabeth Lawrence
Rosemary Hartman

READING SCHEDULE

Date

Reading Assignment
1/17
Introduction to the Class
1/19    

Warren: BIT; pp. 117-128 (“Questions Not Tending to Edification”)

Brahmajala Sutta 1.29-1.37; 3.32-3.74 (“The Middle Way”)         

Mitchell, Donald: Introducing the Buddhist Experience; Chapter 1
1/24

Burtt: Teachings of the Compassionate Buddha; pp. 47-50 (“Sermon at Benares”)

Schroeder: Skillful Means; Ch 1

Warren: pp. P. 56-67
1/26 

Film

Mitchell, Donald: Introducing the Buddhist Experience; Chapter 2
1/31

Warren: BIT; pp. 128-135 (Milindapanha); pp. 135-150 (“Anatman”)

 -- 202-208 (“Dependent Arising”)    

Dalai Lama: “Redefining the Goal”

Presentation Topics Finalized
2/2   

Warren: BIT; pp. 232-252 (“Rebirth”)

Mahasatipatthana Sutta (“Foundations of Mindfullness”)

Dalai Lama: “Emptiness and Interdependence”
2/7

Dalai Lama: “Understanding our True Nature”     

Burtt:  pp. 120-122 and the “Parable of the Mustard Seed”

Angulimala Sutta

Thich Nhat Hanh: “Please, Call Me By My True Names”   
2/9   

Thurman: “Nagarjuna’s Guidelines for Buddhist Social Action”

Cakkavatti-Sihanada (“Lion’s Roar Sutra”)

Loy: “Buddhism and Poverty”
2/11 (SAT) 
Trip to Wat DC. Discussion with Abbot Prakru Samrurng.
2/14  
NO CLASS
2/16     

Mitchell, Donald: Introducing the Buddhist Experience; Chapter 2

Schroeder: Skillful Means; Chapter 3

Burtt: “Parables of the Lotus Sutra”

Lotus Sutra (“Parable of Medicinal Herbs”)

Bibliography of Presentation Due
2/23

Burtt: Nagarjuna

Kasulis: “Nagarjuna and Emptiness”

Essay 1 Due in Class 

2/28
Thich Nhat Hanh: Heart Sutra
3/2 
Shantideva: The Way of the Bodhisattva (Chapter’s 2 and 5)
3/7   
Presentations: “Buddhism and Ecology”
3/9 
Presentations: “Buddhism and Globalization”
3/14--3/16
No Class: Spring Break
3/21
Presentations: “Buddhism, Women and Gender”
3/23 
Dhammananda: Handout
3/27 (Mon) 
Dhammananda’s Public Lecture
3/28
Class visit of Dhammananda  
3/30    
No Class
4/4

Presentations: “Thich Nhat Hanh”, “H.H. Dalai Lama”
4/6

Presentations: “Sulak Sivaraksa”, “Buddhadasa Bhikku”
4/11

Pasuk Phongpaichit  “Thailand: Economy and Politics, “Revolt and Repression,” (Chapter 9)

Kamala Tiyavanich: Forest Recollections: Wandering Monks in Twentieth

Century Thailand, “Introduction,” pp. 1-10, pp. 18-38, 243-151.

Buddhadasa: “Dhammic Socialism”
4/12 (Wed) 
Public Lecture: Professor Ted Mayer, Director of Buddhist Studies
4/13  
Class visit of Ted Mayer     
4/18  

Presentations: “Aung San Suu Kyi”, “Ghosananda”
4/20 
No Class
4/25

Presentations: “Ambedkar”, “Ariyaratne”
4/27 
Draft of Final Essay Due in Class