Updated November 27, 2019 UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY FACULTY OF ARTS DEPARTMENT OF CLASSICS AND RELIGION Mahāyāna Buddhism RELS 323 L01- Winter 2020, Tues-Thurs 12:30-1:45 p.m., SS 541 (University of Calgary Policy about course outlines may be found from Section E of the University Calendar) COURSE OUTLINE – WINTER 2020 Course Time Instructor Office Hours Office E-mail Telephone Mahāyāna Buddhism 12:30-1:45 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday James B. Apple Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. or by appointment SS 532 jbapple@ucalgary.ca 403-220-8267 Required Text(s): Williams, Paul. Mahāyāna Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations. (2009) 2nd Edition. Routledge. Thurman, Robert A.F., translator. (1987) The Holy Teaching of Vimalakīrti: A Mahāyāna Scripture. Philadelphia: Pennsylvania State University Press. Apple, James B. (2019). Atiśa Dīpaṃkara: Illuminator of the Awakened Mind. Boulder: Shambhala. Course Description: Self-consciously styled as the “Greater Vehicle” among Buddhist traditions, Mahāyāna streams of Buddhism have had a profound impact on the shape of Buddhist formations in India, throughout Asia, and beyond. This course will examine, in a selected survey format, the classification, cultural formations, literature, and systematic thought of Mahāyāna doctrines and practices utilizing a range of interdisciplinary methods and approaches. The course focuses on the problems of classification and definition; the “new metaphysics” of emptiness; controversies in the conception of Buddhahood; the centrality of compassion; visualization and other meditation techniques; the role of faith and the practices of lay people; and the development of the bodhisattva ideal. Online elements for this course: Desire2Learn [D2L] Our course web site will list important announcements, electronic readings, important links to web pages, and downloadable documents. Course Requirements and Weighting: 1. Regular attendance, preparation of reading assignments, and regular, wakeful participation in discussion. 2. Midterm examination, 30 points (30%). 3. Research paper, 30 points (30%). 4. Final examination, 40 points (40%). Mahāyāna Buddhism, Winter 2020 2 * There will be a Registrar scheduled final examination in this course* Course Requirements: Date February 27, 2020 April 9, 2020 (registrar scheduled) Assessment Midterm Exam Term Paper Weight (%) 30 30 Final Exam 40 Required pass/fail Missed Exams: If you cannot write a test on the scheduled date due to a sudden illness or emergency, you must contact me or the Department office as soon as possible. To be allowed a rewrite of a test, you must provide proof of illness/emergency. Transfer of weight from a missed test or unwritten essay to another course requirement will not be allowed in this course. Without acceptable documentation (i.e. medical certificate, police report, bereavement notice, confirmation of religious observance, or court order) or without PRIOR arrangement with the instructor, missed assessments will receive an ‘F’. This policy is intended to encourage diligence and integrity among students as well as to uphold principles of fairness and equality with respect to other students in the class. Excuses other than those listed above will receive little attention. Grading A numerical mark will be given for each course requirement. A letter grade will be assigned on the following number and letter grade scheme, standardized within the Department of Classics and Religion: A+ B+ C+ D+ 100 - 96 84 - 80 69 - 65 54 - 53 A B C D 95 - 90 79 - 75 64 - 60 52-50 ABCF 89 - 85 74 - 70 59 - 55 Under 50 Course Requirements explained: 1. Attendance and participation: Regular attendance, preparation of reading assignments, and class participation are expected in a university-level class. These are not graded requirements, but obviously they will impact your performance in the course. If you must miss class, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed and to ask a fellow student to lend you their notes. Classroom sessions will consist of lectures on the scheduled subject matter related to the overall theoretical objective of the course. Students must prepare the material before each meeting and be ready to comprehend the topics to be covered. As much as possible the lectures attempt to complement the required readings or address related issues not treated extensively in the assigned books. During such sessions, students must have knowledge of the required readings. Participation in class thus plays a significant role in conducting lectures. Given the nature of the lectures, and the fact that the examination will test knowledge of material discussed in lectures as well as the readings, it cannot be overemphasized that attendance is necessary and to your advantage. Your attendance in class allows you to participate in and contribute to the class by raising questions and offering insights. More importantly, your attendance allows you to hear what specific points are being emphasized. Students are reminded that presence at lectures, participation in classroom discussion and projects, and the completion of assignments are important components of most courses, and students will serve their interests best by regular attendance. Those who choose Mahāyāna Buddhism, Winter 2020 3 not to attend must assume whatever risks are involved. 2. Midterm examination (30 points = 30%): This exam may consist of true/false, multiple choice, or short identification and essay questions, with the possibility of some objective questions, as well. Some time in the preceding class will be devoted to review. THE DATE OF THE MIDTERM IS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27. 3. Final examination (40 points = 40%): The format will be the same as for the midterm exam. The date of the final exam is to be scheduled by the registrar. 4. Research Paper (of approximately 1800 words) worth 30% of the final course grade, is due on Thursday, April 9 at the beginning of class. The requirement is an 1800 word essay reflecting detailed research and critical reflection on a specific topic pertaining to Mahāyāna Buddhist formations in Asia. Paper topics are open: you are free to choose any topic within Early Buddhist developments (specific texts, practices, historical figures work best). PAPER PARAMETERS AND GUIDELINES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED IN CLASS AND POSTED ON THE Desire to Learn (D2L) COURSE SITE). Late papers will be penalized 10% of the value of the assignment for each day the paper is late. If you have any questions, please contact me immediately. Recording of the lectures is not permitted, except by special permission (see Tape or Video Recording of Lectures, University of Calgary Calendar). E-mail policy: E-mails will be responded to within 24 hours during weekdays. I do not reply to email messages that are poorly written, unclear or disrespectful. Academic Honesty: Intellectual honesty is the cornerstone of the development and acquisition of knowledge and requires that the contributions of others be acknowledged. As a result, cheating or plagiarisms on any assignments or examinations are regarded as extremely serious academic offenses. Students are advised to consult pp 49-52 of the University Calendar which provides a Statement of Intellectual Honesty and definitions and penalties associated with plagiarism, cheating, and other academic misconduct. If you have questions about correct referencing, please consult your instructor. References and Bibliography: The Department of Classics and Religion uses the most recent edition of the Chicago Manual of Style and requires references and bibliographies to adhere to the Chicago citation system. You can find a quick guide here: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html. Alternatively please consult with the library staff for help and advice using the Chicago citation style. Academic Honesty Plagiarism is not tolerated at the University of Calgary and has serious consequences. Your essays/presentations must be your own work and inadequate referencing may be seen as plagiarism. Please see the relevant sections on Academic Misconduct in the current University Calendar (section K, which can be found here: http://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/k.html). If you have questions about correct referencing, please consult your instructor, or librarian staff. Student Accommodations Students seeking an accommodation based on disability or medical concerns should contact Student Ac- Mahāyāna Buddhism, Winter 2020 4 cessibility Services; SAS will process the request and issue letters of accommodation to instructors. For additional information on support services and accommodations for students with disabilities, visit www.ucalgary.ca/access/. Students who require an accommodation in relation to their coursework based on a protected ground other than disability should communicate this need in writing to their Instructor. The full policy on Student Accommodations is available at http://www.ucalgary.ca/policies/files/policies/student-accommodation-policy_0.pdf. Desire 2 Learn (D2L) Help Go to http://elearn.ucalgary.ca/desire2learn/home/students for Student Help and FAQ’s about D2L. Troubleshooting tips and a tutorial are also available on this website. Electronic Device Policy: Please review the university policy regarding specific permission and forms required for recording of lectures: http://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/e-6.html Scientific evidence demonstrates that use of cellphones lowers student achievement as well as damages the brain (see links below). Use of cellphones are not permitted while attending class. Cell phones must be turned off and not taken out in class for texting or any other purposes. The in-class wearing of earphones or similar devices is not permitted. Computers should not be used for watching videos or playing computer games. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mental-wealth/201402/gray-matters-too-much-screen-timedamages-the-brain http://blog.chron.com/sciguy/2013/12/study-students-who-use-cellphones-more-get-lower-grades/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/memory-medic/201303/why-writing-hand-could-make-yousmarter Faculty of Arts Program Advising and Student Information Resources • For program planning and advice, students in the Faculty of Arts will contact The Arts Students’ Centre (ASC). Drop in at SS102, call at 403-220-3580 or email at ascarts@ucalgary.ca. You can also visit the Faculty of Arts website at http://arts.ucalgary.ca/undergraduate which has detailed information on common academic concerns. • For registration (add/drop/swap), paying fees and assistance with your Student Centre, contact Enrolment Services at (403) 210-ROCK [7625] or visit them at the MacKimmie Library Block. Student Ombudsperson and Students’ Union Representative The Student Ombuds Office provides independent, impartial and confidential support for students who require assistance and advice in addressing issues and concerns related to their academic careers. See www.ucalgary.ca/provost/students/ombuds for more information. The Students’ Union Faculty of Arts representative can be reached at arts1@ucalgary.ca. Emergency Evacuation Assembly Point In case of an emergency evacuation during class, students must gather at the designated assembly point nearest to the classroom. The list of assembly points is found at Mahāyāna Buddhism, Winter 2020 5 www.ucalgary.ca/emergencyplan/assemblypoints. Please check this website and not the nearest assembly point for this course. Safewalk The Safewalk program provides volunteers to walk students safely to their destination anywhere on campus (including McMahon Stadium, Health Sciences, Student Family Housing, the Alberta Children's Hospital and the University LRT station). This service is free and available to students, staff and campus visitors 24 hrs/day, 365 days a year. Call 403-220-5333 or use one of the Help phones located throughout campus to request a walk. Health and Wellness There are services available to students to help with physical and mental health, including the SU Wellness Centre: http://www.ucalgary.ca/wellnesscentre/. Learn more about the Campus Mental Health Strategy here: https://www.ucalgary.ca/mentalhealth/. Supporting Documentation and the Use of a Statutory Declaration Students who are absent from class assessments (tests, participation activities, or other assignments) should inform their instructors as soon as possible. Instructors may request that evidence in the form of documentation be provided and the student should provide the documentation they feel best supports their case. For information on possible forms of documentation, including statutory declarations, please see https://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/m-1.html. Tentative Lecture and Reading Schedule: This outline is subject to change. It may be modified if it appears to the instructor that the material is not being adequately covered in the allotted time. The amount of time devoted to particular topics is contingent on the instructor’s sense of what deserves greater emphasis as the course progresses. Remember, to be aware of changes occurring in the schedule and to receive any crucial information regarding the course, regular attendance in class is necessary. The instructor is not responsible for accommodating those with unexcused absences. If you must miss class, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed and to ask a fellow student to lend you their notes. In addition, important materials are regularly handed out during class. The instructor is not responsible for providing handouts at a later date for those with an unexcused absence from class. Keep in mind that all lectures in class constitute material that may appear on the final examination. Remember, too, that it is not possible for the instructor to explain all the material contained in the readings—it is up to students to be familiar with the readings regardless of the extent to which the assigned texts are discussed in class. Tentative Lecture and Reading Schedule: Introduction January 14 to Tuesday: Introduction to the course. January 23 Thursday : Williams, pp. 1-18 Mainstream Buddhist Schools The Classification “Mahāyāna” Mahāyāna Buddhism, Winter 2020 Mainstream Buddhisms 6 Tuesday: Williams, pp. 18-30 Thursday: How the Mahāyāna Began Jan. 28-30 Mahāyāna: Beginnings & Formations T: Williams, pp.30-44 Mediums and Messages Th: Williams, “Monks in the Mahāyāna” : Ugra-paripṛcchā Wisdom and Compassion: Kāśyapaparivarta Feb. 4-6 Perfection of Wisdom T: Williams, pp. 45-62 [D2L] The Development of Prajñāpāramitā Th: Heart Sūtra [ D2L ] Feb. 11-13 Vimalakīrti T: Thurman, The Holy Teaching of Vimalakīrti, pp. 1-63. Th: Thurman, The Holy Teaching of Vimalakīrti, pp. 64-102. Feb. 18-20 Term Break No Classes Feb. 25-27 Vimalakīrti T: Thurman, The Holy Teaching of Vimalakīrti, pp. 64-102. **Mid-term Exam ***THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Th: **Mid-term Exam *** Madhyamaka T: Williams, pp. 63-83 March. 3-5 [ D2L ] Nāgārjuna’s Root Verses on Madhyamaka, ch. 1, 2, 6, 24 [ D2L ] “Nāgārjuna”: Supplemental readings. Mahāyāna Buddhism, Winter 2020 7 Th: Williams, [ D2L ] Nāgārjuna’s Root Verses on Madhyamaka, ch. 1, 2, 6, 24 Atiśa, Illuminator (Apple, Chapters 5, 10) March. 10-12 Cittamātra T: Williams, pp.84-102 Th: March. 17-19 Cittamātra T: Williams, pp.84-102 Th: Mind-only March. 24-26 Buddha nature & the Flower Garland T: Williams, pp. 103-128 The Concept of Buddha Nature The Lions Roar of Queen Śrīmālā Th: Williams, pp. 129-148 “Manifestation of the Tathāgata” March 31-April Compassion 2 T: Williams, pp. 149-171; Lotus Sūtra, chapter 1 Th: Williams, pp. 172-186. April 7-9 Buddhas in Mahāyāna Buddhisms T: Williams, pp. 172-186. On the three bodies of a Buddha ***TERM PAPER DUE Thursday, April 9*** Th: Williams, pp. 186-208 . Atiśa, Illuminator (Apple, Chapters 4, 9, 11) April 14 Faith, devotion, Buddhas, and Bodhisattvas T: Williams, pp. 209-243 “Celestial Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.” Th: [Blackboard] Tārā, the Saviouress Atiśa, Illuminator (Apple, Chapter 13) Mahāyāna Buddhism, Winter 2020 TBA Registrar Scheduled Final Exam 8