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School of Letters Department of Humanities

(Credit 2)
選択科目
Intended Year: N/A
Intended School: International Humanities

International Humanities VII: Introduction to Japanese Religions and Philosophy I
International Humanities VII: Introduction to Japanese Religions and Philosophy I

Sub Title　

Introduction to Buddhism

Asssociate Professor

Caleb CARTER

Numbering Code:
Course Code:
2026 SpringTerm
weekly Mon4
Ito B-102 Classroom
E科目 (English, English)

: 2026/3/4 (15:30) 〔N/A〕

Course Overview

Buddhism includes communities, practices, philosophies, and technologies spanning roughly twenty-five hundred years and covering diverse regions across Asia and more recently, the rest of the world. Buddhists themselves often describe their practice as a “path.” In a similar way, we will take a journey through many of the practices, communities, and movements that developed over the course of its history. This will include writings authored by Buddhists, themselves, films about different aspects of Buddhism, lectures, discussions, and class activities.
The course is divided thematically into three sections: the Buddha and his followers, Buddhist philosophies, and Buddhist practices. It is also designed to prepare students for the Fall course, “Japanese Religions.”

GOALS FOR THIS COURSE
1) Learn important Buddhist terms, concepts, and practices.

2) Consider both continuities among traditions as well as changes and issues of historical and regional context.

3) Develop analytical skills that allow you to critically read primary sources within Buddhist traditions.

4) Engage in open conversation, especially in an English-language setting. In addition, you will gain practice in asking questions, making comments, and writing about the ideas, practices, and vested interests in the sources we study.

5) Step into the unfamiliar by encountering beliefs, practices and ways of understanding the world outside of your own.

COURSE STRUCTURE
Readings: There will be short readings for some weeks. Please read carefully before class and write down questions you would like to ask.

Videos: Videos relevant to our weekly themes are linked on this syllabus. Please watch before class.

Short writing assignments: Some are due before class on Moodle. Please check the schedule beforehand.

Class time: This will be in person and be activity-based, including discussions, and Kahoot! quizzes.

Mini-lectures: There are short online lectures available for most classes. They are optional. The same material will be covered in class, but if you want to preview or review the material, these videos will allow you to watch, pause, and re-watch at your own pace.

Temple visit: Students will visit a temple on their own and give a short presentation based on their visit.

Keywords : Buddhism, Asian Religions, Rituals, Philosophy

Prerequisites : N/A
Required Ability : English proficiency

Notes

Remote/On-site		Information regarding Moodle
●	対面授業
	リアルタイム-オンライン授業
	ハイブリッド授業（対面＋オンライン）
	オンデマンド型授業
	課題提出型授業

教職 :
資格 :

Course Objectives

	かなり優れている	優れている	及第である	一層の努力が必要
U_A-1 [主体的な学び] 深い専門的知識と豊かな教養を背景とし、自ら問題を見出し、創造的・批判的に吟味・検討することができる。	EXCELLENT LEVEL: Student achievement in this area, as measured through his/her level of class preparation and participation, completion of assignments, and performance on the quizzes is evaluated as "outstanding."	GOOD LEVEL: Student achievement in this area, as measured through his/her level of class preparation and participation, completion of assignments, and performance on the quizzes is evaluated as "good."	SAT/PASS LEVEL: Student achievement in this area, as measured through his/her level of class preparation and participation, completion of assignments, and performance on the quizzes is evaluated as "average and satisfactory."	DEFICIENT: Student achievement in this area, as measured through his/her level of class preparation and participation, completion of assignments, and performance on the quizzes falls below satisfactory; more effort and application are required to pass.
U_B-1 [人文学の広範な知識と理解]
U_B-2 [専門分野の知識と理解]

九州大学文学部ディプロマ・ポリシー
九州大学文学部哲学コース・カリキュラムマップ(2025年度版)　　　九州大学文学部歴史学コース・カリキュラムマップ(2025年度版)
九州大学文学部文学コース・カリキュラムマップ(2025年度版)　　　九州大学文学部人間科学コース・カリキュラムマップ(2025年度版)
九州大学人文科学府人文基礎専攻ディプロマ・ポリシー　　　九州大学人文科学府人文基礎専攻・カリキュラムマップ(2025年度版)
九州大学人文科学府歴史空間論専攻ディプロマ・ポリシー　　　九州大学人文科学府歴史空間論専攻・カリキュラムマップ(2025年度版)
九州大学人文科学府言語・文学専攻ディプロマ・ポリシー　　　九州大学人文科学府言語・文学専攻・カリキュラムマップ(2025年度版)

Course Plan

授業形態（項目）		授業形態（内容）
●	講義	GOALS FOR THIS COURSE 1) Learn important Buddhist terms, concepts, and practices. 2) Consider both continuities among traditions as well as changes and issues of historical and regional context. 3) Develop analytical skills that allow you to critically read primary sources within Buddhist traditions. 4) Engage in open conversation, especially in an English-language setting. In addition, you will gain practice in asking questions, making comments, and writing about the ideas, practices, and vested interests in the sources we study. 5) Step into the unfamiliar by encountering beliefs, practices and ways of understanding the world outside of your own. COURSE STRUCTURE Readings: There will be short readings for some weeks. Please read carefully before class and write down questions you would like to ask. Videos: Videos relevant to our weekly themes are linked on this syllabus. Please watch before class. Short writing assignments: Some are due before class on Moodle. Please check the schedule beforehand. Class time: This will be in person and be activity-based, including discussions, and Kahoot! quizzes. Mini-lectures: There are short online lectures available for most classes. They are optional. The same material will be covered in class, but if you want to preview or review the material, these videos will allow you to watch, pause, and re-watch at your own pace. Temple visit: Students will visit a temple on their own and give a short presentation based on their visit.
●	外国語演習
	原典資料演習
●	実習／フィールド調査
	Problem-Based Learning （問題発見・解決型学習）
●	学生のプレゼンテーション
●	Moodle の使用
	学外実習
	野外実習

Textbooks : No assigned textbooks. Readings will be available in PDF format.
Reference Books : Strong, John S., Buddhisms: An Introduction (London Oneworld Publications, 2015)
Course Handouts : Not applicable

Course Plan ()

	Tentative Weekly Schedules	Lecture	Exercise, Field trip etc.	Comments, suggestions for the course preparation, review, etc.
1	Ancient India & Life of the Buddha I	○
2	Life of the Buddha II	○
3	Life of the Buddha III: With Manga	○
4	The Sangha: Monks and Laymen	○
5	The Sangha: Nuns and Laywomen	○
6	Mainstream Buddhism: The Four Truths	○
7	Mainstream Buddhism: Non-self and Abhidharma	○
8	Mahayana Buddhism: The Bodhisattva Path	○
9	Approaches to Practice and Ritual	○
10	Tantric Practices (Emphasis on Tibet)	○
11	Meditation - Historical	○
12	Meditation - Today	○
13	Global Buddhism	○
14	Buddhism and Ecology	○
15	Final exam	○

Evaluation

Standpoint→ Evaluation Method ↓	U_A-1 [主体的な学び]	U_B-1 [人文学の広範な知識と理解]	U_B-2 [専門分野の知識と理解]	Grading Percentage, Disqualification etc.
Presentation	○	○	○	25%
In-class contribution	◎	◎	◎	40%
Final Exam	○	○	○	25%
Attendance	○	○	○	10

GPA Evaluation

A	B	C	D	F
授業を通じて、総じて「かなり優れている」に相当する活動を行った。	授業を通じて、概ね「優れている」を超える活動を行った。	授業を通じて、「及第する」に相当する活動を行った。	授業を通じて、総じて「及第する」には達しないものの、それに近い活動を行った。	授業を通じて、「一層の努力が必要」の活動にとどまった。

Additional Information regarding Evaluation Method : This is a preliminary grading schema. An updated schema will be distributed on the first day of the class.

Study Consultation (Office Hours)

Study Consultation (Office Hours) : Office hours by appointment. Please come by and say hi!
E-B-507

Suggestion for success (Specific) : Be active in class: speak up and join discussion.
Read all assignments and get enough sleep before class!

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