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Department of the Study of Religions

Religions of East and Central Asia

Course Code:
158000100
Unit value:
0.5
Year of study:
Year 1
Taught in:
Term 2
This course provides a regional overview of religions in East and Central Asia as a foundation for more detailed study of one or more of these religious traditions elsewhere in the degree. It comprises a brief introduction to the religions of the region, with an emphasis on their historical development as well as their interactions, commonalities and distinctive features.

Key issues raised in the study of the religions of this region will be discussed, as well as a review of their current situation and future prospects.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the course

On successful completion of the course, students will have acquired:

  • a foundation-level knowledge and understanding of the distinctive and common features, past and present, of the religious traditions of East and Central Asia and of the connections and relationships between the prevailing religious traditions.
  • They will be aware of some of the important issues and debates arising from the study of the religions of East and Central Asia and be able to find and use books, journals and other sources of information relevant to topics studied on the course.

Method of assessment

1 essay (3,000 words) (50%) and 2 - hour examination (50%).

Suggested reading

  • Foltz, R. (1999), Religions of the Silk Road: Overland Trade and Cultural Exchange from Antiquity to the Fifteenth Century, New York: St Martins Press.
  • Lopez, Donald (1997), Religions of Tibet in Practice, Princeton: Princeton University Press.
  • Lopez, Donald (1996), Religions of China in Practice, Princeton: Princeton University Press.
  • Reader, I. (1991) Religion in Contemporary Japan, London: Macmillan Press.