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Department of the Study of Religions

Topical Lectures and Seminars in Buddhist Studies

Course Code:
15PSRH015
Unit value:
0.5
Year of study:
Any
This half unit is based on the Numata lectures and seminars delivered every year by reputed scholars invited from other universities world-wide. The series consists of weekly lectures and seminars of one and a half hours each, and is delivered over a period of ten weeks during the first term. The invited speakers lecture on subjects and areas of Buddhist Studies in which they specialise.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the course

The primary outcome of the lectures is the acquisition of up to date knowledge and familiarity with one specific area of Buddhist studies, or with one specific form of Buddhism. The primary outcome of the seminars is the acquisition or enhancement of the student's skills in translating and interpreting a specific genre of Buddhist literature.

Scope and syllabus

The past lectures and seminars covered a variety of subjects and areas such as Abhidharma, Buddhism and Philology, Early Buddhism and its Tantric Developments, Madhyamaka Philosophy in India and Tibet, the Sukhåvat¥ Tradition of Mahåyåna Buddhism, Interface Between Language and Religion in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, and Dichotomies in Buddhism.

A list of lectures and seminar topics is normally made available six months before the Numata Visiting professorship starts in September. In addition to delivering lectures and seminars, the visiting speakers are also available for consultations.

Method of assessment

Coursework: one 5,000 word essay. Assessment: essay 100%.