An introduction to the dimensions and functions of religion with an emphasis on religious beliefs, experience, institutions, language and rituals.
Dr. Kenneth Locke
BA, REL
BA, BUS (Elective)
XSREL 301
Fundamentals of Buddhism (3)
An overview of the Buddhist religious traditions (Southern/Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana), the principal teachings, the position of the Buddha in the traditions, and the communities that comprise the traditions. Buddhist art and literature, devotion, meditation, ethics, and the Sangha will also be discussed.
Dr. Bruce Long
BA REL
BA BUS (Elective)
MA in Religious Studies (Pre-requisite for students with no Religious Studies background)
Certificate in Buddhist Thought and Traditions
XSREL 402T
Buddhist Sutras in English: The “Perfection of Wisdom” Sutra (3)
A study of the history of the Prajnaparamita tradition from the production of the basic text
through the appearance of Tantric influence and a close reading of the “Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Lines” in English translation.
Dr. Lewis Lancaster w/assigned faculty
BA REL (Elective)
BA BUS (Elective)
MA in Religious Studies
Certificate in Buddhist Thought and Traditions
XSREL 405
Buddhist Meditation Traditions (3)
A survey of important forms of Buddhist meditation in all three Buddhist traditions and
consideration of the relationship between meditation and the central teachings of Buddhism on spiritual development and enlightenment.
Dr. William Chu
BA REL (Elective)
BA BUS (Elective)
MA in Religious Studies
Mdiv Chaplaincy
XSREL 435
Tibetan Buddhism (3)
An historical examination and survey of the introduction and development of Buddhism in Tibet and Mongolia.
Joel Gruber
BA REL (Elective)
BA BUS (Elective)
MA in Religious Studies
Certificate in Buddhist Thought and Traditions
XSREL 460
Buddhist Psychology (3)
An examination of the Buddhist analysis of mental functions and perception with an emphasis on the differences between ordinary mind, mental states according to Buddhist scriptures (Abhidharma) and current psychological principles.
Dr. William Chu
BA REL (Elective)
BA PSYCH
BA BUS (Elective)
MA in Religious Studies
Certificate in Buddhist Thought and Traditions
XSREL 525
History of Buddhist Influence in America (3)
A study of the ways in which Buddhism has influenced American life. Starting with the first accounts of Buddhism in Europe, the course will trace those ideas as they moved into the cultural sphere of the national life in North America. The course will attempt to evaluate this history and explore the future possibilities for the assimilation of the religion into American culture and society.
Dr. Lewis Lancaster
MA, Religious Studies
PhD Religious Studies
XSREL 560
Religion and the Meaning of Existence (3)
An exploration of religion as a response to basic existential questions, such as the problem of suffering, the nature of meaning, the anxiety surrounding death, and the problems of injustice.
Dr. Kenneth Locke
MA, Religious Studies
PhD Religious Studies
MBA Business Administration Elective
XSREL 565
Developments in Buddhist Psychology (3)
An advanced examination of the Buddhist analysis of mental functions and perceptions. Special attention is given to the Abhidhamma and current Buddhist psychological principles.
Dr. William Chu
MA, Religious Studies
PhD Religious Studies
Mdiv Chaplaincy
Business Administration Elective
XSREL 605
Research Methodologies (3)
The course is an advanced level research seminar intended to give assistance to the graduate students who are preparing, writing, or completing the doctoral dissertation process. It is constructed at one level to provide a place for discussion between students regarding problems and issues in their own specific research topics.
Dr. Lewis Lancaster
MA, Religious Studies
PhD Religious Studies (Required)
XSREL 670
The Spread of Buddhism to Central Asia and China (3)
A study of the origin and development of Buddhist thought and India and beyond. The course is organized in terms of the geographical phases of Buddhism’s spread from the Gangetic plain through Central Asia to China, presenting doctrine in relation to geography and cultural history.
Dr. Lewis Lancaster w/assigned faculty
MA, Religious Studies
PhD Religious Studies
Business Administration Elective
XSREL 672
The Spread of Buddhism to Northeast Asia (3)
A sequel to XSREL 670, this continues the study of the development of Buddhist thought. The course is organized in terms of the geographical phases of Buddhism’s spread from China to Japan and the Korean peninsula, presenting doctrine in relation to geography and cultural history.