Buddhism and Interreligious Understanding

The subject focuses on the study of religion, spirituality and interfaith dialogue. Firstly, it presents secularisation processes and outlines the foundations of religious studies. It then proceeds with an examination of fundamental issues in the history and development of major world religions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism from a comparative and interfaith perspective. Readings of relevant key texts will be discussed in the context of modern and historical societal problems, as well as approaches to conflict resolution and peace. The subject will explore major methodological approaches in religious studies, including the main features of contemporary feminist and decolonial theories in the study of religions. Additionally, the subject aims to investigate the role and future of religion and interfaith dialogue in our globalised world. Students will explore how Buddhist perspectives could inform and contribute to contemporary interfaith dialogue. 

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the historical foundations of religious studies, including secularisation, within a comparative religious framework.
2. Demonstrate active listening and dialogue with different perspectives, both in the classroom and in the subject materials.
3. Critically analyse the historical development, key tenets and practices of various world religions.
4. Collaborate with a group to identify, analyse and present selected themes of interreligious studies.
5. Develop an ability to recognise and apply appropriate methods and heuristics in the study of religions. 

Assessments

• Assessment 1: Literature review of core subject readings (25%, due week 2)
• Assessment 2: Critical multimedia group report (35%, due week 6)
• Assessment 3: Conversational essay (50%, due week 10)