Naturalisation of Buddhism in China and Beyond

Subject Overview

This subject offers an advanced introduction to the history, doctrines, beliefs and practices of Buddhism in China. The first part explores the transition from ‘Buddhism in China’ to ‘Chinese Buddhism’ with a survey of the impact of the different Buddhism traditions on Chinese culture and vice versa. China is selected because of the successful sinicisation process that includes the transformation of various Buddhist traditions and their interaction with indigenous philosophy, culture, and religious practices from the turn of the Common Era to the present. The second part of the subject continues the exploration of how this naturalised form of Buddhism continues to transform and is assimilated by other cultures. 

Learning Outcomes

1. Analyse and critically reflect on the key factors influencing the naturalisation of Buddhism in China.
2. Critically examine the development of Chinese Buddhist schools and their impact on social and cultural life.
3. Assess the constructive competencies and conditions for the development of Chinese Buddhism within and beyond China in modern times. 
4. Develop the skills to pose research questions, investigate and analyse the literature, and present oral and written reports.

Assessments

• Assessment 1: Quiz (10%, due week 2)
• Assessment 2: Individual presentation OR critical reflection (20%, due week 5)
• Assessment 3: Literature critique on one or more Chinese Buddhist schools (30%, due week 7)
• Assessment 3: Final paper on the spread of Chinese Buddhism (40%, due week 10)