Postgraduate Course: Envisioning Buddhist Studies: Methods and Themes (DIVI11084)
Course Outline
| School | School of Divinity |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course introduces the field of Buddhist Studies, with a particular focus on the many methods used to study different aspects of Buddhism. Students will learn about the multidisciplinary nature of the field, and explore the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches in relation to different areas of study. |
| Course description |
Academic Description:
This course introduces the field of Buddhist Studies, with a particular focus on the many methods used to study different aspects of Buddhism. Students will learn about the multidisciplinary nature of the field, and explore the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches in relation to different areas of study. Students will become able to evaluate different methods and apply them appropriately to different types of primary sources and research topics.
Outline Content:
After a session introducing the course and the field of Buddhist Studies overall, the course is divided into two parts. In Part A each week is dedicated to a key method, covering art historical, textual, historical, philosophical and ethnographic methods. In Part B, sessions will address important themes or strands of study within the field, and model the application of research methods to these themes. As such, these sessions explore the strengths, weaknesses and combinations of methods in complex application. For example, what methods might we use to study Engaged Buddhism? How does the study of narrative move beyond standard textual methods? Or what methods are best for studying relic worship? Themes vary each year but always address an area of expertise of the academic leading that session. The final class is dedicated to student presentation of essay plans.
Student Learning Experience:
The course is taught in weekly classes of two hours in duration. Normally the first hour is lecturer-led, identifying key considerations or exploring important aspects of the topic, while the second hour is student-led and explores the set readings. Students take turns in leading this part of the class, and are expected to come prepared to contribute to the discussion every week (counting for 10% of the grade). As the course progresses, students will be supported, through a 1:1 meeting with the CO, in choosing a focus for their essay (3,000 words; 90% of the grade), which requires them to select a method and explore its strengths and weaknesses in application to a selected case study. Part B of the course involves academics modelling the approaches required in the essay, by applying methods to topics or themes in the field. Students will present their essay plans in week 11, offering the chance for valuable feedback before submission of the essays during the exam period.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2025/26, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 22,
Feedback/Feedforward Hours 1,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
173 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
90 %,
Practical Exam
10 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
10% participation
90% research essay of 3,000 words that evaluates a research method (or combination of methods) through application to a case study in some aspect of Buddhism |
| Feedback |
Each student will present their essay plan to the class in week 11, and receive feedback from staff and peers. Written feedback will be provided as standard on the final essays. In addition, classes are small and interactive, offering many opportunities for oral feedback on students' ideas, and students will have the opportunity early in the course to discuss their essay topics with the CO or another relevant member of staff. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Identify and explain the key methods used in the academic study of Buddhism and how they relate to different source types and research questions;
- Critically evaluate a selected method and apply it to a case study of empirical data;
- Independently research a topic in the field, engaging appropriate primary and secondary sources;
- Formulate and communicate an argument in written form, abiding by academic standards;
- Contribute respectfully and insightfully to class discussion.
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Reading List
| There is no course textbook. Readings will be provided via a Resource List in advance of class, and will vary year on year depending on the topics covered. |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
- Curiosity for learning and openness to different perspectives
- Willingness to engage across disciplinary boundaries and to approach sources in new ways
- Finely-tuned skills of critical analysis
- Ability to construct an argument concisely
- Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing |
| Keywords | Buddhism,Methods,Themes,Approaches,Multidisciplinary |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Paul Fuller
Tel:
Email: paul.fuller@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | |
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