Module manager: Professor Martin Seeger
Email: m.seeger@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
| EAST2713 | Buddhism: a Lived Tradition |
This module is approved as a discovery module
The module will introduce fundamental teachings of Buddhism, including concepts such as karma, rebirth, meditation, nirvana, and ethics. Utilizing temple murals extensively, we will discuss these teachings within the context of the Buddha’s story. Additionally, the module will examine Buddhist monasticism and the magical-animistic elements of Thai Buddhism, such as the amulet cult and protective tattoos. Furthermore, we will explore ongoing public and scholarly debates regarding the roles of women in Buddhism. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
This module will enable students to: ·
Acquire knowledge about the story of the Buddha, fundamental Buddhist teachings on karma, rebirth, meditation, nirvana, and ethics, as well as the scriptural traditions of Buddhism.
Develop critical insights into Buddhist monasticism and the magical-animistic elements of Thai Buddhism. ·
Cultivate the ability to critically discuss gender issues in Buddhism. ·
Gain a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between Buddhism, the state, and society in contemporary Thailand. ·
Critically and reflexively evaluate their learning processes, written work, and oral expression through tutorial discussions and presentations. ·
Develop skills to search for, identify, select, and evaluate relevant academic materials in the study of Buddhism.
Through a combination of lectures and interactive seminars, this module will equip students with the skills to critically analyse a wide range of visual and literary materials, as well as address the complexities of nomenclature in Western scholarly study of Asian religions. PowerPoint slides, reading lists, and other materials (such as videos, images of mural paintings, and academic texts) available on Minerva will support a multifaceted approach to studying Buddhism, enhancing students’ learning experience
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Formulate an understanding of the history of early Buddhism and the fundamental teachings of Theravada Buddhism as recorded in the Pali Canon, including statements and teachings about life, ethics, and meditation.
2. Analyse key features of Buddhist monasticism and the magical-animistic elements of Thai Buddhism.
3. Examine gender issues in Buddhism.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes
4. Critically examine relevant primary sources, utilizing them as evidence to support your own arguments.
5. Recognise and assess arguments in scholarly literature, evaluate their credibility, and formulate their own position in response.
6. Communicate ideas concisely, effectively and coherently in writing.
7. Recognise and reflect upon cultural contexts.
The module will explore the story of the Buddha and Buddhist teachings on karma, rebirth, meditation, nirvana and ethics. It will also discuss Buddhist monasticism and issues of gender in Buddhism. The module’s focus is on the scriptural tradition of Theravada Buddhism and modern forms of Thai Buddhism.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 178 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Engaging with students during the seminars will allow teaching staff to monitor students' progress and give feedback. Students will have the opportunity to receive individual formative feedback on their understanding and academic progress during module contact hours, especially during seminar sessions. Students will receive summative feedback on their reflective essay, which will help them to identify academic strengths and weaknesses before they need to submit their essay. In addition, during the two workshop sessions (on academic writing and the reflective essay), students will be able to gain additional formative feedback. These sessions will also allow them to discuss feedback that students from previous years received on their essays and reflective essays.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 50 |
| Coursework | Reflective essay | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 25/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team