REL365: Hinduism and Buddhism

Hinduism and Buddhism are having a profound impact on 21st-century culture, through practices such as yoga and meditation; in the study of modern psychology; and in films, television and other contemporary media. This course will introduce students to the distinctive ethos of Asian philosophies and ways of life, and to historical figures such as the Buddha, Mahatma Gandhi and the Dalai Lama. Students will encounter concepts of ultimate reality, the self and the purpose of human life that have informed diverse ethical systems and cultures in India, China, Tibet, Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia. In this course, we will study ideas, symbols, practices and traditions that have shaped a continent and have found new expressions in today's world.