ASIA 250 - Across Religious Boundaries: Understanding Differences

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

The study of a selected topic or theme in religious studies that cuts across the boundaries of particular religions, allowing opportunities for comparison as well as contrast of religious traditions, beliefs, values and practices.

Topic for 2019/20b: Zen and the West: Buddhism, America and the Culture of Enlightenment. (Same as RELI 250) This course focuses on the encounter between Buddhist ideas and postmodern paradigms in both Science and the Humanities. How do Buddhist theories of perception relate to current paradigms in Theoretical Physics and Cognitive Science? What light does the Buddhist encounter with the West shed upon issues of gender, equality, and social justice? How have Buddhist teachings related to the teachings of major Western religions? Rick Jarow.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS