Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Academic Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

REL 295-05 - Special Topic: Zen Buddhism

4 credits (Spring)
Chan-more popularly  known as Zen-is one of the most popular modes of  Buddhist traditions. The course explores the  history, doctrine, literature, institution, and  art of Chan and Zen Buddhism in Asia and in the  United States. It includes reading and discussion  of religious, cultural, and political issues  related to the development and transmission of  this renowned tradition. It is divided into four  main sections: (1) Chinese Chan, (2) Japanese  Zen, (3) American Zen, and (4) Chan/Zen and Art.  Students will become acquainted with the origins  of the Chan school in China, the development of  Zen in Japan, and Zen’s transformation in the  United States. The purpose of the first three  sections is to survey how various factors have  shaped contemporary views of Zen. The final  section of the course is to survey how various  factors have shaped contemporary views of Zen.  The final section of the course examines Chan/Zen  style of paintings and literature.

Prerequisite: REL 101 REL 102 REL 103 REL 104 REL 105 , or second-year standing.
Instructor: Y. Chen