Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LH Buddhism
School	Phil, Theology and Religion
Department	Theology and Religion
Module Code	09 39957
Module Lead	Marie-Helene Gorisse
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-18 hours Seminar-10 hours External Visits-2 hours Guided independent study-170 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module will provide an overview of the Buddhist tradition, covering historical backgrounds and subsequent development; key concepts and teachings, including the Four Noble Truths, concepts of 'no-self', emptiness, rebirth and enlightenment; the diversity of traditions; and practice. Contemporary movements and issues will be explored, and there will be an opportunity to engage with Buddhist communities in the West Midlands. Buddhism has a unique position for learners who wish to examine the definition and boundaries of religion. First, Buddhism is frequently described as a philosophy, or as a spirituality, rather than as a religion. Studying concrete forms of Buddhism will offer new insights along this line of discussion. The topics investigated in this class will range from assessing whether Buddhists deny any kind of transcendent reality, including that of a Supreme Being or God, as well as their stance on gods, demons, rituals, priests, monks, nuns, festivals, prayers, shrines, and sacred relics. Second, religion has floating borders inasmuch as religious practices regularly seem to tell more about societal values than about anything else. Buddhism is a religion that spread from as early as the 2nd century CE across deeply different cultures and was transformed accordingly. It is therefore a strong case study from which to reflect on this state of affair. By the end of the module, students will have developed a nuanced understanding of what Buddhism is and is not, and they will have gained a new perspective on what it means to be a human being by rigorously engaging the Buddhist answers to life's most profound questions.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Demonstrate familiarity with the aspects and factors of the historical development of Buddhism. Identify and compare the philosophical, ritual and organisational specificities of the different Buddhist traditions. Comment critically on secondary literature on the primary texts of Buddhism. Articulate and evaluate the key teachings and ideas of contemporary expressions of Buddhism.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: A 1500 word 'critical reflection' (40%) and a 2500 essay (60%). Reassessment: Resubmission of failed component.
Other
Reading List