Zen Buddhism
Course Description
Summary
Although it was born in India, Buddhism has had a deep and profound influence on Chinese and East Asian culture, but this philosophy remains relevant to modern life in both the East and West. Students will be introduced to the spirit of Buddhism through modern Mandarin interpretations of classic Chinese Buddhist poems and stories. Students will explore Chinese Buddhist concepts while building on their competencies in listening, speaking, reading and writing Mandarin Chinese. Each class or every other class, students will be given a different Buddhist text translated into modern Chinese along with a vocabulary list and grammar points for that reading. Students will be expected to read the text and prepare to discuss it in Chinese with the teacher and classmates during the next class meeting.
P.S. Free course material
Learning Outcomes
- By the end of the term, students will be able to...
...understand, discuss and critique various authentic Buddhist texts
...raise valid and rational questions regarding Chinese Zen and analyze and discuss these questions in Chinese
...conduct independent research on Chinese Zen
...form ideas and opinions based on their research on Chinese Zen, history, philosophy and relevance to their own lives
... effectively communicate their thoughts on these in Chinese, both orally and in writing at the intermediate level.
Prerequisites
At least 2 terms Chinese College Level.
Please contact the faculty member : glin@bennington.edu