Religious Studies

This course introduces pre-Qin Taoist philosophy, and mainly explains the important concepts and issues of pre-Qin Taoist philosophy through study, discussion, and teacher explanation. This course consists of two units with equal emphasis: Laozi and Zhuangzi. In terms of form, the course focuses on methods of argumentation and strategies for meaning-making in philosophical writings. In terms of content, it discusses the social value of Taoist philosophy and views on interpersonal interaction, of which language and communication are important themes.

This course introduces the origin and development of Chinese Buddhism. It describes the main schools of Chinese Buddhism and the lives and thoughts of important thinkers. This course introduces the basic ideas of Indian Buddhism and the general process of its introduction into China. It provides an analysis of two important works in the early history of Chinese Buddhism: Zhao Lun and Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana, the main sects of Sui and Tang Dynasty Buddhism (Sanlun, Tiantai, Weishi, Huayan , Pure Land, Zen)’s main works and thoughts.

This course considers the religious, political, and cultural significance of Buddhism in modern Asia, with a particular focus on Japan. It surveys Japan's religious history and tradition, as well as recent issues facing Buddhist communities and modern society while covering topics such as religion and nationalism; gender issues in modern temple practices; religious violence and peace activities, and the role of tourism in temple affairs. The course provides a solid understanding of East Asia's religious heritage while developing critical perspectives on the impact of religion on modern Asian societies.

After surveying the basic tenets and history of Buddhism in India, this course discusses various aspects of Buddhist transmission from India via Central Asia (Silk Road) to East Asia. The course emphasizes practical aspects of Buddhism, including meditation, monastic life, and the production of Buddhist art. The course also explores doctrinal and devotional aspects of Buddhism. Employing an interdisciplinary approach, the course analzyes texts, art and archaeological remains, focusing on Buddhist caves as the place for practice. 

The course introduces students to historical and contemporary debates concerning the nature and characteristics of 'political Islam'. By examining key Islamic thinkers, movements and currents, the course aims to provide intellectual and analytical tools to make better sense of this complex and multifaceted phenomenon, drawing on a variety of disciplines (history, anthropology, sociology, religious studies, international relations) while grounded in a political science approach. The course is divided into three parts. An introductory section devoted to Islamic thinkers, conceptual frameworks and Islamist states. A second section dealing with Islamist movements – charting the evolution of Islamic liberation groups (Hamas and Hizbullah), revolutionary trajectories (Iran) and resistance movements (Islamic movement inside Israel). A third and final section will focus on internal dynamics and global challenges – exploring Islam and democracy, transnational jihadism, sectarian division and the legacy of the Arab Spring. The course rejects simplistic readings of political Islam but instead seeks to provide a dynamic and complex examination of Islamic thinkers, concepts and movements through discursive frames of ideology; state power, democracy, geo-politics and local socio-political realities.    

This course studies the theories and concepts of Judaism. It examines its principal texts and practices as the literature and customs of this religion serve as a gateway to understanding its fundamental philosophical structure.