Guidelines for Teachers

Introduction to the module

This module aims to present how Buddhism spread throughout Asia ( and then the world). It adapted itself to different social, political and cultural background, but at the same time it rooted in each civilization, deeply influencing it.
Section 1 introduce one of the main historical event that triggered the Buddhism Expansion. Section 2 to 5 offer an overview of the diffusion of Buddhism in South-Asia, China, Japan and Tibet. These sections explain the historical and cultural circumstances of the arrival of Buddhism and its consequences in society, artistic expression, doctrinal development and so on. Finally sec. 6 deals with the change Buddhism undergone in front of Modernity, both in Asia and in the West, focusing on the adaptation to a need of a modern and globalized World. Every section is almost independent from the others even if links and connections are provided and explained to give occasion of comparisons.
Even if pivotal concepts are often repeated and there are links inside the text, it is highly advised to preliminary use in class Buddhism Module I, especially with section 1,3,4. Moreover, many references are made to concept explained in sec. 6 and 7 of Buddhism Module I.

Conceptual (knowledge) Objectives:

• C.O.1: To understand the basic spatial-temporal coordinates of the diffusion of Buddhism in its different denomination.
• C.O.2 To understand how basic concept of Buddhism like Buddha, Bodhisattva, Nirvana, Samsara, Enlightenment and Skillful Means have been developed and expressed in            different cultural situations.
• C.O.3: To understand the basic role that Buddhism played in the history and in the society of different civilizations of Asia.
• C.O.4: To know the  most famous ritual and artistic expressions born out from Buddhism in the different civilization.
• C.O.5: To understand the change that Modernity and Globalization brought on Buddhism.

Skill objectives:

• S.1: To be able to read and understand the basic information from Buddhist religious texts, symbols and monuments.
• S.2: To be able to use properly technical terms like myth, ritual, festival in relation to the context of Buddhism.
• S.3: To be able to use and connect in a critical way the information gained through this module to other disciplinary and cultural contexts.
• S.4: To be able to use and connect in a critical way the information gained through this module with the information on similar subject gained through media.

Competence objectives:

• C.1: To appreciate diversity and change inside a cultural tradition like Buddhism as richness.

Additional general info:

Bibliography:

Peter Harvery, An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History and Practices (revised Edition), Cambridge University press, Cambrigde 2012MODULE 2

Webliography

Julia Hardy , "Buddhism" in http://www.patheos.com/Library/Buddhism.html, accessed 15/12/2014

Encyclopædia Britannica Online, s. v. "Buddhism", accessed dicembre 15, 2014, http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/83184/Buddhism.

Summary of arguments, linked to student view sections

Pivotal event for the traditions:
King Ashoka and his influence sec. 1

Diffusion in Asia sec. 1

Diffusion in South-east Asia sec. 2

Diffusion in China sec. 3

Diffusion in Japan sec. 4

Diffusion in Tibet sec. 5

Main Change in the XX cen.: modernization & diffusion in the West sec. 6