Spring 2021: Buddhism, ecology and a changing climate
The course focuses on the interaction between buddhism, ecology and a changing climate. The course is based on reading and discussion of articles and monographs in English. Themes that will be discussed:
- Buddhism, ecology, and environmental management
- Buddhist concepts of sacred landscape
- Buddhist leaders’ role in minimizing the negative effects of climate change
- Buddhism as a world religion and its role in combating negative climate change
- Environmentalist rhetoric in Buddhist environments.
- Documentary films on climate change on the Tibetan plateau and in the Himalaya will be used as sources in teaching and discussions.
Spring 2019: Buddhism and politics
The course focuses on the interaction between Buddhism and politics. The course is based on reading and discussion of articles and monographs in English. Themes that will be discussed:
- Buddhism and the state
- Buddhist concepts of kingship
- The political role of Buddhist clergy
- The role of Buddhism in violent conflicts