Course Structure Overview

Each course in the curriculum is designed to build upon previous knowledge while encouraging critical thinking and independent inquiry. Advanced departmental electives offer students opportunities to specialize further in areas of personal interest or professional relevance.

Advanced Departmental Electives

• Buddhist Psychology and Cognitive Science: This course explores how Buddhist concepts of mind and consciousness align with findings from neuroscience and cognitive psychology. Students examine topics such as attention, memory, emotion regulation, and awareness through both traditional texts and empirical studies.
• Buddhist Social Movements: This elective delves into the role of Buddhism in social activism and political movements throughout history and in contemporary times. Students analyze case studies from various regions, focusing on how Buddhist values have influenced reform efforts and civil rights campaigns.
• Digital Humanities in Buddhist Studies: Utilizing modern digital tools and databases, this course introduces students to computational methods for analyzing Buddhist texts, mapping historical changes, and visualizing cultural trends. Students learn to use software like Voyant Tools, NLTK, and Python for text mining and data visualization.
• Buddhist Ethics in Healthcare: This course investigates how Buddhist principles can be applied to healthcare delivery, focusing on compassion fatigue, end-of-life care, and palliative medicine. Students engage with ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare providers and explore Buddhist responses to these challenges.
• Buddhist Art and Cultural Expression: Through a combination of visual analysis and textual study, students examine how artistic forms like sculpture, painting, architecture, and music reflect and shape Buddhist beliefs and practices across different cultures and time periods.
• Contemporary Interpretations of Buddhism: This course critically evaluates modern reinterpretations of Buddhist philosophy by scholars, teachers, and practitioners. Topics include secular Buddhism, environmental Buddhism, feminist interpretations, and global applications of traditional teachings.
• Buddhist Leadership and Social Change: Students explore how Buddhist principles can guide leadership in community organizations, NGOs, and social enterprises. Case studies highlight successful leaders who have integrated Buddhist values into their work for social transformation.
• Peace and Conflict Resolution: This course focuses on applying Buddhist methods of non-violence, dialogue, and reconciliation to modern conflicts. Students learn about peace-building techniques rooted in Buddhist philosophy and practice, with practical exercises in negotiation and mediation.
• Buddhist Environmental Ethics: Examining the relationship between Buddhist teachings and ecological sustainability, this course explores how Buddhist principles can inform climate change mitigation, conservation efforts, and environmental policy development.
• Global Ethics and Buddhism: Students study how Buddhist values intersect with international human rights frameworks, global governance, and cross-cultural ethical dilemmas. The course emphasizes the role of Buddhism in promoting global citizenship and interfaith cooperation.

Project-Based Learning Philosophy

The department’s approach to project-based learning is rooted in the belief that true understanding comes from active engagement with material rather than passive absorption. Projects are designed to mirror real-world applications, encouraging students to apply their knowledge creatively and collaboratively.

Mini-projects begin in the second year and involve working on research questions or community challenges related to Buddhist themes. These projects are typically completed in groups of 3–5 students under faculty supervision. The scope includes literature reviews, interviews with practitioners, surveys, and presentations at symposiums.

The final-year thesis is a major undertaking that requires students to conduct original research, often involving fieldwork or collaboration with external organizations. Students select their projects based on their interests and career aspirations, working closely with faculty mentors throughout the process. The thesis must demonstrate critical thinking, independent scholarship, and clear communication skills.