Introduction to World Religions:
Eastern Traditions

RELIG c202 5 cr. University of Washington: Distance Learning

Prof. Linda Iltis
EMAIL: iltis@u.washington.edu
Office Hours: by appointment
Room 111 Thomson Hall
Phone: 616-8354 EMAIL: iltis@u.washington.edu

Saraswati Goddess of Learning

Course Description

Introduction to World Religions: Eastern Traditions will provide an introduction to the major religious traditions of Asia, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Inner Asian Shamanism, Confucianism and Taoism, and Shinto, including traditions of South, Southeast, Inner, and East Asia. For each of these traditions, we will consider its history and mythology, the great themes and ideas which have shaped its worlds of meaning for its followers, and their ways of worshipping and achieving the good life, individually and socially. Readings from the sacred texts and great thinkers of each tradition will constitute the primary sources for our study, while other readings, films, and videos will expand our awareness of cultural contexts and religious experiences.

Course Requirements

You are expected to attend class regularly and participate fully in weekly discussions. Attendance of all lectures and class discussions is assumed and all absences will be noted. Students not attending the class during the first week may be dropped so that others may take the class. (Please inform me or the TA in advance of anticipated absences.) You are encouraged to come to me, or to my teaching assistant Richard Blitstein, with any problems concerning the course or its subject matter. We also may be reached by EMAIL at the address noted above.

Required Texts

Ludwig, Theodore Sacred Paths of the East
Embree, Ainslie The Hindu Tradition
Strong, John The Experience of Buddhism

Outline of Lecture Topics and Weekly Reading Assignments

Grading and Evaluation

Evaluation of your work will be based on 4 essay assignments and final examination which will combine essay, short answer, and matching formats. Short objective quiz exercises for each section will assist you in tracking your progress and understanding of the material.

In this class we will be acquainting ourselves an academic investigation into phenomena which fit the definition of "religious". In acquiring an understanding of these religions and religious worlds, we don't expect you to become a follower of any of these traditions, nor do we encourage you to assume a protective or defensive stance in your present system of belief or unbelief. COMPARATIVE RELIGION IS NOT COMPETITIVE RELIGION.

Availability of Instructor

Professor Iltis's office is 111 Thomson Hall; phone 543-6001 by advance appointment or by voice mail at 616-8354.

Questions by EMAIL iltis@u.washington.edu?

If you have have questions about course material or readings, you may me by email. Please note "RELIG c202" in the subject line, so that I can identify you quickly.

*ENLIGHTENMENT #1
The secret to passing this course (or any other university course): (as found in the Hindu tradition)

(Bhagavad Gita, II, 47)

*ENLIGHTENMENT #2:
Cultivating Right Mindfulness: (as from Buddhist tradition)

(adapted from "Footprint of the Buddha")

* Courtesy of Professor Frank Conlon, Professor of History and Comparative Religion, University of Washington.

ENLIGHTENMENT #3:

(final words of the Buddha to his disciples on his death bed)

If you would like to request academic accommodations due to a disability, please contact Disabled Student Services, 448 Schmitz, 543-8924 (V/TDD). If you have a letter from Disabled Student Services indicating you have a disability that requires academic accommodations, please present the letter to me so we can discuss the accommodations you might need for class.