Contents

PHIL 111 Introduction to Japanese Zen Buddhism

This course is an interdisciplinary introduction to the worldview of Japanese Zen Buddhism, using the categories and methods of philosophy and including the historical and cultural milieu of Japan, Zen painting, haiku, and sand gardens, as well as ancient medieval, and modern Zen wisdom texts from around the world and experiential practice in zazen or sitting meditation.

Credits

1

Prerequisite

Eligible to enroll in ENGL 121

Hours Weekly

1

Course Objectives

  1. Analyze Zen Buddhism’s worldview on metaphysics, with respect to self, human nature, the cosmos, and ultimate reality; on epistemology or knowledge theory; and on axiology or values with respect to ethics and the moral life.
  2. Compare and contrast Zen Buddhism and Western philosophy under the categories of metaphysics, epistemology, and axiology.
  3. Experience zazen meditation as an aid in the lifelong pursuit of enlightenment; read Zen literature, instructional and poetic, and view Zen art with insight, seeing both as shapers of Japanese aesthetic and ethical perspectives.
  4. Critically examine the Zen Buddhist worldview and its role in shaping Japanese culture and Japan’s responses to global events.

Course Objectives

  1. Analyze Zen Buddhism’s worldview on metaphysics, with respect to self, human nature, the cosmos, and ultimate reality; on epistemology or knowledge theory; and on axiology or values with respect to ethics and the moral life.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Analytic/Reflective Paper about Zen Buddhism’s approaches to personhood, how one knows, and ethical behavior

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Global Competency Rubric

    Global Competency

    • GC2
  2. Compare and contrast Zen Buddhism and Western philosophy under the categories of metaphysics, epistemology, and axiology.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Analytic/Reflective Paper comparing the wisdom of Zen masters, regarding interconnectedness and wordless knowing leading to compassion, with Western views.

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Global Competency Rubric

    Global Competency

    • GC1
  3. Experience zazen meditation as an aid in the lifelong pursuit of enlightenment; read Zen literature, instructional and poetic, and view Zen art with insight, seeing both as shapers of Japanese aesthetic and ethical perspectives.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Analytic/reflective paper

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Global Competency Rubric

    Global Competency

    • GC3
  4. Critically examine the Zen Buddhist worldview and its role in shaping Japanese culture and Japan’s responses to global events.

    Learning Activity Artifact

    • Other (please fill out box below)
    • Analytic/Reflective Paper about Zen Buddhism’s influence in Japanese culture and worldview

    Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

    • Global Competency Rubric

    Global Competency

    • GC4