RLT2480

The religious quest: Eastern faith and illumination

(ART)

Ian Mabbett

6 points + most weeks 1.5 hr lectures, 1 tutorial per week + Second semester + Clayton + Prohibitions: RLT3480, HSY2480/3480

Synopsis: The unit is designed to introduce students to the study of religion, looking at the main religious traditions of Asia in turn, tracing their evolution, and relating each to the cultural environment in which it grew. Certain basic questions are taken as themes to apply to each section of the subject: for example, what have the different religions said about fundamental questions such as the problem of suffering, the existence of an afterlife and the existence of God or gods? The concern in this semester will be with eastern religions, with special attention to Confucianism, Taoist mysticism, the Hindu way of life, yoga and salvation, and the Buddhist teaching.

Assessment: Precis exercise (500 words): 15% + Tutorial presentation and handout (500 words): 15% + Research essay (2000 words): 40% + Examination (1.5 hours): 30%