Certificate of Buddhist Studies
Traditions of Buddhism — The Countless Buddhas of the World and Dharma Doors
MD002 · 12 teaching weeks · English course information
Intake not yet announced. The syllabus below is indicative.
About this course
This course develops students' understanding of the diversity of Buddhist traditions, teachings, communities and approaches to practice.
Students are introduced to major Buddhist traditions and selected Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, schools and practices found throughout the Buddhist world.
The course encourages students to approach different traditions with understanding, respect and critical thinking while distinguishing between differences in legitimate Buddhist traditions and unsupported claims about Buddhist teachings.
Entry requirements
Prerequisites
Students must have completed:
* MT001 or YT1000
* KR001
* KR002
* MD001
Enrolment Rule
Students must be enrolled in the Certificate of Buddhist Studies programme.
Learning outcomes
- Understand major Buddhist traditions and different approaches or Dharma Doors within Buddhism.
- Describe selected Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, schools and Buddhist practices.
- Apply their knowledge when examining the validity and context of Buddhist teachings and practices.
- Use critical-thinking skills when evaluating Buddhist teachings, claims and traditions.
- Demonstrate respect for the diversity found within the wider Buddhist community.
Indicative syllabus
No intake dates or deadlines have been set from this weekly outline.
- Week 1: Study and Preparation Week
- Week 2: Guan Yin Bodhisattva — Compassion in the Buddhist Tradition
- Week 3: The Three Major Traditions of Buddhism
- Week 4: The Thai Forest Tradition
- Week 5: Ksitigarbha / Earth Store Bodhisattva
- Week 6: Ch'an and Pure Land Buddhism
- Week 7: Vajrayana Buddhist Traditions
- Week 8: Review of Introduction to Buddhism
- Week 9: Review of the Jataka Tales and Life of the Buddha
- Week 10: Review of Buddhism and the Contemporary World
- Week 11: Field Trip / Comparative Buddhist Community Visit
- Week 12: Revision, Reflection and Integration
Assessment & attendance
At least 17 of 30 attendance marks. Approximate session equivalents are guidance, not a substitute for the marks policy.
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| Quizzes | 20% |
| Activities | 20% |
| Attendance | 30% |
| Final assessment | 30% |
Read the source assessment arrangements
Assessment
Total: 100%
Quizzes — 20%
Indicative topic areas:
* Guan Yin Bodhisattva — 5%
* Earth Store Bodhisattva — 5%
* Traditions of Buddhism — 5%
* Course Review — 5%
Quizzes are normally conducted online or on-site using a digital device with internet access.
Unless otherwise announced, quizzes are open-book.
Activities — 20%
Activities may include:
* Buddhist arts and craft — 5%
* Field-trip observation or reflection notes — 5%
* Participation in an approved Buddhist event — 10%
Students must participate in at least one approved event where event participation forms part of the course requirements.
Attendance — 30%
Full attendance is required for full attendance marks.
Students must obtain at least 17 out of 30 attendance marks, corresponding approximately to attendance at 7 of the 12 scheduled sessions.
Late, excused and other attendance classifications may receive reduced marks according to Institute policy.
Final Assessment — 30%
The final assessment covers the principal topics taught during the course.
Method: Online or on-site using a digital device with internet access.
Unless otherwise announced, the assessment is open-book.
Final assessment and certification arrangements follow the rules confirmed for your intake.