Course finder

<< return to browsing

Semester 2

Buddhism and the State in Early East Asia (ASST10159)

Subject

Asian Studies

College

CAHSS

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

4

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Visiting Students are expected to have the equivalent academic background to University of Edinburgh 4th year degree students. Entry is at the discretion of the Course Organiser.

Course Summary

This course looks at the relationship between Buddhism and the state in China, Korea, and Japan from the 6th to the 8th century. Topics especially focus on themes of legitimation, exchange, material culture, and protection. It will address Buddhism's role as a form of "technology" that provided a common link among these countries, and it will also consider Buddhism's transmission via the Silk Road.

Course Description

Buddhism has played a key part in the interplay of East Asian politics, culture, and overseas relations from the time of its introduction to China circa 1st-2nd century CE. In this course, students will examine Buddhism's transmission out of India and its connection to the rulers of China, Korea, and Japan from the 6th-8th century. Readings will connect to the themes of art, translation, pilgrimage, statecraft, cosmology, technology, and relics. Course content will also address Buddhism's appeal as a form of state protection and legitimation in the courts of Emperor Aoka, Empress Wu Zhao, Emperor Wendi, Emperor Gaozong, Emperor Shmu, Empress Kken/Shtoku, King Chinhng, and Queen Sndk. Students will also study especially influential Buddhist texts during this period, including the Lotus Sutra, Golden Light Sutra, Flower Garland Sutra, and the apocryphal Sutra for Benevolent Kings, all of which played a role in statecraft. In addition to readings, students will also be introduced to online resources that will provide addition context to each week's themes, including documentaries, aerial footage of sites, and online databases (such as the Shsin and the International Dunhuang Project). Students will also work in groups or with partners to present at least one set of readings per semester. Students are encouraged to focus on analysing and summarising major themes as well as put them in communication with previous readings to draw out major points and connections. It is recommended that students have pre-existing familiarity with Chinese, Japanese, and/or Korean history or an understanding of key Buddhist texts and concepts before taking this course. In cases where there are knowledge gaps, students are expected to use provided reference materials to do additional research.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 0%, Coursework 100%, Practical Exam 0%

view the timetable and further details for this course