Outline

Overview

This unit provides a survey of the major issues and core ideas of Buddhism from its beginnings in India to subsequent developments in others parts of Asia. Students will be introduced to Buddhist understanding of liberation, existence, and knowledge, with a focus on exploring how Buddhist thought and practices, such as ritual and meditation, shape each other in larger socio-cultural contexts.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Asian Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 2000 level from any combination of Ancient Greek, Ancient History, Anthropology, Arabic Language and Cultures, Archaeology, Art History, Asian Studies, Biblical Studies and Classical Hebrew, Chinese Studies, Cultural Studies, European Studies, French and Francophone Studies, Germanic Studies, Hebrew, History, Indonesian Studies, International and Comparative Literary Studies, Italian Studies, Japanese Studies, Jewish Civilisation, Thought and Culture, Korean Studies, Latin, Linguistics, Philosophy, Sanskrit, Spanish and Latin American Studies, Studies in Religion, Visual Arts
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ASNS2003
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Chiew Hui Hui Ho, chiewhui.ho@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Mark Allon, mark.allon@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Chiew Hui Hui Ho, chiewhui.ho@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Mark Allon, mark.allon@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Chiew Hui Hui Ho, chiewhui.ho@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Essay 2 Essay	30%	Formal exam period Due date: 20 Jun 2025 at 11:59	1500wd
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Tutorial Leadership Tutorial Facilitation	15%	Multiple weeks	750wd equivalent
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Participation Participation in UoS learning activity	10%	Ongoing	N/A
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Essay 1 Essay	30%	Week 10 Due date: 09 May 2025 at 23:59	1500wd
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Quiz T/F and MCQ questions	15%	Week 13	750wd equivalent
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Participation: This will be based on students’ preparation and participation in all learning activities of the unit.

Tutorial Leadership: One or two students facilitate tutorial discussions.

Quiz: Students will take a quiz during the lecture in week 13.

Essays 1 & 2: Students will write essays (1500wd each) to be submitted in CANVAS.

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark Range	Description
High distinction	85–100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75–84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65–74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50–64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0–49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.
Absent Fail	0–49	When you haven’t completed all assessment tasks or met the attendance requirements.
Cancelled	No mark	When your enrolment has been cancelled.
Discontinued not to count as failure	No mark	When you discontinue a unit after the relevant census date but before the DC deadline.
Discontinue-fail	No mark	When you discontinue a unit after the DC deadline but before the DF deadline
Withdrawn	No mark	When you discontinue a unit before the relevant census date. WD grades do not appear on your academic transcript

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to the course & The Buddha in context	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	The Buddha in context	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	The originality of the Buddha’s teachings	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	The originality of the Buddha’s teachings	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Abhidharma and the rise of the Mahāyāna: two major developments in Buddhist thought and practice	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Abhidharma and the rise of the Mahāyāna: two major developments in Buddhist thought and practice	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Buddhism in Gandhara (Afghanistan and Pakistan), the crossroads of Asia	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Buddhism in Gandhara (Afghanistan and Pakistan), the crossroads of Asia	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Buddhism along the Silk Road	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Buddhism along the Silk Road	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Sri Lanka and the preservation of “authentic” Buddhism	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Sri Lanka and the preservation of “authentic” Buddhism	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Southeast Asia: the formation of Buddhist states	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Southeast Asia: the formation of Buddhist states	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	China 1: Transmission and Domestication	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	China 1: Transmission and Domestication	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	China 2: Adaptation and Transformation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	China 2: Adaptation and Transformation	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Korea: The Making of a State Religion	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Korea: The Making of a State Religion	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Japan 1: Tendai and Esoteric Traditions	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Japan 1: Tendai and Esoteric Traditions	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Japan 2: Buddhism in the Degenerate Age	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Japan 2: Buddhism in the Degenerate Age	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Review and Quiz	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute for your classroom learning experience.
Preparation: Students should commit to spending approximately three hours of preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate foundational understanding of significant events and periods in the history of Buddhism that played a crucial role in shaping Buddhism in various regions
LO2. Articulate the social, cultural, and political interaction between Buddhism and the secular world, and their influence on each other
LO3. Analyse developments of Buddhism as a cross-cultural phenomenon, with specific reference to its transmission, modification, and reinterpretation across Asia and beyond
LO4. Identify the presuppositions underlying the social and political structures in traditional and modern Buddhist societies
LO5. Situate and analyse contemporary issues in Buddhism in their historical and cultural contexts from different perspectives

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit is offered for the first time at the 3000-level.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ASNS3003: Buddhism: Historical Perspectives

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links