ASIAN M60W
Introduction to Buddhism
Description: (Same as Religion M60W.) Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Enforced requisite: English Composition 3 or 3H or English as a Second Language 36. Not open for credit to students with credit for course M60. Knowledge of Asian languages not required. General survey of Buddhist worldview and lifestyle, with focus on those religious doctrines and meditative practices most essential to various Asian traditions of Buddhism. Particular attention to problems involved in study of religion. Satisfies Writing II requirement. Letter grading.
Units: 5.0
Units: 5.0
1 of 2
Most Helpful Review
Spring 2022 - This Writing II course was fairly nice and simple. I found Professor Bodiford to be a little bit of a dry instructor, although this could be because there were no slides with the lectures. He is, nevertheless, extremely knowledgeable and very straightforward. Throughout the quarter, there are three primary writing assignments: a 3–4 page essay on the meaning of religion, a 5–6 page essay on a topic presented in class, and a 7-9 page essay on pretty much any topic related to Buddhism. There is a written midterm and final as well, although these were quite simple and required you to write a response of less than one page on three and four different themes. The syllabus contains an overview for each lesson, so I recommend following it and making thorough notes on each subject. You should always talk to your TAs about your papers because they can offer you really useful input.
Spring 2022 - This Writing II course was fairly nice and simple. I found Professor Bodiford to be a little bit of a dry instructor, although this could be because there were no slides with the lectures. He is, nevertheless, extremely knowledgeable and very straightforward. Throughout the quarter, there are three primary writing assignments: a 3–4 page essay on the meaning of religion, a 5–6 page essay on a topic presented in class, and a 7-9 page essay on pretty much any topic related to Buddhism. There is a written midterm and final as well, although these were quite simple and required you to write a response of less than one page on three and four different themes. The syllabus contains an overview for each lesson, so I recommend following it and making thorough notes on each subject. You should always talk to your TAs about your papers because they can offer you really useful input.
Most Helpful Review
Winter 2019 - Buswell is incredibly knowledgable on this topic. His lectures are very interesting, only if you already had interest in the subject. I could see how it would be hard to follow him if you were not already interested in the topic as he talks very soft and tends to go on tangents. For me, this was actually not a problem for me because I was very interested in the topic prior to class; however, I did have trouble paying attention sometimes when he talked super quietly. Overall, I would highly recommend this class as a writing two requirement if you are interested in history or religions. I would also HIGHLY recommend Oh Mee Lee as your TA, because she was incredibly knowledgable, invested in each student and helpful.
Winter 2019 - Buswell is incredibly knowledgable on this topic. His lectures are very interesting, only if you already had interest in the subject. I could see how it would be hard to follow him if you were not already interested in the topic as he talks very soft and tends to go on tangents. For me, this was actually not a problem for me because I was very interested in the topic prior to class; however, I did have trouble paying attention sometimes when he talked super quietly. Overall, I would highly recommend this class as a writing two requirement if you are interested in history or religions. I would also HIGHLY recommend Oh Mee Lee as your TA, because she was incredibly knowledgable, invested in each student and helpful.
AD
AD
Most Helpful Review
Winter 2020 - Matthew was wonderful. He was really kind and approachable, and was clearly very passionate about the subject material. By nature of this being a writing class, your grade is largely dependent on your TA; that being said, the class was very interesting and you get to choose whatever you want your final paper to be about. There were times I got a bit bored in class, but taking notes is very important. The midterm and final were short answer/essay questions, so make sure that you know the material haha.
Winter 2020 - Matthew was wonderful. He was really kind and approachable, and was clearly very passionate about the subject material. By nature of this being a writing class, your grade is largely dependent on your TA; that being said, the class was very interesting and you get to choose whatever you want your final paper to be about. There were times I got a bit bored in class, but taking notes is very important. The midterm and final were short answer/essay questions, so make sure that you know the material haha.
1 of 2
