2009 UBC-TCU-RUC Summer Program in Buddhist Studies

August 4-29, 2009, Beijing and Suzhou, China

Lecture Series Lecturers Student Participants
Conference Young Scholars Forum Schedule

 

The University of British Columbia (UBC), Tzu-chi University (TCU) and Renmin University of China in Beijing (RUC) cordially invite applications for a four-week summer program in Buddhist studies (August 4-29, 2009) in China (first in Beijing and then in Suzhou and Wuxi). Through this program, we have invited seven scholars to open seven seminars on specific topics. These instructors include (alphabetically)：

  1. Jinhua Chen (The University of British Columbia): “Lineage and Kinship Factors in Medieval Chinese Buddhism: New Perspectives in Light of Epigraphic Evidence”;
  2. Rey-Sheng Her & Jouhan Chou (Tzu Chi University): “Buddhism and the Contemporary World: Issues and Solutions from Buddhist Perspectives.”
  3. Seishi Karashima (International Research Institute for Advanced Budddhology, Soka University): “A Philological Approach to Early Mâhâyana Scriptures.”;
  4. Lothar Ledderose (University of Heidelberg): “Module and Serial Production in Chinese Art.”;
  5. James Robson (Harvard University): “The Sacred Geographies of Asia”;
  6. Antonello Palumbo (SOAS, London University): “The Emperor and/or the Saṃgha: Court Buddhism in Ancient and Medieval China”;
  7. Tansen Sen (City University of New York): “Seeking the Dharma from the West: Chinese Pilgrims to Early Medieval India”.

All the lectures are conducted bilingually. In addition to these seven seminars, the program also sponsors the following activities, in which participation is optional:

  1. One Week Program (July 28-August 3, 2009) of a student workshop at Tzu-chi University (in Hua-lien, Taiwan) and several cross-island field trips. (for details see http://faculty.arts.ubc.ca/jchen/workshop.htm);
  2. A series of Lectures on Buddhism and Buddhist studies delivered by Chinese scholars, and occasionally, by invited Buddhist leaders.
  3. Occasional visits to renowned local historical sites (especially Buddhist temples in Beijing and Nanjing). Transportation fees and entrance tickets will be on the participants.

This is not a degree program, but credits will be conferred by the Renmin University of China for courses taken, and a certificate will be issued to each participant. A student is required to take at least two of these seminars offered by this program, and allowed to register for up to four seminars (there is, however, no limit on the number of seminars to be audited). Graduate students specializing in any Buddhist tradition, or advanced undergraduate students (3rd or 4th year) with some basic knowledge in Buddhism, are encouraged to apply. Applications (including an application form, updated curricula vitae and a reference letter, which can be sent by email by the referee directly) must be sent to Jinhua Chen (jinhua.chen@ubc.ca) by May 15, 2009 (applications and reference letters can be submitted in English OR Chinese).

Program Expenses: US$1,000, which includes tuition fees, housing expenses, and administration costs in Beijing and Suzhou. Students are expected to cover their own air-tickets and ground transportation during their stays in China.

Scholarship: Full (at the value of US$1,000) and half (US$500) scholarships are available to help the students cover the tuition and accommodation fees wholly or partly. Consideration will be given to both academic excellence and financial need.

Enrolment Limit: 60