• Note that class attendance and active participation (speaking and expressing opinions, asking questions, etc.) is another very important aspect of this class.

PART 1: Readings

• Almost every week I will provide readings for homework. They will be noted on the Syllabus page and available for download (mostly) on the Readings page. I will not test you to make sure you do them. They are recommended to enhance your classroom experience.

PART 2: Unit Reflections

• At the end of each of the 5 class units, I will ask you to submit a 1 page reflection (typed by e-mail) about the themes. This does not have to be an academic paper, just a personal opinion piece on the issues that you found interesting. This paper is due at the first class of the next unit.

PART 3: End of Course Paper

• Write an academic style paper with sufficient research and citations. The paper may be based on one of your personal reflections from Part 2. Express opinions but base them on facts and reasoning.
• Topic: choose a topic from the 5 class units. You can also combine themes from different units, and possibly create your own theme. BUT the paper must be connected to both Buddhism and a specific social issue (i.e. do not write a paper on purely Buddhist philosophy). Please feel free to contact me about your ideas and to get further advice!
• Format: Use the Buddhist 4 Noble Truths as a framework for your paper: 1) what is the issue and/or problem, 2) what are its causes and background; 3) what are/could be the answers or new vision presented by Buddhists to this issue; 4) what activities are/could Buddhists engaged in to answer this problem and/or build their vision.
• Length: 4-6 pages A4 size SINGLE SPACED
• Due Date: Friday January 26th. It should be sent by e-mail (no need for a hardcopy printout). If you finish the paper earlier, please feel free to send it to me so I can get a head start on grading!