LENGTH OF PROGRAM: FALL, WINTER & SPRING (OPTIONAL STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM IN CHILE)
FACULTY: RYO IMAMURA (COORDINATOR), JORGE GILBERT
ENROLLMENT: 50
PREREQUISITES: NONE
FACULTY SIGNATURE: NO
SPECIAL EXPENSES:
INTERNSHIP POSSIBILITIES: T.B.A. WITH FACULTY
TRAVEL COMPONENT: OPTIONAL GROUP CONTRACT IN CHILE IN SPRING QUARTER
DESCRIPTION:
Within the past century the world's religions have grown in their awareness
of the ways in which faith calls people to action in the world. This call has
led to the emergence of two new and radical theories of social involvement.
The first, known as Engaged Buddhism, emerged from the tragedy of the war that
engulfed Vietnam in the 1960's and 1970's. The second, Liberation Theology (also
called "The Option for the Poor"), was developed within the Roman
Catholic Church amidst the suffering of the poor in Latin America. While they
come from disparate histories, geographical locations, and scriptural traditions,
Engaged Buddhism and Liberation Theology nonetheless share certain foundational
principles. This program will explore the scriptural, historical and political
foundations of Engaged Buddhism and Liberation Theology. It will trace these
imperatives through the social action theories developed by the two traditions,
and investigate the common elements, which could be starting points for dialogue
between the two practices. During the spring quarter of 2003, the program will
offer interested students the opportunity to travel to Chile with the faculty
team to study and experience firsthand the practices of Liberation Theology
and also Buddhism which is enjoying growing popularity with the increased presence
and influence of Asian culture.
Credit
awarded in comparative religion, cultural studies, Spanish, political economy,
Buddhist studies, peace and justice issues, Asian studies, Latin American
studies, social communication, cross-cultural psychology
Total credits: 32 (48 with optional Study Abroad Program in Chile in Spring quarter)
Program is preparatory
for careers and future studies in religion, sociology, international studies,
Spanish, social communication, Asian studies, Buddhist studies, psychology,
political science, Latin American studies.