华盛顿大学

The Buddhist Studies disciplinary concentration within the South Asia languages and literature program in the Department of Asian Languages and Literature offers courses leading to the general departmental M.A. and Ph.D. degrees with a specialization in Buddhist Studies. Courses in Buddhist Studies may also be taken in completion of a B.A. degree, or of an M.A. or Ph.D. degree with a specialization in another area.

The program focuses on the study of canonical and post-canonical languages and literature of the Buddhist tradition. Therefore, successful completion of the program requires extensive language and textual study. The program offers a concentration in South Asian Buddhism with the relevant languages (Sanskrit, Pali, Gandhari, Chinese).

Related courses in disciplines other than language and literature, such as cultural anthropology, history, philosophy, religion, and ethnomusicology, constitute an important part of the program, and students will normally take courses in these disciplines. The specific program of courses will be worked out on a individual basis between the student and academic adviser. Prospective students should consult with the adviser to the Buddhist Studies disciplinary concentration as to the availability of offerings in each area.

M.A. Concentration

I. Requirements for Course Work and Credits

1. For the M.A. non-thesis, 45 course credits, 18 of which must be 500 level and above, are required. Buddhist Studies seminars and text reading courses offered within the department must be included. Students are also required to complete language study through the fourth-year level in their major language and through the second-year level in a second Asian language.

2. The M.A. thesis program requires a minimum of 45 course credits plus 9 thesis credits. At least 18 of the 45 credits must be taken at the 500 level or above. Buddhist Studies seminars and text reading courses offered within the department must be included. The language requirements in this program are the same as in the non-thesis program. In addition, the student must write an acceptable M.A. thesis according to the rules and policies of the Department of Asian Languages and Literature and pass an oral examination.

II. Foreign Language Requirements

Students must demonstrate competence in their major language, and must complete the course requirements in their second Asian language as outlined above. These two languages may include one classical language and one relevant modern language, or two classical languages. In either case, one of the languages must be Sanskrit.