Comparative Religion
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238EHistory of BuddhismTrace and analyze the geographical and cultural spread of Buddhism from ancient India to contemporary global contexts; evaluate the factors that facilitated or hindered dharma transmission across different civilizations; and synthesize understanding by examining how Buddhist teachings adapted to diverse cultures while maintaining core principles throughout historical periods.
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213EComparative ReligionAnalyze Buddhism’s characteristics compared to Abrahamic, indigenous, and other world religions; evaluate different conceptual frameworks that position Buddhism as philosophy, science of mind, or religion; and synthesize understanding through respectful interfaith dialogue that identifies both unique approaches and shared human concerns across traditions.
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214EBuddhist CosmologyCompare and contrast Buddhist cosmological narratives with at least two other creation stories (Abrahamic, indigenous, or scientific); analyze how different origin stories influence cultural worldviews and values; and evaluate the impact of cosmological beliefs on human behavior and environmental relationships.
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219ETranslations and TranslatorsAnalyze the contributions of at least five key translators of the Buddhist canon, evaluating their impact on the transmission of dharma across cultures.
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229EMonastic TraditionsAnalyze the historical development and contemporary roles of monastic communities across Buddhist traditions, evaluate the relationship between ordained and lay practitioners in preserving and transmitting dharma, and demonstrate understanding of how monastic traditions adapt to cultural contexts while maintaining essential functions.
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202EThe Buddha and Social HierarchiesAnalyze the radical nature of the Buddha’s teachings on caste, and evaluate their significance within the cultural context in which they emerged.
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204EThe Decline of BuddhismAnalyze factors contributing to Buddhism’s decline historically, and create strategies to preserve dharma traditions in contemporary contexts.
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220EThe Life Stories of Buddhist HeroesAnalyze the biographical narratives of at least five Buddhist heroes from diverse cultural and historical contexts, evaluate how their activities demonstrate core Buddhist principles, and synthesize understanding by identifying specific qualities and actions that demonstrate their transformation from ordinary individuals to exemplars of wisdom and compassion.
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221AThe Life Story of the Buddha ShakyamuniExplore the Buddha’s story through songs, drawings, and movement activities that celebrate his birth, his kindness, and his teaching; create simple art projects depicting key moments; and share how different cultures remember and honor the Buddha today.
