Bachelor Of Arts In Buddhist Studies
Affiliated to: Kathmandu UniversityAbout Course
- Course Title : Bachelor Of Arts In Buddhist Studies
- Category/Level : Bachelors
- Course Duration (months) : 36 months
- Cost Range (NPR) : NA
- Affiliated to : Kathmandu University
Course Description:
The Centre for Buddhist Studies offers a three-year program in Buddhist Studies with Himalayan Language leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts (BA). An optional fourth year of study leads to the Bachelor of Arts Honours degree.
The courses in the BA program fall within two main areas of study: Buddhist Philosophy and Himalayan Language. For the BA degree, approximately two thirds of the courses concern Buddhist philosophy while the remaining third consists of courses in Himalayan languages such as Tibetan, Sanskrit, and Nepali.
The philosophy courses concern the nature and history of Buddhist philosophy. Here the classics of the great philosophical thinkers of Buddhism, such as Nagarjuna, Asanga, Chandrakirti, and Shantideva are studied and analyzed. The historical developments of the Buddhist traditions and schools of thought are also studied in a series of courses that approach Buddhist studies from a contemporary perspective.
In the language classes modern and classical Tibetan are offered from the first year and throughout the program. By the third year of classes students will have gained a sufficient level of Tibetan to follow philosophical teachings offered directly in Tibetan. Gradually, Nepali and Sanskrit are also introduced, giving students a broad introduction to several important Buddhist languages.
By the end of the BA program, successful students will have developed a broad knowledge of the many Buddhist traditions and their historical and philosophical developments. In terms of language ability, students will be conversant in modern Tibetan and Nepali, read classical Tibetan and Sanskrit, and able to follow teachings directly in Tibetan.
Admission info
Candidates who have completed Higher Secondary School (10+2) are eligible to apply for the program at the application section of this website.
Please note that applications for the BA program are currently only accepted for start in the fall semester.
Eligible candidates may apply to Kathmandu University - Centre for Buddhist Studies at Rangjung Yeshe Institute, by filling in the appropriate online application forms. (www.cbs.edu.np)
Language Requirements
In order to perform well in classes, students must have University level English comprehension and composition skills equivalent to an IELTS level 6 or above. Final admission into the program is therefore subject to a successful demonstration of such language skills in a personal interview at CBS.
If you have any doubts about your ability to follow courses in English, please contact the Administrator at CBS. For preparatory English courses offered in Nepal, please visit the British Council at: www.britishcouncil.org.np
Syllabus
To be awarded the BA degree, students must complete a total of 90 credit units1 from the following categories:
Buddhist Religion and Philosophy - a minimum of 51 credit units from the following courses:
- Buddhist Philosophy and Hermeneutics I-II - 6 credits each.
- Advanced Studies in Buddhist Philosophy and Hermeneutics I-IV - 6 credits each.
- Specialized Studies in Buddhist Doctrine I-IV - 3 credits each.
- Buddhist Philosophical Discourse I-II - 3 credits each.
- History of Buddhism in Asia - 3 credits (compulsory).
- Buddhism and Development - 3 credits.
- Nepalese Religious Cultures - 3 credits.
Himalayan Language - a minimum of 30 credit units from the following courses:
- Nepali I - 3 credits (compulsory).
- Nepali II - 3 credits.
- Classical Tibetan I-IV - 3 credits each.
- Colloquial Tibetan I-IV - 3 credits each.
- Sanskrit I-IV - 3 credits each.
- Translation Project I-II - 3 credits each
To be awarded the BA (Honours) Degree, students must complete an additional total of 30 credit units from the following categories: Buddhist Religion and Philosophy - a minimum of 24 credit units from the following courses:
- Advanced Studies in Buddhist Philosophy and Hermeneutics- 6 credits each.
- Specialized Studies in Buddhist Doctrine - 3 credits each.
- Himalayan Buddhist Ritual and Meditation Practices - 6 credits.
- Buddhist Philosophical Discourse III - 3 credits.
- Buddhist Art - 3 credits.
- Political History of the Himalayan Region - 3 credits.
- Methodology - 3 credits (compulsory).
- BA Dissertation - 12 credits (compulsory).
Himalayan Language - a minimum of 3 credit units from the following courses:
- Nepali II - 3 credits.
- Sanskrit I-V - 3 credits each
- Classical Tibetan I-IV - 3 credits each.
- Colloquial Tibetan I-IV - 3 credits each.
INQUIRY / APPLY COURSE
Offered by
Colleges offering Bachelor of Arts in Buddhist Studies (Kathmandu University) are as follows: