UBC-TCU-RUC
Summer program in Buddhist Studies, 2010

Suchou & Chengdu, China

July 21-August 10, 2010

The University of British Columbia (UBC), Tzu-chi University (TCU, 慈濟大學) and Renmin University of China in Beijing (RUC, 中國人民大學) cordially invite applications for a four-week summer program in Buddhist studies (July 21-August 10, 2010) in China (first in Suzhou 蘇州 and then in Chengdu 成都, Sichuan). Through this program, we have invited seven scholars to open seven seminars on specific topics. These instructors include (alphabetically):

1. Jinhua Chen (UBC): “New Perspectives on State-samgha Relationship in Medieval China”;
2. John Kieschnick (University of Bristol): “An Intensive Survey of the History of Chinese Buddhism”;
3. Ken Lin (Tzu-chi University): “Buddhism and the Contemporary World: Issues and Solutions from Buddhist Perspectives.”
4. John McRae (National University of Cheng-chi and Tokyo University): “Chinese and Pan-Asian Buddhism in the 5th-7th Centuries”;
5. James Robson (Harvard): “Buddho-Daoist Interactions in Medieval China”;
6. Leonard W.J. van der Kuijp (Harvard): “Buddhist Biography in South Asia, Central Asia and Tibet”;
7. Stefano Zacchetti (Ca’ Foscari University Venice): “Textual production in Early Chinese Buddhism: From Translation to Exegesis”;

Most of the lectures are conducted bilingually. In addition to these seven seminars, the program also sponsors occasional visits to renowned local historical sites (especially Buddhist in Suzhou, Wuxi and the Chengdu areas). Transportation fees and entrance tickets will be on the participants.

This is not a degree program, but credits will be conferred by the Renmin University of China for courses taken, and a certificate will be issued to each participant. A student is required to take at least two of these seminars, and allowed to register for up to four seminars (there is, however, no limit on the number of seminars to be audited). Graduate students specializing in any Buddhist tradition, or advanced undergraduate students (3^rd or 4^th year) with some basic knowledge in Buddhism, are encouraged to apply. Applications (including an application form, updated curricula vitae and a reference letter, which can be sent by email by the referee directly) must be sent to Jinhua Chen (jinhua.chen@ubc.ca) by May 15, 2010.

Program expenses: US$1,000, which includes tuition fees, housing expenses, and administration costs in Beijing and Suzhou. Students are expected to cover their own air-tickets and ground transportation during their stays in China.

Scholarship: Full (at the value of US$1,000) and half (US$500) scholarships are available to help the students cover the tuition and accommodation fees wholly or partly. Consideration will be given to both academic excellence and financial need.

Enrolment Limit: 70