Buddhism has existed for more than 2,500 years and has undergone significant historical transformations in various parts of the world. In order to gain understanding of it, one needs not only to study its teachings, but also to examine its historical background and developments. At the same time, one should strive to see, from the perspective of its followers, how it has helped people. In this course, we will first examine the basic teachings of early Buddhism and then follow the trajectories of Mahayana and Tibetan Buddhism in Japan and Tibet respectively.

The Commonwealth Honors College thesis or project is intended to provide students with the opportunity to work closely with faculty members to define and carry out in-depth research or creative endeavors. It provides excellent preparation for students who intend to continue their education through graduate study or begin their professional careers. The student works closely with their 499Y Honors Research sponsor to pursue research on a topic or question of special interest to them in preparation for writing a 499T Honors Thesis or completing a 499P Honors Project.

Honors Thesis expectations are high. The intended end-product is a traditional research manuscript with accompanying artifact(s), all theses:

- are 6 credits or more of sustained research on a single topic, typically conducted over two semesters.

- begin with creative inquiry and systematic research.

- include documentation of substantive scholarly endeavor.

- culminate in an oral defense or other form of public presentation.

Honors Project expectations are high. The intended end-product is a traditional project manuscript with accompanying artifact(s), all projects:

- are 6 credits or more of sustained research on a single topic, typically conducted over two semesters.

- begin with creative inquiry and systematic research.

- include documentation of substantive scholarly endeavor.

- culminate in an oral defense or other form of public presentation.

Talks by local and visiting faculty, as well as film screenings and performances, designed to introduce students to the multi-layered connections between Asia and Asian America. Areas that will be considered include: popular culture, youth subcultures, labor, issues of gender and sexuality, and migration and immigrant communities. Discussions emphasize how issues play out at local, national and transnational levels.

This is a stand-alone independent study designed by the student and faculty sponsor that involves frequent interaction between instructor and student. Qualitative and quantitative enrichment must be evident on the proposed contract before consent is given to undertake the study.

This is a stand-alone independent study designed by the student and faculty sponsor that involves frequent interaction between instructor and student. Qualitative and quantitative enrichment must be evident on the proposed contract before consent is given to undertake the study.

This is a stand-alone independent study designed by the student and faculty sponsor that involves frequent interaction between instructor and student. Qualitative and quantitative enrichment must be evident on the proposed contract before consent is given to undertake the study.

This is a stand-alone independent study designed by the student and faculty sponsor that involves frequent interaction between instructor and student. Qualitative and quantitative enrichment must be evident on the proposed contract before consent is given to undertake the study. Further information is available at CHC PATHS (honors.umass.edu/chc-paths/). REGISTRATION SHOULD BE DONE DURING PRE-REGISTRATION AND COMPLETED BEFORE THE END OF THE ADD-DROP PERIOD.

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