The academic discipline sometimes referred to as “Buddhist Studies” has its roots in nineteenth-century European philology and the colonial encounter with Asia. This seminar explores the history of Buddhist Studies during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries through the reading and analysis of some of its representative works of scholarship. It will trace both the development of Buddhist Studies in Europe and America as well as its influence on the Buddhist cultures of Asia.

Requirements include in-class presentations and a research paper. Some background in Buddhism is recommended but not required.