At Indiana University, I taught two semesters as the primary instructor for “Introduction to Buddhism.” The readings of these course emphasize Buddhism appearance in local, American contexts, for I find this is an excellent way to introduce students to the contours of Asian religions. I require students to move beyond readings to analyze religious phenomena outside the classroom. They use new GIS technologies to compare and contrast local temples, monasteries, and churches. In my “Introduction to Buddhism” course in Indiana, for example, I led on-site studies at a local Japanese Zen priory, a Tibetan monastery, and an American Buddhist church. I designed writing projects requiring students to analyze different ways that Buddhist practice has been adapted in the Midwest United States. I find this pedagogical approach facilitates dialogue among students with different values and perspectives. It also promotes students’ engagement, as it requires students to relate course materials to their surroundings.
