With the support of The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation and the American Council of Learned Societies, from 31 July to 6 August this year, Arizona State University (ASU) will be offering a week-long workshop to discuss teaching on Buddhism at the post-secondary level. Intended to facilitate new scholarly networks in the field, the workshop will focus on recent developments in the study and teaching of Theravada Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia.

Workshop sessions will discuss interdisciplinary approaches in textual and ethnographic studies in pre-modern and modern contexts, teaching undergraduates about Buddhist histories and practices, and changing academic environments and student demographics. Some reading in preparation for the workshop is expected.

Among the workshop faculty will be professors Juliane Schober (Asian Studies, Religious Studies, ASU); Steven Collins (South Asian Languages and Civilizations and the Divinity School, University of Chicago); Nancy Eberhardt (Chair of Anthropology and Sociology, Knox College); and Stephen Berkwitz (Chair of Religious Studies, Missouri State University).

Applications for the workshop should include a CV and a Statement of Purpose (around 1,000 words) explaining how workshop participation will augment the courses you teach and contribute to the broader curriculum at your institution. Applicants need not specialize in the study of Theravada: they may teach in Buddhist or Religious Studies, Anthropology, History, and related fields at the post-secondary level while wishing to engage in curriculum development and to explore Theravada traditions and scholarship.

Up to 10 workshop participants will be admitted who teach at institutions that do not grant doctoral degrees in Buddhist Studies. The award will cover travel expenses up to US$1,000, meals, and accommodation for eight nights. Scholars who teach outside the United States may apply.

For further information, see https://car.clas.asu.edu/aclsho-workshop or email asia@asu.edu. Applications must be received by 15 April, and notifications will be sent out in early May.