Sunday Dhamma School
Introduction to Buddhism
MT001 · 24 teaching weeks · English course information
Intake not yet announced. The syllabus below is indicative.
About this course
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of Buddhism and Buddhist studies.
Students examine the Buddha's life and teachings together with important Buddhist ethical, philosophical and practical concepts.
MT001 and YT1000 share the same overall learning objectives but are delivered through different programme formats.
Entry requirements
There are no academic prerequisites for this course.
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of Buddhism.
- Explain important Buddhist teachings and practices.
- Apply basic Buddhist principles to situations encountered in everyday life.
- Use critical-thinking skills when considering contemporary issues from a Buddhist perspective.
Indicative syllabus
No intake dates or deadlines have been set from this weekly outline.
- Week 1: Introduction and Buddhism in a Nutshell
- Week 2: The Life of the Buddha — Part I
- Week 3: The Life of the Buddha — Part II
- Week 4: Frequent Misconceptions about Buddhism
- Week 5: The Three Refuges
- Week 6: The Five Precepts
- Week 7: Special Lesson on Wesak and Buddhist Practice
- Week 8: Wesak Activities and Performance Preparation
- Week 9: Buddhism and Mindfulness
- Week 10: Introduction to Meditation
- Week 11: Field Trip / Visit to another Buddhist temple or Ti-Ratana centre, subject to arrangements
- Week 12: Revision and Reflection
- Week 13: The Four Noble Truths and Noble Eightfold Path
- Week 14: Buddhism and Contemporary Issues
- Week 15: The Ten Perfections
- Week 16: Kamma — The Law of Cause and Effect
- Week 17: The Spread of Buddhism
- Week 18: Buddhism in the Modern World
- Week 19: Dhamma Talk and Discussion Session I
- Week 20: History of Buddhism in Malaysia
- Week 21: Special Lesson on Kathina and Buddhist Community Practice
- Week 22: Dhamma Talk and Discussion Session II
- Week 23: Field Trip / Buddhist Community Learning Activity
- Week 24: Revision and Course Reflection
Assessment & attendance
At least 17 of 30 attendance marks. Approximate session equivalents are guidance, not a substitute for the marks policy.
| Component | Weight |
|---|---|
| Quizzes | 20% |
| Activities | 20% |
| Attendance | 30% |
| Final assessment | 30% |
Read the source assessment arrangements
Assessment
Total: 100%
Quizzes — 20%
Topics may include:
* The Life of the Buddha — 5%
* Fundamentals of Buddhism — 5%
* Spread of Buddhism — 5%
* Buddhism and Contemporary Issues — 5%
Quizzes may be completed online or on-site using a digital device with an internet connection.
Unless otherwise announced, quizzes are open-book.
For MT001, two quizzes may be conducted for each topic area.
For YT1000, one quiz may be conducted for each topic area.
Activities — 20%
MT001
* Buddhist arts and craft — 5%
* Field-trip reflection or observation notes — 5%
* Wesak participation — 10%
YT1000
Students complete a presentation based on an approved topic.
Possible topics include:
* What if the Buddha were alive today?
* Buddhism Applied in Daily Life
* Buddhism at University
* Buddhism at College
* Buddhism in the Workplace
* The Spread of Buddhism
Value: 20%
Attendance — 30%
Full attendance is required to receive full attendance marks.
Students must obtain at least 17 out of 30 attendance marks to satisfy the attendance component.
As a general guide, this corresponds to attendance at approximately:
* 14 of 24 sessions for MT001
* 7 of 12 sessions for YT1000
Late, excused and other attendance classifications may receive reduced attendance marks in accordance with Institute policy.
Final Assessment — 30%
The final assessment covers the topics taught in the student's relevant programme.
Method: Online or on-site using a digital device with internet access.
Unless otherwise announced, the assessment is open-book.
Final assessment and certification arrangements follow the rules confirmed for your intake.