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Academic Standards & Policies
Methods of Instruction
Bilingual Instruction
The primary language for instructiona t DRBU are English and Mandarin Chinese. General instructin is presented in both languages through a variety of methods. For large University-wide forums, lecture halls are equipped with headsets and a sound system for simultaneous interpretation. Qualified and experienced interpreters are available in Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Japanese, French, and Spanish. Required texts are either published
in both Chinese and English, or an equivalent text in the other language is cited. The Buddhist Text Translation Society publishes many of the primary texts that are used in DRBU classes in bilingual format, with English and Chinese printed on the same page for easy reference. Most DRBU instructors are fluent in English and Mandarin. In addition, a team of qualified and experienced interpreters is ready to assist instructors when needed.
ESL Instruction
ESL courses, taught by experienced and qualified ESL instructors, are offered as regular classes for unit credit; ESL units earned appear on the student’s transcript. However, ESL units are not counted toward total unit or program requirements for a degree.
Academic Courses
One (1) academic unit (A) represents 12.5 hours of instruction by formal lectures and/or seminars. The specific format of the course and what will be required of the students enrolling for credit are presented orally and in written syllabus form at the first class meeting. The instructor monitors the students’ progress by observation of attendance, attentiveness, class participation, and completion of assignments. Letter grades on examinations are assigned, indicating comprehension of content covered in the course.
Practicum Courses
One (1) practicum unit (P) represents 45 hours of instruction. BSP and C&R practicum courses normally involve participation in group practice where learning takes place through mutual cooperation. Instruction is given both
verbally and through demonstration/example on the part of the instructor. These practicum courses include ceremony and ritual, repentance ceremonies, recitation, mantras, and Chan (meditation). Each practicum course is complemented by a study course which may be taken in conjunction by the
student. In addition, during actual practice of ceremony and ritual, repentance, recitation, and mantras, canonical and liturgical texts are read, recited, and memorized. Normally during Chan practice, instruction in the principles of Chan is given. One final paper is required to ascertain the student’s
comprehension of and competencies gained from the practice. At the discretion of the instructor, other means of examination may be used. Evaluation is based on close and continual observation of the student’s performance, level of competence, quality of participation, development of skill, and attendance record.
Lab Courses
One (1) Lab unit (L) represents a total of 37.5 hours, which may be taken as: (1) three, 50-minute lab periods per week for a minimum of 15 weeks; (2) intensive practice sessions or study seminars; (3) field studies; (4) apprenticeship;
or (6) independent study. A fully-equipped language lab is
available on campus for independent or class use. The University Library is equipped with audio/visual equipment and tapes for independent or class use. Tutoring in language study and in memorization may be arranged for a
student through his or her academic advisor and/or the Registrar. Qualified students may be assisted by the Registrar in arranging field trips for language, culture, or religious study and practice. Conferences, panel discussions, dialogues, weekend seminars, and intensive language courses are periodically scheduled on campus. Faculty members may accept highly-motivated and talented students in mentor/apprenticeship situations for courses in Monastic Management, Student Teaching, Translation-Publishing skills, or Social Service. Students deemed of sufficient self-motivation, discipline, and maturity may qualify for independent study courses.
Independent Study
Courses in independent studies normally involve individual/independent study. The content of such courses is arranged between instructor and student. The student is responsible for submitting an Independent Study Form at the time of registration signed by his or her advisor. The method of observation, instruction, and evaluation must be indicated on the form.
Moral Discipline and Character Development
Students are instructed, guided, and evaluated in moral discipline and character through the study of the Vinaya and Ethics (VIN). These are primarilyoffered as lecture courses. Evaluation is done as for any other classroom instruction, with the addition of character development being evaluated according to criteria known by the student.
Developing Inherent Wisdom
At the undergraduate level, the 180 series constitutes a core course primarily designed to develop students’ ability to think critically, evaluate situations, make sound judgments, and express themselves orally and in writing. It is normally taken as a combination of critical listening to others’ lectures, practice in lecturing oneself, group evaluation, and discussion. At the graduate level, 280 seminars discuss a variety of texts. Faculty and students investigate the sutras by sharing technical explanations, linguistic findings, reflective insights, traditional descriptions, classical definitions, and memorization in a context of constructive discussion and positive criticism. Repeatable
when content is new to student. |
