The Jain 1992 04 Special Issue

Author(s): Natubhai Shah, Vinod Kapashi
Publisher: UK Jain Samaj Europe

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-Jan
2 To establish visits from lecturers and students, and to give lectures and seminars during such visits.
3 To establish contact with students of art and architecture and to arrange lectures on the relation of architecture and sculpture to Jain practices and beliefs.
4 To arrange and deliver open lectures on Jainism.
5 To organise and conduct seminars and other group meetings and activities, in particular for specific religious education in, for example, the rituals and sutras (as in a Jain pathshala).
6 To compile and publish books, pamphlets and a journal.
7 To establish courses, full-time, part-time or by distance learning, in conjunction with the University, leading to a degree or diploma in Jain Studies.
8 To encourage and assist with the development of language skills relevant to Jain Studies.
9 To arrange study tours to India.
V CULTURAL EDUCATION
To promote and disseminate information about Jain social education, dietary requirements, art, music, dances, festivals and ceremonies.
VI SPIRITUAL EDUCATION
To provide training facilitics for Jain meditation and austerities.
VII RESEARCH
1 To conduct and publish independent research into Jain history and doctrine and other topics relevant to Jainism.
2 To help and advise on building up collections of Jain texts and other library materials essential for research and study, whether academic or informal.
3 To liaise and cooperate with scholars and academics in the the Jain field in the UK and abroad
VIII GENERAL
1 To cooperate with other organisations and individuals sharing the same aims and ideals.
2 At all times to work to serve the Jain community by deepening the knowledge and commitment of all members of the community, young and old, in relation to the Jain faith, and by increasing the understanding of, and goodwill towards, the Jain
community, Jain principles and the Jain way of life in the wider community in the United Kingdom and elsewhere.
DE MONTFORT UNIVERSITY
and the JAIN ACADEMY
DRAFT SYLLABUS in JAIN STUDIES
I Introduction
The draft syllabus outlined below forms a proposal for a JAIN STUDIES element within a joint honours bachelor's degree scheme. Whilst planned for a 2 x 15 week semester year (26 weeks actual teaching), it could also be programmed for a course structured on the conventional 3 x 10 week term basis.
The scheme is modular with two (compulsory) modules taken consecutively to comprise Level I in the first year. Level II comprises four modules (out of a selection of five), two in each of the second and final years. If student numbers warrant it, additional optional modules could be added in Level II in due course. Level II options may be taken in any order (subject to timetabling and student number restraints).
II Subject Areas
The Subject Area of JAIN STUDIES covers the beliefs and values, culture and way of life of the JAINS in their historical development and in the contemporary world.
III Approaches and Philosophy
The subject will be approached against the background of Indian civilisation and the situation of the modern world. JAIN STUDIES offers a range of courses to enable students to acquire in the first place, at Level I, a basic background in the field, and thereafter knowledge at a more advanced level of JAIN beliefs, and philosophy and the JAIN way of life. Traditional and modern literature will be explored. Opportunities for basic linguistic competence will be offered. It is expected that students during the course will acquire the skills to communicate their knowledge using modern media techniques. They will, further, develop analytical and evaluative skills through engagement with original texts at a standard appropriate to undergraduate work. Initially the course offered will form a JAIN STUDIES subject area in a combined honours degree but eventually this will also provide a route toward the development of a full JAIN STUDIES honours degree. Teaching will combine lectures with seminars and tutorial work. Guided reading will, of course, be necessary and the library, as well as the other resources, of the adjacent JAIN CENTRE will be utilised.
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