< Issue No. 20 (2025/2026)
Sub-Reflections
Reflections on Teaching Graduate Seminars in Buddhism and East Asian Religions at McMaster University
Benn, James A., McMaster University
Abstract
This paper offers a critical reflection on the pedagogical practices and philosophical underpinnings of graduate-level instruction in Buddhist and East Asian religions. By examining nearly two decades of teaching experience at McMaster University, it delineates a consistent approach centred on the close reading of primary and secondary sources, the contextualisation of scholarly lineages, and the cultivation of collaborative inquiry. The discussion explores various seminar models—textual, thematic, and bibliographic—while addressing the challenges of interdisciplinary engagement and shifting student preferences towards empirical research. Ultimately, the article advocates for a culture of collective pedagogical reflection to enhance the mentorship of future scholars.