Religion in Tibet

Dates
May 11 - May 31, 2008

Course
REL 499/599 (4 Semester hours)

TIBET
Many people have thought of Tibet, the “Roof of the World,” as a legendary Shangri-la of mountaintop mystics, magicians with supernormal powers, and the yeti.  In reality, since ancient times Tibetans have developed a unique and sophisticated culture which is noted for, among other things, its energetic religiosity.  Living in a gorgeous high-altitude environment full of sacred mountains, lakes, temples, and monasteries, the Tibetan people have created one of the richest and most educated religious cultures in the world.

PROGRAM
This 19-day study abroad course is a joint offering of the Department of Philosophy and Religion and the Office of International Programs at the University of Southern Mississippi.  In this course we examine Tibet's fascinating cultural and religious heritage by exploring the cultural blends of forms of Tibetan religion such as Buddhism, Bön, shamanism, and folk nature reverence.  Being in Tibet allows us to understand the many religious forms as they are actually lived by the Tibetan people.  We will learn through visits to Buddhist monasteries, temples, Tibetan ceremonies and festivals, and other places of interest. Perhaps most of all, we will learn from interactions with Tibetans in their home country.  Altogether this trip will be an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

LOCATION AND ATTRACTIONS
Our home base will be Lhasa, the spiritual and cultural capital of Tibet.  One of the highest cities in the world at almost 12,000 feet, for centuries Lhasa has been the social center of the Tibetan universe. Lhasa offers urban amenities such as shopping, restaurants, live music, and relaxed moments soaking in the spectacular scenery.   Our lodging in Lhasa is in the Tibetan Quarter near the Jokhang temple and the legendary Barkhor.  We will visit important sites in and near Lhasa, such as the Potala;  Tsurphu, Drepung, and Ganden monasteries; and Drak Yerpa retreat caves.  Additionally, we will go upcountry and  visit Tashi Dor on the shore of sacred Namtso lake, in nomad country near the holy Nyenchen Tanglha mountain, and stay overnight in Reting monastery.

CLASS ACTIVITIES
The course will be taught entirely in English and no Tibetan language skills are required.  Course resources include readings, class lectures, and field trips.  Students will take an exam and complete a written personal project.  Combining traditional academic modes with experiential immersion, students should return with a broader and deeper understanding of the distinctive and ancient culture of Tibet.

COST
Cost: $4,799 undergraduate/$4,999 graduate

Cost includes 4 hours tuition, airfare, lodging, class ground transportation, visa and permit fees, and field trips - everything except passport, food, and souvenirs.

FINANCIAL AID
The Religion in Tibet program qualifies for financial aid in the form of guaranteed student loans, Pell Grants, or applicable graduate assistantships.  Financial assistance for study abroad frequently is granted.  If you are interested in receiving financial aid, contact Frances Sudduth in the International Programs office before requesting a 2006-07 study abroad financial aid application from the university’s financial aid office (or the financial aid office at your home institution).

APPLICATION DEADLINES
Completed applications with $200 deposit will be due on March 17, 2008.  The balance of fees will be due no later than March 28, 2008.  Applications are processed in the order of receipt.  Students may apply at any time prior to the deadline and are urged to apply early.

In order to gain the proper visa for the People’s Republic of China and a Tibet permit, students must forward their physical official passport and visa application to Dr. Capper by no later than March 17, 2008, when the deposit is due.  This means that students should apply for passports no later than January 1, 2008.  Students should be sure to contact Dr. Capper before filling out the visa application.

ELIGIBILITY
Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome. To study abroad through Southern Miss, undergraduates in all programs must have a 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) minimum overall GPA on at least 28 semester hours at the time of participation and a clear academic status.  Graduate students must have graduate standing.

Credits in Southern Miss’s study abroad programs typically transfer to other universities.

INFORMATION
For further assistance or information, please call or write to:

Dr. Daniel Capper, Director
Religion in Tibet Program
The University of Southern Mississippi
Department of Philosophy and Religion
118 College Drive #5015
Hattiesburg, MS  39406-0001
Phone: (601) 266-4522
E-mail: u312788@usm.edu
http://ocean.otr.usm.edu/~w312788/tibettrip/tibettrip.htm

click here for Religion in Tibet application