I got an MA

_posts/2024/2024-08-24-from-star-trek-to-zen-ive-completed-an-ma-in-buddhist-studies.md

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+---
+id: from-star-trek-to-zen-ive-completed-an-ma-in-buddhist-studies
+title: From Star Trek to Zen, I’ve completed an MA in Buddhist Studies
+date: 2024-08-24
+author: k3jph
+layout: post
+permalink: /2024/08/24/from-star-trek-to-zen-ive-completed-an-ma-in-buddhist-studies
+featured_image: /assets/img/2024/from-star-trek-to-zen-ive-completed-an-ma-in-buddhist-studies.webp
+categories:
+- Blog 
+tags:
+  - education
+  - Buddhism
+  - University of South Wales
+---
+
+I have been awarded a [Master of Arts in Buddhist
+Studies](https://southwales.ac.uk/courses/ma-buddhist-studies/) from the
+[University of South Wales](https://southwales.ac.uk/), graduating with
+distinction. This part-time, distance-learning program provided a structured and
+comprehensive exploration of Buddhist traditions, philosophies, and practices.
+
+The program offered a step-by-step approach, introducing key concepts and
+practices while providing an overview of the historical development of Buddhism
+and its main sub-traditions. The coursework covered various aspects of Buddhism,
+including Buddhist meditation and psychology, Buddhist ethics, and Buddhist
+philosophy. Each module was designed to deepen understanding and foster a
+nuanced appreciation of Buddhism across different cultures.
+
+As part of the degree, I [completed a dissertation titled _The Needs of the Many
+and the Few_](/assets/docs/JHoward-USW-Thesis.pdf), which presents a unique
+exploration of Buddhist philosophy as portrayed in two iconic films from the
+Star Trek franchise: _Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan_ and _Star Trek III: The
+Search for Spock_. Through detailed analysis, the dissertation examines how
+these films embody and reflect various aspects of Buddhist thought, including
+concepts of karma, interconnectedness, and Right Livelihood. The study
+contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersection between popular
+culture, specifically science fiction, and Buddhist philosophy, presenting a
+novel perspective on the ethical and philosophical dimensions of the Star Trek
+universe.
+
+Learning resources and interaction with tutors and fellow students were
+facilitated through the University's Virtual Learning Environment, enabling
+participation from anywhere in the world. This flexible structure was
+particularly beneficial, allowing for a balance between rigorous academic study
+and other commitments.
+
+This degree represents a significant step forward in my exploration of Buddhist
+thought, and I am looking forward to applying the insights and knowledge gained
+in future practice.

about-me.md

@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ and serving on several public and private boards.
 * PhD, [Public Policy](/assets/docs/UMBC-PHD-POLICY.pdf), University of Maryland Baltimore County
     * CPhil, [Public Policy](/assets/docs/JHoward-UMBC-CPhil.pdf), University of Maryland Graduate School, Baltimore
     * MPA, [Public Policy and Administration](/assets/docs/JHoward-MPA-PPA.pdf), University of Baltimore
-* MA, Buddhist Studies, with Distinction, University of South Wales
+* MA, [Buddhist Studies](/assets/docs/JHoward-MA-USW.pdf), with Distinction, University of South Wales
 * MS, [Electrical Engineering](/assets/docs/JHoward-MS-Columbia.pdf), Columbia University in the City of New York
 * MS, [Applied and Computational Mathematics](/assets/docs/JHoward-JHU-MS-ACM.pdf), the Johns Hopkins University
 * MS, [Environmental Engineering and Science](/assets/docs/JHU-MS-EES.pdf), the Johns Hopkins University