diff --git a/_posts/2024/2024-08-24-from-star-trek-to-zen-ive-completed-an-ma-in-buddhist-studies.md b/_posts/2024/2024-08-24-from-star-trek-to-zen-ive-completed-an-ma-in-buddhist-studies.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d56f2c6 --- /dev/null +++ b/_posts/2024/2024-08-24-from-star-trek-to-zen-ive-completed-an-ma-in-buddhist-studies.md @@ -0,0 +1,50 @@ +--- +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. diff --git a/about-me.md b/about-me.md index 6683d21..dcfe671 100644 --- a/about-me.md +++ b/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 diff --git a/assets/docs/JHoward-MA-USW.pdf b/assets/docs/JHoward-MA-USW.pdf new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8f0d4e1 Binary files /dev/null and b/assets/docs/JHoward-MA-USW.pdf differ diff --git a/assets/docs/JHoward-USW-Thesis.pdf b/assets/docs/JHoward-USW-Thesis.pdf new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a03c0f1 Binary files /dev/null and b/assets/docs/JHoward-USW-Thesis.pdf differ diff --git a/assets/img/2024/from-star-trek-to-zen-ive-completed-an-ma-in-buddhist-studies.webp b/assets/img/2024/from-star-trek-to-zen-ive-completed-an-ma-in-buddhist-studies.webp new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1e54ee2 Binary files /dev/null and b/assets/img/2024/from-star-trek-to-zen-ive-completed-an-ma-in-buddhist-studies.webp differ