[Tlc] TLC-Buddhism position

[justinm at ucr.edu]

Dear Friends,
Webster University Thailand is seeking a qualified person to
teach a course entitled “Introduction to Buddhism” in the Fall
of 2008 at its Hua Hin/Cha-am campus.
The preferred candidate would have teaching experience and a
Ph.D. in a field relevant to the study of Buddhism, though a
Master’s would be acceptable.  A Ph.D. candidate or recent
graduate with a passion for teaching but without extensive
experience would also be considered.
The Webster University catalog describes the course as follows:
RELG 2075 Introduction to Buddhism (3) 
Covers comprehensively the full range of historical,
doctrinal, practical, and cultural forms of Buddhism, and its
geographic spread around the globe. Includes consideration of
the lives and teachings of the Buddha, major scriptures and
forms of practice and devotionalism, and Theravada, Mahayana,
Vajrayana, syncretic, and Western Buddhisms. 
This course would be taught over the 16 weeks of the Fall 2008
term, which runs from August 18 to December 13.  It is
tentatively scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays, from 10:30am
to 11:50am.
Introduction to Buddhism is taught as part of Webster
University’s fledgling Buddhist Studies Certificate Program. 
This program takes a holistic approach to the study of
Buddhism, welcoming and seeking to integrate a) scholarly
study of texts (ancient, contemporary, multidisciplinary), b)
intercultural field experiences, and c) grappling with
Buddhist perspectives on truth through application and
practice.  Not all these elements need or should be present in
every class, but a candidate open to this holistic approach
would be most likely to have a rewarding experience as a
teacher in our program.
The compensation for one course is 72,000 baht, which comes to
roughly $2285 at current rates.  This is a modest amount to
live on for four months, but the cost of living in Thailand is
significantly cheaper than in North America or Europe.  This
position would be ideal for someone who wishes to have an
experience of living in a Buddhist culture, to travel in
Southeast Asia, or to do research while teaching on a
part-time basis.  Webster University may be able to provide
some assistance with housing, but such assistance would not be
guaranteed.
If the relationship between the hired candidate and Webster
University Thailand proves to be congenial and mutually
beneficial, chances for continued teaching on a part-time or
half-time basis are very good.
Webster University Thailand is located in a pleasant seaside
resort area about 90 miles south of Bangkok.  Hua Hin, the
closest major town to the university, is a well-known tourist
destination for both Thais and foreigners.  As such, it offers
both traditional Thai goods and services (such as Thai food
and traditional massage) as well as more cosmopolitan
offerings (French bakeries, Italian restaurants, and so on). 
Many visiting faculty have found it a very easy place to
adjust to, and a good number have chosen to return frequently.
If you are interested in this position, please send your
resume to Ted Mayer at morethanmeetsthei at gmail.com.
Thank you,
Ted Mayer
Lecturer in Buddhist Studies, Anthropology, and Thai Language
Webster University Thailand

______________
Dr. Justin McDaniel
Dept. of Religious Studies
2617 Humanities Building
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA 92521
951-827-4530
justinm at ucr.edu