Opportunities for the Study of Theravada Buddhism at UW-Madison
The University of Wisconsin--Madison's strengths in area studies, various disciplines from anthropology to religious studies, and language instruction combine to create unique opportunities for the study of Theravada Buddhism at a graduate level, with particular strengths in the areas of Buddhism and society and Buddhism and culture. Interests of faculty and students range across the whole Theravadin world, from Sri Lanka to Cambodia, although there is a concentration of interest in the study of Buddhism in Thailand.
Faculty directly involved in teaching about various aspects of Theravada Buddhism include Thongchai Winichakul in the History Department, Katherine Bowie in the Anthropology Department, and Robert Bickner in the Department of Languages and Cultures of Asia, along with Charles Hallisey in the Department of Languages and Cultures of Asia and the Religious Studies Program. Faculty offering instruction complementary to the study of Theravada Buddhism are found in the departments of Anthropology, Art History, Comparative Literature, History, and Languages and Cultures of Asia.
Instruction in Thai and Pali language and literature are regularly offered during the academic year. Thai, Burmese, Lao, and Khmer are offered in the SEASSI program held each summer on the UW--Madison campus.
Degree programs in Languages and Cultures of Asia, History, Comparative Literature, and Anthropology each offer different opportunities the study of Theravada Buddhism at a graduate level, as does the Masters program in Southeast Asian Studies offered by the Center for Southeast Asian Studies. More information on each program can be found on respective department and center websites.
General inquiries about the study of Theravada Buddhism at UW-Madison can be
directed to Charles Hallisey.