Thomas DeZauche

Affiliate Faculty

Philosophy

Bio

I hold a Master of Arts in Religious Studies (focus in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sanskrit) and a Bachelor of Arts with a Double Major in Music and History.
I joined the Philosophy Department at Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2019. At MSU, I teach course work in Eastern Religions, including upper division courses in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Japanese Religions.
As a teacher, I employ a pedagogy that focuses on the combination of personal experience, rigorous scholarly inquiry, and mindful reflection to create an integrated and genuine experience for students. I find that when I commit to the inherent intelligence present in my students, they always bring fresh and interesting perspectives on the topics we study together.
I am excited to share my passion for religious studies, for diversity and inclusivity, and for scholarly cultivation with the MSU community. It is my hope that the courses I offer will help students to meet their world with respect, appreciation, and dignity.
On a personal note, I spend a part of each year in Japan, traveling, translating, and studying. I am a licensed teacher in the Ōmote-senke school of Japanese Tea.

Degree

Other in

MA in Religious Studies with Language

Naropa University

Research Interests

Buddhist Deities
Tantric Buddhism
Buddhist/Hindu Intersections
Japanese Buddhism
Japanese History
Japanese Cultural Studies
Art History

Teaching Interests

Buddhist Studies (Mahāyāna Buddhism, Vajrayāna Buddhism, Japanese Buddhism)
Buddhist Art (Buddhist Deities)
Hindu Studies (Hindu Tantra, Hindu Deities, Vedānta, Śaivism, Śakti Tantra)
World Wisdom Traditions and World Religions
Japanese Religions (Shintoism, New Religious Movements, Buddhist-Shinto Combinatory Paradigms)
East Asian Religions (Confucianism, Daoism)
Comparative Religions
Abrahamic Religions
Inter-religious Dialogue
Diversity and Inclusivity (Privilege, Intersectionality, Religious Diversity)

Office Hours

By appointment.