Buddhism in America: The Dharma Comes to Main Street
RELI 288
Spring 2014 not offered
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Crosslisting:
EAST 286 |
This seminar will investigate the history and diverse forms of Buddhist thought and practice in America. We will begin with a introduction to fundamental Buddhist teachings, practices, and Asian traditions. Then, we will follow Buddhism's transmission to America in the 19th century, and unpack its subsequent history and role in the lives of both diaspora and convert Buddhist communities. We will explore African-American understandings of Zen, and a community of first generation Thai immigrants practicing Theravada in Philadelphia; American convicts practicing Buddhist meditation in prison; and a multidenominational Buddhist temple in Virginia adapting to life in a conservative evangelical Christian community. Readings will include primary Buddhist texts, autobiographies and anthropological case studies, and will be complemented by in-class film screenings. Students will also conduct one-on-one interviews, paying careful attention to the ways in which class, gender, and ethnicity shape the American Buddhist experience. |
Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS RELI |
Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (CEAS-MN) |
Major Readings:
R. Fields, HOW THE SWANS CAME TO THE LAKE D. Morreale, THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO BUDDHIST AMERICA S. Boucher, TURNING THE WHEEL: AMERICAN WOMEN CREATING THE NEW BUDDHISM H. Baldoquin (ed.), DHARMA, COLOR, AND CULTURE C. Prebish and K. Tanaka (eds.), THE FACES OF BUDDHISM IN AMERICA Sumi Loundon (ed.), BLUE JEAN BUDDHA Thich Nhat Hanh, FOR A FUTURE TO BE POSSIBLE
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Examinations and Assignments: 1.) A short essay. 2.) A mid-term essay (6-8 pages - typewritten) 3.) a 10 page final essay. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments: Attendance and participation in discussions. This course fulfills a "Thematic Approaches" department requirement. |
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