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GSS311

Buddhism and Gender

Subject code

GSS

Course Number

311

Instructor(s)

A. Melnick Dyer

Course Long Title

Buddhism and Gender

Cross Listed Courses

Description

This course examines the role of gender in Buddhist communities from the inception of the religious tradition to the modern day. How has gender identity influenced the development of this tradition? Where do we see gender in Buddhist literature, doctrine, and art? How do modern ideas of what "Buddhism" is affect change in the North American context, and how is this different from the Buddhist past? The course draws on a variety of sources, including literary, cinematic, and visual materials, to answer these questions. Special attention is given to how gender is presented in doctrinal texts, and the (dis)connection between these documents and the lived experiences of Buddhist people, as presented in interviews and autobiographies by Buddhist practitioners from a variety of moments and communities.

Modes of Inquiry

Analysis and Critique [AC], Historical and Social Inquiry [HS]

Writing Credit

W2

INDS Program Relationship

IDGS - GSS Program

GEC This Course Belongs To

-

Class Restriction

Exclude First Years