Gender In Buddhist Literature Syllabus
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Instructor Details:
Professor Cape (She/her/hers)
Religious Studies Department
Office Location: Gibson S36
Office Hours: MWF 12pm-6pm
Course Description:
Why does the Buddha have soft and tender hands and feet? Why must monastics avoid women? Why did Sera Khandro refuse celibacy? This course explores the topics of gender, sexuality, and personhood in Buddhist literature. In particular, it will focus on investigating hagiographies from India and Tibet. These narratives portray gender essentialism, cis-gender, femininities, masculinities, and androgyny. Although there is little scholarship on transgender in Buddhist literary traditions, we will also devote several classes to narratives on third genders, homosexuality, and transgender figures in post-modern Tibetan Buddhist thought (and we will read excerpts of Indian literary precedents). Readings will feature a combination of primary and secondary materials read alongside texts on feminist theory. Therefore, students will develop a nuanced understanding of Buddhist theories of gender, sexuality, and personhood from multiple perspectives.
Course Goals
Describe Buddhism doctrines of empty, non-essential persons and Buddhist theories of gender as it variously pertains to divine figures, human beings, monastics, and tantric adepts.
Describe Buddhism’s distinctive narrative practices for articulating gender theory.
Observe one’s own thinking in cross-cultural encounters, to question, confirm, validate or correct assumptions and judgments.
Critically reflect on multiple, contradicting frameworks of Buddhist genders based on genre.
Confidently read, understand, evaluate, and discuss religious literature from another culture in a critical, non-partisan manner.
Understand how religious texts are constructed and reconstructed in changing contexts.
Comprehend, summarize, and contextualize the meanings of various genres of religious writing.
Synthesize information to develop a thesis and support an argument.
Participate in a learning community to debate and discuss controversial topics.
Criteria for Evaluation
Attendance and Participation 10%
Reading Quizzes 10%
Presentation Assignment 10%
Field Research Paper 10%
Class discussion participation 20%
Essay Draft 5-7 pages 10%
Final Essay 5-7 pages 20-30%
Attendance and Participation. Two absences will be dropped from grade. Class participation grading is based upon your contribution in classes and based upon your questions submitted in the forum. Your participation will be measured according to your contributions to small group discussions and to discussions in the whole class. This includes raising relevant questions, answering questions posed by the instructor based on the reading and being able to refer to the other authors we have read during our discussions.
Reading quizzes. There will be an online quiz due before class for the reading assigned for that day. See the schedule of readings below. The quiz will focus on reading comprehension, featuring the main ideas and main arguments of the author. Each quiz will have five questions.
Presentation Assignment. Beginning the second week of class, each student will open a class with a short oral presentation to summarize the main points of the reading material. In the presentation the student will offer reactions to the material and raise important questions about it. Use of creativity in bringing the authors we have read in conversation with one another is a mark of an excellent presentation.
Essay Draft. Each student will write a paper on the topic of their choice. It will discuss Buddhist theories of gender based on the course readings. Any topic can be chosen so long as it discusses Buddhist theories of gender based on the course readings. Put the feminist philosophers (such as Charlotte Witt and Joe McClellan) in conversation with one of the other authors or topics covered in our readings.
A proposal for your paper thesis is due by class time Oct 22nd.
Students will be given a guideline for how to write a thesis.The first draft of the paper, graded by the instructor will be 10% of the total grade. It is due November 21st. The edited drafts with instructor comments will be returned to students by December 6th.
Final Essay. The revised paper will count for 30% of the grade if there is no draft submitted or it will count towards 20% of your grade if you submitted a draft (with the draft as the remaining 10%). The final version is due Friday, December 13th by midnight.
Field Research. Students will visit a Buddhist temple or group to attend a religious service and conduct a mini-ethnography. This includes interviewing at least one religious leader and one congregation member. Students will write a two-page description of the religious service they attended and a two-three page analysis of gendered roles, themes and doctrines that they observed. Bibliography should include texts from the assigned readings, use of additional texts is optional.
Important Dates
October 22 Proposal for paper thesis is due
November 15 Mini-ethnography due
December 13 Final Essay Due
Required Textbooks (Available at the Bookstore)
Cabezón, José. Buddhism. Sexuality in Classical South Asian Buddhism. Wisdom Publications, 2017.
Gross, Rita. Buddhism After the Patriarchy. State University of New York, 1993.
Powers, John. A Bull of A Man; Images of Masculinity, Sex and the Body in Indian Buddhism. Harvard University Press, 2009.
McClellan, Joseph. Trans*AM Cis Men and Trans Women in Love. ThreeL Media, 2017.
*Supplementary Readings & Materials will be given as PDFs or Links
More Details on Evaluation
Attendance and Participation. This is an interactive classroom, where students are expected to speak about the readings and discussion topics every day. To receive an “A” in participation requires consistent positive contributions to class. This includes comments that demonstrate comprehension of the reading and careful reflection, preparation for the discussion topics and respecting the viewpoints and contributions of your classmates. Attendance will be taken at every class. Only excused absences will count as having attended.
Quizzes. Each daily quiz will include five questions in the form of multiple choice or short answer format. The two lowest quiz grades will be dropped.
Final Essay. A grading rubric to follow as you write your final paper will be distributed separately.
Late Submissions. Late papers will result in a 1/3 grade reduction per day that it is late.
Grades
A + 99-100 A 93-98.99 A- 90-92.99
B+ 87-89.99 B 83-86.99 B- 80-82.99
C+ 77-79.99 C 73-76.99 C- 70-72.99
D 60-69.99 F 59.9 and below
Class Discussions
This class requires a critical engagement. To study religious literature is to engage in a cross-cultural encounter and therefore to encounter the unfamiliar. To study religious literature is also to engage with topics that one may have already formed strong opinions about. Critical reflection is expected during the discussions, response papers and in your final paper.
Honor Code
All work is done under the Honor Code. To observe the Honor Code is to belong to a community of scholars who value open inquiry, mutual trust, and respect. For full details visit this page:
https://honor.virginia.edu/statement
Students may collaborate in assigned partner exercises, however plagiarism and cheating are not tolerated and will be addressed by established procedures. If you have any questions about the Honor Code, please do feel free to ask.
Technology
Students may use technology in a way that is relevant to class. During group discussions, computers will be closed. During lectures, you may use your laptop or tablet to take notes. Please be aware that if you use technology for non-class activities, this will result in a lowered participation grade.
Accommodations
I am committed to creating a welcoming and effective learning environment for all students. If you have any type of disability or require accommodations for another reason, the University asks that these requests may be made through this service: https://studenthealth.virginia.edu/sdac
Sensitive Topics
The study of religious literature may raise difficult topics including race, class, gender, sexuality, sexual orientation, war, and violence. If you ever feel that a topic may be too distressing, please notify me and you will be excused from that class.
Weekly Schedule
INTRODUCTION
Thursday August 26
Introduction to the Syllabus and to the Students
MASCULINITIES IN INDIAN BUDDHIST HAGIOGRAPHY
Week One Man as a Buddhist Ideal
Reading Textbook: Powers, John. “Chapter 1, The Ultimate Man, ” A Bull of A Man. Images of Masculinity, Sex and the Body in India Buddhism. Harvard University Press, 2009. 1-23
Reading ebook from Alderman Library: Meidzian, Myriam. “Beyond the Masculine Mystique, ” Gender Violence, Interdisciplinary Perspectives. New York, University Press 2007. 427-434
Week Two Monastic and Tantric Masculinities
Reading Textbook: John Powers, “The Great Men of the Greater Vehicle, ” A Bull of A Man. Images of Masculinity, Sex and the Body in India Buddhism. Harvard University Press, 2009. 167-203
Reading Textbook: John Powers, “Chapter 7 “Adepts and Sorcerers, ” and “Conclusion, ” A Bull of A Man. Images of Masculinity, Sex and the Body in India Buddhism. Harvard University Press, 2009. 203-234
Reading Textbook: Powers, John. “Chapter 2, A Manly Monk, ” A Bull of A Man. Images of Masculinity, Sex and the Body in India Buddhism. Harvard University Press, 2009. 24-67
CONSTRUCTIONS OF PERSONHOOD IN BUDDHIST LITERATURE
Week Three Empty Persons & Essentialism
Reading Textbook: Witt, Charlotte. “Gender and Social Normativity,” Metaphysics of Gender. Oxford University Press, 2011. 27 – 50
Reading Textbook: Gross, Rita. “Setting the Stage: Presuppositions of the Buddhist Worldview,” Buddhism After the Patriarchy. State University of New York, 1993. 137-151
Week Four Buddhist Theory of Personhood
Reading Textbook: Gross, Rita. “Toward an Accurate and Usable Past: A Feminist Sketch of Buddhist History,” “Why Bother? What Is an Accurate and Usable Past Good For?” “Sakyadhita, Daughters of the Buddha: Roles and Images of Women in Early Indian Buddhism,” Buddhism After the Patriarchy. State University of New York, 1993. 17-54
Reading Online: Thurman, Robert, translator. “The Goddess, ” The Holy Teaching of Vimalakīrti; A Mahayana Scripture. Pennsylvania State University Press, 2000. 56-63
Week Five Gender Essentialism
Reading Textbook: Witt, Charlotte. “Chapter 1, The Notion of Two Essences, A Brief Taxonomy of Essences,” Metaphysics of Gender. Oxford University Press, 2011. xi-xiii and 5-26
Reading Textbook: Human Organisms, Social Individuals and Persons, Metaphysics of Gender. Oxford University Press, 2011. 51-74
Reading PDF: Burton Watson, Translator. “Chapter 12 Devadatta,” The Lotus Sutra. Columbia University Press, 1993. 182-189
SEXUALITY IN BUDDHIST HAGIOGRAPHIES
Week Six Desire and Human Sexuality
Cabezón, José. Buddhism. Sexuality in Classical South Asian Buddhism. Wisdom Publications, 2017. 79-114
Cabezón, José. Buddhism. Sexuality in Classical South Asian Buddhism. Wisdom Publications, 2017. 114-172.
Week Seven Buddhist Sexual Ethics & Narratives of Sexual Misconduct
Reading Textbook: Cabezón, José. Buddhism. Sexuality in Classical South Asian Buddhism. Wisdom Publications, 2017. 453-500
Cabezón, José. Buddhism. Sexuality in Classical South Asian Buddhism. Wisdom Publications, 2017. 500-528
Reading Textbook: McClellan, Joseph. “Against Interpretation: Liberating Bodies from Restrictive Languages.” and “The Naked World: Merleau-Ponty’s Phenomenology of the Body Without Interpretation.” Trans*AM Cis Men and Trans Women in Love. ThreeL Media, 2017 (Available as an e-book, page numbers differ based on your device.)
FEMALE CONSORTS IN TIBETAN BIOGRAPHY
Week Eight Human Women & Consorts
Reading PDF: Simmer-Brown, Judith. “Encountering the Dakini,” and “Gender Subjectivity and the Feminine Principle,” The Dakini’s Warm Breath. Shambhala Publications, 2001. 1-42
Reading PDF: Simmer-Brown, Judith. “The Outer Dakini: The Subtle Body of Bliss,” The Dakini’s Warm Breath. Shambhala Publications, 2001. 161-181.
Week Nine Dakini as the Representation of Other
Reading PDF: Gyatso, Janet. “Chapter 6: The Dakini Talks: On Gender, Language and the Secret Autobiographer.” Apparitions of the Self: The Secret Autobiography of a Tibetan Visionary.” Princeton University Press, 1998. 243-264
Reading Textbook: Jacoby, Sarah. “Chapter 1: The Life and Times of Sera Khandro,” Love and Liberation, The Life and Times of Sera Khandro. Columbia University Press, 2014. 36-74
Week Ten Religious Sexuality
Reading Textbook: Jacoby, Sarah. “Chapter 3: Dakini Dialogues,” Love and Liberation, The Life and Times of Sera Khandro. Columbia University Press, 2014. 113-150
Reading Textbook: Jacoby, Sarah. “Chapter 4: Sacred Sexuality,” Love and Liberation, The Life and Times of Sera Khandro. Columbia University Press, 2014. 188-212
Reading Textbook: Jacoby, Sarah. “Chapter 4: Sacred Sexuality,” Love and Liberation, The Life and Times of Sera Khandro. Columbia University Press, 2014. 212-248
SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN BUDDHIST BIOGRAPHY
Week Eleven Sexual Violence in Cultural Context
Reading ebook Alderman Library: Schiffman, Jessica, Laura O’toole, Margie Edwards and Margie L. Kiter Edwards. “The Roots of Male Violence,” and “Chapter Three The Socio-Cultural Context of Rape.” Gender Violence, Interdisciplinary Perspectives. New York, University Press 2007. 1-10
Reading ebook: Schiffman, Jessica, Laura O’toole, Margie Edwards and Margie L. Kiter Edwards. “The Roots of Male Violence,” and “Chapter Three The Socio-Cultural Context of Rape.” Gender Violence, Interdisciplinary Perspectives. New York, University Press 2007 56-71
Week Twelve Sexual Violence in Buddhist Literature
Reading PDF: Standlee and Sangye et. al. Sogyal Lakar Letter, July 14, 2017_v16.
Reading PDF: Chapter Four, “Teaching and Instruction,” Lady of the Lotus Born, The Life and Enlightenment of Yeshe Tsogyal. Shambhala, 2002. 44-66 and 127-129
Write in the Forum: Based on your reading for Tuesday (and reflecting on readings thus far) please name two pieces of evidence that Tibetan Buddhism literature portrays rape culture and two pieces of evidence that Buddhist literature does not portray rape-culture.
THE THIRD SEX, QUEER AND TRANSGENDER IN BUDDHIST NARRATIVES
***Paper First Draft Due ****
Week Thirteen Homosexuality & Transgender
Reading PDF: Cabezon, José Ignacio. “Homosexuality and Buddhism,” Homosexuality and World Religions, 81-102.
Reading PDF: Zwilling, Leonard “Homosexuality as Seen in Indian Buddhist Texts,” in Buddhism, Sexuality, and Gender, 203-214
Reading PDF: McClellan, Joseph. “Reframing Gender and Sexual Identities; The Buddhist Path and the Trans Am.” Trans*AM Cis Men and Trans Women in Love. ThreeL Media, 2017. (ebook available through the library, page numbers differ).
Week Fourteen Third Genders
Reading PDF: Gyatso, Janet. One Plus One Makes Three: Buddhist Gender, Monasticism and the Law of the Non-Excluded Middle. History of Religions, Vol. 43, No 2. University of Chicago Press, 2003. pp 89-115
***Final essay due last day of class by midnight.***