RELG 237 - Women and Material Culture in Japanese Buddhism: Rags into Buddhas

Semester Offered: Second Semester, First Module
Credits (Range): 1.5 Hours
Attribute: 1.5 HU, CD
New course added 11.12.10.

This course investigates how women actively shaped Japanese Buddhism as patrons, nuns, and wives, and their use of material culture in expressing their religious commitment. We will use written sources and evidence from material culture, including the practice of making Buddhist robes from discarded cloth. Participants will gain a fresh perspective on Japanese religious history and practice and develop new paradigms for understanding how women approach religious practice. This course will meet on Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30, for 5 weeks (2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9).
Enrollment Limit: 15
Instructor: D. Riggs
Consent of the Instructor Required? No
Cross List Information This course is cross-listed with EAST 237