​
Animal Ethics & Religion
PHIL 131A/REL ST 170

​Spring 2020
Mon/Wed 1:00-2:20pm

 Professor: Brianne Donaldson 
 Email: b.donaldson@UCI.edu
 Classroom Location: Humanities Interim Classroom Facility (HICF) 100L

DESCRIPTION

​​In their definition of religion, Emile Durkheim and Mircea Eliade present the human/animal boundary as a fundamental hallmark of the discipline, one often overlooked in contemporary studies of “animals and religion.” In this course we will utilize this fundamental binary to identify the construction of  “human” and “animal” subjectivities in religious narratives such as Jewish, Islamic, Christian, Jain, and Buddhist, as well as in other scientific and ethical accounts of humans and animals, including those considered secular. We will identify practices and modes of thinking that might disturb this conceptual binary, creating new opportunities for rethinking identity, community, and response beyond species lines. 

STUDENT LEARNING GOALS

1. Explain how Jainism and Buddhism are both independent and co-constituted traditions
2. Identify key terms unique to each tradition's history, philosophy, practice, and community
3. Analyze translations excerpted from primary sources within each tradition
4. Experience the lived, diaspora tradition of Jainism or Buddhism through site visits

STUDENT VISITING HOURS: COME SEE ME! (Spring 2020)

Where to find my office: Humanities Instructional Bldg, Lowest level, Room #56 (Philosophy Dept); Map here
  • Monday/Wednesday 3:45-4:45pm and 10 minutes before and after class
  • Many other times by request for in-person appointment/video/phone visits: just contact me (note that I often don't check email after 6pm)
  • When writing me, please include a greeting such as "Hi _____" or "Dear _____" so I feel like a means to your success as well as my own end; I will endeavor to do the same for you.

REQUIRED TEXTS 

Click image below for Amazon link. STUDENTS MUST HAVE A COPY OF THESE TEXTS IN CLASS. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A HARD COPY, PLEASE SHOW ME YOUR DIGITAL SCAN OR COPY SO I KNOW YOU ARE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE.
A Communion of Subjects: Animals in Religions, Science, and Ethics, ed. by Kimberley Patton & Paul Waldau (2009; *paperback)
  • Publisher: Columbia University Press (April 20, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0231136439
  • ISBN-13: 978-0231136433
​*OTHER INDIVIDUAL READINGS WILL ALSO BE LINKED IN THE SCHEDULE BELOW.

POLICIES

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Life happens and we need to take care of ourselves. To that end, students can miss 2 classes with no penalty. There is no need to let me know; no notes from physicians, etc. are needed. On the third absence, students will have 5 points removed from their total score, and 5 points for every absence thereafter. I will take attendance each day (beginning 1/21 after drop period). If you are more than 30 minutes late, this constitutes an absence. If you have an extended illness, extended family emergency, or extended immigration-related issue, please contact me as soon as you are able to and we will discuss a plan forward. Also, if something has kept you from reading or feeling prepared for class, please still come. You can always "pass" in discussion. So long as this is not a regular occurrence, your engaged presence will still benefit you, your peers, and our collective work.  
​
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AND PLAGIARISM
We are here to do the hard work of learning together. Academic dishonesty erodes this goal and your own self confidence, and is a serious academic offense that can result in failing a paper, failing the class, and academic dismissal from the university. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism (copying words, phrases, or ideas from other authors/sources without giving citation credit), copying answers from another student, allowing another student to copy your answers, communicating exam answers to other students during an exam, attempting to use notes or other aids during an exam, or tampering with an exam after it has been corrected and then returning it for more credit. These actions are a violation of the UCI Policies on Academic Honesty <see https://aisc.uci.edu/>. It is your responsibility to read and understand these policies. Note that any instance of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Academic Integrity Administrative Office for disciplinary action and is cause for a failing grade in the course.
DISABILITY ACCOMODATIONS
All of us have different abilities, strengths, and challenges with learning. Students who believe they may need accommodations to succeed in this class are encouraged to register online with the Disability Services Center (or call 949-824-7494) as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. This can include priority test-taking, seating preference, transportation, document conversion, among many other possible accommodations. Also, please feel free to meet with me to discuss any ways I can make any aspect of the classroom, materials, or assignments more accessible. 
FOOD AND HOUSING INSECURITY
​Any student who has difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live, and believes this may affect their performance in the course, is urged to contact the FRESH Basic Needs Hub and the Basic Needs Coordinator, Andrea Gutierrez, at agordill@exchange.uci.edu. Also, please notify me if you are comfortable doing so. This will enable me to inform you of resources that might be of help.
 
ADD/DROP DEADLINES
Students may DROP or ADD a course through 5:00 p.m. on Friday of the second week of classes. https://www.reg.uci.edu/enrollment/adc/adcpolicy.html
  
TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM
Texting, emailing, or other use of electronic devices not related to the lecture or our discussion is not welcome in class. For the 75-minutes of this class, please practice the discipline of being present to the class discussion, taking notes, asking questions, and otherwise participating to make the class all it can be. 

LATE WORK POLICY
The late policy will begin on XXX, after the drop/add period. There is a one hour grace period on all assignments. After that, a late assignments of up to 40 points will be deducted 3 points total; and late assignments over 40 points will be deducted 6 points. All work is due by the last day of classes to be considered, unless otherwise noted. ​ 

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING

1. Participation: Pre-class quizzes and questions (XX16; 12 will count; 120pts, due weekly)
2. In-Class Reading Summary (XX40pts; due 1/30)
3. XX (XX40pts; due 2/25 or 3/3, depending on site chosen)
4. Midterm Textual Analysis (XX40pts; due 2/25)
5. Final Textual Analysis (XX60pts; due 3/12)
6. Final Exam (XX100pts; 3/19)
7. Extra Credit Opportunity (10pts; 2 opportunities/students may choose 1)

ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTIONS AND GRADING VALUES (400 points total in the course)

1. Participation: Pre-class quizzes and questions (16 total; 12 will count; 10 points each; 120 points total)
Before each class for which we have reading of any kind (16 classes total), you will take and submit a quiz (open book; 20 minute limit) prior to coming to class through Canvas. In early weeks, this will include terms for key terms, historical contexts, and ideas. In later weeks it will include reading comprehension questions. These quizzes and reading questions will also function as the primary study guide for your final exam. I will count the 12 highest scores; you can take all 16 quizzes if you like, or skip four, as you wish. NOTE: the quizzes will open on Canvas 24 hours prior to class and close one hour prior to class, that is, 4pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
 
2. Jain Slides for Installation (40 points)
In small groups, you will be creating visual slides as a class contribution for the installation ceremony of the Shri Parshvanath Presidential Chair in Jain Studies (Thursday, March 12, 5pm during our class time). This will include: (1) a relevant image, (2) a clear and brief description of a key term, (3) sources, and (4) your names. Rubric provided below.

3. Site Visit Reflection (40 points) and Extra Credit Visit (+10 pts EC)
I will offer a site visit to the Jain Center of Southern California in Buena Park (March 1) as well as the Pao Fa Buddhist temple in Irvine (Feb 20)
Students must choose one of these visits to attend by Thursday, January 23. Students will write a one-page single-spaced (12-pt font) reflection of their visit and upload on Canvas. The best reflections will strive to connect the visit to class concepts, integrate original insights, and identify lingering questions. Students can attend both visits for an extra 10 points extra credit (no reflection needed for the second visit).

4. Midterm Textual Analysis (40pts)
Students will write an analysis of a translated passage from a Jain or Buddhist text, drawing out all they can from the passage to offer insight and context.  The aim is to: (1) define key words, (2) identify related concepts, (3) contextualize within the tradition (and where relevant, in relation to the alternate tradition and/or wider cultural contexts), (4) identify a unique contribution/s of this text, and (5) support your analysis with in-text citations and Works Cited. Rubric Provided.

5. Final Project Textual Analysis or optional paper (60 pts) 
Students will write an analysis of a translated passage from the opposite tradition of their midterm analysis, drawing out all they can from the passage to offer insight and context.  The aim is to: (1) define key words, (2) identify related concepts, (3) contextualize within the tradition (and where relevant, in relation to the alternate tradition and/or wider cultural contexts), (4) identify a unique contribution/s of this text, and (5) support your analysis with in-text citations and Works Cited. **Students who would like to considered for the best paper in Buddhist Studies through the East Asian Studies Department, may turn their analysis into a formal paper. Please let me know by week 6 if you plan to do this. Rubric Provided. 

6. Final Exam (100 points) 
This exam will include multiple choice, True/False, and matching terms, a few short answer questions, one essay questions, and 1-2 reflective questions. A student's primary study guide can be found in the 16 pre-class quizzes/reading questions available during the course as the majority of questions will come directly from these.

7. Extra Credit (10 points)
Students can attend the second temple visit for an extra 10 points (no reflection required), OR write a 3/4 page single-spaced reflection (due 3/14) regarding the installation ceremony of the Jain chair that will constitute our class on March 12. 

This is a basic grading guide
GRADE                            POINTS
A           93-100%           370–400
A-          90-93%             360–369
B+         87-90%             345–359
B           84-87%             335–344
B-          80-84%             320–334 
C+         77-80%            305–319
C           74-77%             295–304
C-          70-74%             280–294
D+         67-70%            270–279
D           64-67%             255–269
D-          60-64%             240–254
 

ASSIGNMENT RUBRICS

JAIN INSTALLATION SLIDE GROUP PROJECT: DESCRIPTION AND RUBRIC — DUE TUESDAY, 2/4
jain_slide_assignment_group_eval_and_rubric.pdf
File Size: 828 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

RESOURCES: 5 WAYS TO TAKE NOTES AND BEDFORD CITATION GUIDE 

 WEEKLY SCHEDULE ​(and tips for class preparation)

Dear Students,

Your presence, participation, and growing confidence and skills are important to me this quarter. Here are some thoughts:

Readings and videos listed in the below schedule should be completed BEFORE coming to class (unless noted by "in-class"). Pre-class quizzes/reading questions will help you to see where your knowledge gaps are and help build our common language for class discussions. Remember that XX of these lowest scores will be discarded.

Remember that many new ideas come cumulatively over time. Be patient with yourself and know that feeling a little lost or unclear is part of the process of learning something new. Feel free to raise questions in class, send me a message, or let's meet if you want to gain clarity. Please consider the following tips as you prepare for class:

TIPS FOR CLASS PREPARATION:
  • Take reading notes (see "Resources" section above for a quick overview of 5 different approaches to note taking; or ask your friends how they do it)
  • Trouble following a reading? That's okay. Here are some alternatives to walking away exasperated:
    • Pick one or two terms in the reading and look them up independently using online sources and just try to understand that term in its context; sharing this info in class will be edifying for us all
    • Pick one figure named in the reading and look them up independently as in previous point . . . sharing this info in class will be edifying for us all
    • Read the opening paragraph and see if you can identify the main point/s that will be covered
  • Short on time? Here are some alternatives to skipping class for not doing readings: 
    • Read the opening paragraph and see if you can identify the main point/s that will be covered
    • Read the section heading and the closing paragraph
    • "Pass" in class discussion; a rare "pass" is perfectly acceptable so long as it does not happen regularly

I'm looking forward to our time. ​

Week 1​

1a Tuesday, January 7
Approaching Indian Traditions: Philosophies or Religions? 
  • Class discussion; no reading required​
1b Thursday, January 9
The Buddha and his Indian Context 
  • ​Harvey, Ch 1; pdf below
Assignments:
  • Complete Pre-class Quiz 1 One Hour Prior to Class on Canvas
harvey__ch1.pdf
File Size: 1040 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 2

ācārāṅga-sūtra_ch_1_excerpt.pdf
File Size: 473 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
jaini__ch1.pdf
File Size: 1347 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
2a Tuesday, January 14
Mahavira and his Indian Context 
  • Jaini, Ch 1​​; pdf above
  • Read Jain text A: Ācārāṅga-sūtra excerpt (pdf above)
Assignments:
  • Complete Pre-class Quiz 2 One Hour Prior to Class on Canvas

2b Thursday, January 16
Early Buddhist Teachings: Karma and Rebirth and Four Noble Truths
  • Harvey, Ch 2 and 3
  • Read Buddhist Text A: The Three Jewels (pdf below)
  • In class: Indexical Expressions and Review the Jain Slides Assignment
Assignments:
  • Complete Pre-class Quiz 3 One Hour Prior to Class on Canvas
  • Looking ahead: Sign up on Canvas (at the posted thread in the Discussion tab) by 1/23 (next week) to attend site visit to Jain Center of Southern Cal. (Sunday 3/1) or Pao Fa Buddhist Temple (Thursday, 2/20); you will later be able to sign up for both for 10pts extra credit.
lopez13_three_jewels__2_.pdf
File Size: 233 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 3

tattvārtha-sūtra_ch2_.pdf
File Size: 1193 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
3a Tuesday, January 21 (Attendance starts here after drop period ends)
The Real Substances in Jainism and the Mechanisms of Karmic Bondage
  • Jaini, Ch 3 and 4 (I have intentionally not assigned Ch 2 from this book)
  • Read Jain text B: Tattvārtha-sūtra, Ch 2 (pdf above)
Assignments:
  • Complete Pre-class Quiz 4 One Hour Prior to Class on Canvas
  • In class: Read through Jain Slide Assignment in class and assign groups

3b Thursday, January 23
Early Buddhist Ideas and Symbols
  • Harvey, Ch 4
  • Read Buddhist text B: Theravāda Metaphysics (pdf below)
​Assignments:
  • Complete Pre-class Quiz 5 One Hour Prior to Class on Canvas
theravadametaphysics.pdf
File Size: 682 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 4

appleton_karma.pdf
File Size: 840 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
kalpa-sūtra_250-270.pdf
File Size: 766 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
4a Tuesday, January 28
Jain and Buddhist Metaphysics and Karma: A Comparative View
​Discussion Day
  • Read Naomi Appleton, "Karma and the Realms of Rebirth" (pdf above)
  • Read Jain Text C: Kalpa-sūtra excerpt (pdf above)
  • Revisit Jain Text B and Buddhist Text B (from last week) as we'll be discussing both in class today along this week's readings
​​Assignments:
  • Complete Pre-class Quiz 6 One Hour Prior to Class on Canvas

4b Thursday, January 30 
Buddhist Philosophy and Debates: Two Mahāyāna Philosophies
  • Harvey, p. 114-138 of Ch 5; we will not be reading about the Tathā-garbha school)
  • Read Buddhist Text C: Nāgārjuna's Mūlamadhyamakārikā (pdf below)
Assignments:
  • Complete Pre-class Quiz 7 One Hour Prior to Class on Canvas​​

Week 5

tattvārtha-sūtra_ch7.pdf
File Size: 702 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
5a Tuesday, February 4
The Path and Goal of the Layperson: Jainism
  • Jaini, Ch 5 and 6
  • Read Jain Text D: Tattvārtha-sūtra, Ch 7 (pdf above)
Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Quiz 8 One Hour Prior to Class on Canvas​​
  • Upload Jain Slide Assignment and Group Evaluations by class time on Canvas
  • In class: Review Midterm Textual Analysis Assignment 
​
​5b Thursday, February 6
The Path and Goal of the Layperson: Buddhism
  • Harvey, p. 151-160 of Ch 6; we will not be reading about Tantric Buddhism
  • Read Buddhist Text D: The Bodhisattva Vow (pdf below) 
Assignments:
  • Complete Pre-class Quiz 9 One Hour Prior to Class on Canvas​
lopez43_bodhisattva.pdf
File Size: 307 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 6

lopez27_aṅgulimāla.pdf
File Size: 422 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
6a Tuesday, February 11 
The Path and Goal of the Mendicant: Buddhism
  • ​Harvey, Ch 10
  • Read Buddhist text C: Aṅgulimāla (pdf above)
Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Quiz 10 One Hour Prior to Class on Canvas​

​6b Thursday, February 13
The Path and Goal of the Mendicant: Jainism
  • Jaini, Ch 8​​
Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Quiz 11 One Hour Prior to Class on Canvas
  • Upload Midterm Textual Analysis by class time on Canvas

Week 7

7a Tuesday, February 18
Living Buddhism: Devotion and Ethics Assignments
7b Thursday, February 20
TRIP TO BUDDHIST TEMPLE 4:00–5:30pm
American Lotus Buddhist Association
Pao Fa Buddhist Temple
2692 Beckman Avenue
Irvine, CA 92606
*PARKING: Please plan to be parked and at entrance by 3:55pm; there is a parking lot adjacent to the temple, just near the entrance.
*DRESS GUIDANCE: See Etiquette Tips linked above (Feb 18)

Week 8

lopez44_birds_fish.pdf
File Size: 354 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
8a Tuesday, February 25
Living Buddhism: Devotion and Ethics
  • Harvey, Ch 9
  • Read Buddhist Text D: Freeing Birds and Fish from Bondage (pdf above)
  • In class: Watch and Discuss the short film "The Trap"
  • In class: Post-visit recap
  • In class: Review Final Textual Analysis Assignment
Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Quiz 13 One Hour Prior to Class on Canvas
  • 1-page Site Visit Reflection due for those who attended Buddhist Temple; upload to Canvas

8b Thursday, February 27
​Living Jainism: Devotion and Ethics
  • ​Jaini, Ch 7​
  • Read Jain Text E: Read excerpt from Yoga-śāstra by Hemacandra (pdf below)​
  • In class: Watch and Discuss the short clip on the Jain fast unto death (sallekhāna)
  • In class: Prep for  trip to Jain Center of Southern California Sunday
Assignments:
SUNDAY, MARCH 1
TRIP TO JAIN CENTER OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
8072 Commonwealth Ave
Buena Park, CA 90621-2520
Approx. 11:00am–1:00pm
*PARKING (info to be provided)
​*DRESS GUIDANCE: See Etiquette Tips linked above (Feb 27) and be mindful of avoiding leather belts, bags, and shoes if possible.
yogaśāstra_of_hemacandra_excerpt__trans._qvarnstrom___1_.pdf
File Size: 4579 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 9

9a Tuesday, March 3
  • No reading due
  • In class: Watch and Discuss the short film "Ahimsa"
  • In class: Post-visit recap
Assignments
  • 1-page Site Visit Reflection due for those who attended Jain Center; upload to Canvas

9b Thursday, March 5
Jainism in the World Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Quiz 15 One Hour Prior to Class on Canvas​

Week 10

10a Tuesday, March 10
Buddhism in the World Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Quiz 16 One Hour Prior to Class on Canvas

10b Thursday, March 12
Our class period will be my installation as the Shri Parshvanath Presidential Chair in Jain Studies at 5pm; 
  • Location HG (Humanities Gateway) 1030; see map here
  • Attendance will be taken, and your presence is valued to commemorate this historic partnership 
  • A Jain meal provided. You are welcome to bring a friend or guest. 
Assignments
  • Upload Final Textual Analysis by class time on Canvas

FINAL EXAM (likely a take home exam)
Thursday, March 19, 4:00-6:00pm

www.briannedonaldson.com