Picture
A 16th c. manuscript page of the Jain Kalpa-sūtra; this image/text describes Prince Pārśva saving two snakes from a Brahmin fire ritual. In a later rebirth, Pārśva will become the 23rd Jain teacher.

Jain History, Philosophy & Ethics
REL ST 120/PHILOS 117; SPRING 2023
TUES/THURS 2:00-3:20pm
​Humanities Hall 143 (map here)

Professor: Brianne Donaldson / [email protected]

​Description: The Jain Tradition is a small but globally-influential Indian tradition centered on nonviolence to multiple life forms, the cultivation of multiple perspectives, and mental/material practices of non-attachment. In this class, we will rely on the methods of history, philosophy, and ethnography to explore Jainism in relation to its historic and textual development, arguments with rivals about what is “real,” and its multiple ethical practices related to food, human-animal-plant relations, war, tolerance, among others. We will also consider the Jain tradition’s relevance to current planetary and social issues and students will have the opportunity to visit a Jain community in Orange County.
Undergraduate Student Learning Outcomes
  1. Contextualize the development of the Jain community in relation to other rival views of the subcontinent
  2. Identify unique terms and concepts related to Jain philosophy, ethics, and lived practice
  3. Connect with local Jain practitioners through a site visit
  4. Complete a series of reflections engaging Jain history, philosophy, and ethics
Opening Recitation
परस्परोपग्रहो जीवानाम् 
Parasparopagraho jīvānām
 “The function of living beings is to support one another.”  
–Tattvārtha-sūtra (2nd–5th c. CE) 5.21 

STUDENT VISITING HOURS: COME SEE ME! (Spring 2023)

I'll be hosting visiting hours every week and I'd love to have you visit:
  • Tuesday (starting Week 2): 3:45–4:45pm (I come straight from a class so just wait if I'm not there when you arrive)​
  • Many other times by appointment, phone, or Zoom:  https://uci.zoom.us/j/98945597900;  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.

Where to find my office: Humanities Instructional Bldg, Lowest Level, Room #56 (Philosophy Dept); Map here ​

REQUIRED TEXT

The Jains, 2nd edition by Paul Dundas ​
  • Publisher: Routledge (2002)
  • ISBN-13: 9780415266062

​*OTHER INDIVIDUAL READINGS WILL ALSO BE LINKED IN THE SCHEDULE BELOW.
The A to Z of Jainism (dictionary) by Kristi Wiley
  • Publisher: Scarecrow Press (2009)
  • ISBN 13 : 9780810868212

POLICIES

ADD/DROP DEADLINES
Students may DROP or ADD a course through 5:00 p.m. on Friday of the second week of classes. Details here

ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance will begin the third week of class, after the drop/add deadline (April 14, 2023). After this date, all students can miss two classes without penalty. For context, missing two out of the 16 classes in weeks 3-10 constitutes a 15% absence rate. On the third absence, students will receive a one-time 3-point deduction, and an additional 3-point deduction for every absence thereafter. Students can use these absences for any reason: sick days, appointments,  religious observances, mental health days, work or family time, etc. If you have an extended serious 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 going forward. Note that jury duty is not an exception to this policy as students are permitted to defer jury duty until summer. *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. 

LATE WORK POLICY 
The late policy will begin after the drop/add deadline of April 14, 2023. There is a one-hour grace period on all assignments, except online quizzes, which must be completed by class time. After the drop/add deadline, late assignments of up to 40 points will receive a one-time 3-point deduction; late assignments over 40 points will receive a one-time 5-point deduction. All work is due by the last day of the final exam.

TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM
Disciplined use of devices for note taking or looking up information relevant to an immediate discussion in class is welcome. Checking out cat memes, texting, and personal email, while tempting, is not. It is evident to everyone when a colleague is checked out of class and into their device, and it lessens what the class can be as a whole. I prefer to leave this disciplined restraint to you, but will address it myself if needed. I will do my best to facilitate an active learning environment whenever possible. 

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
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
​It can be hard to concentrate on class work when one lacks stable food, transportation, and shelter. Any student experiencing difficulties are encouraged to check out the FRESH Basic Needs Hub and their helpful team and many creative services.  ​
FIRST GENERATION SUPPORT!
Check out the School of Humanities' first-generation services here, including incoming seminar, peer mentor program, and more.

​CORONA VIRUS HUB FOR STUDENTS 
Link here
​
UCI COUNSELING AND RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE PHONE LINES (24-HRS/DAY)
UCI has several resources and services to support personal well-being, healthy relationships, and safety. Click here. 
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 using AI Chat. 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.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
I do write letters of recommendations for students if I feel I can offer a knowledgeable and positive account of an applicant. Because programs requesting such letters are seeking input from someone who has known applicants for a significant duration and depth, I only consider writing for students who I have had in at least two classes (or one class and another substantive manner such as thesis) and who I can genuinely speak to their work quality, attendance, collegiality, clarity, curiosity, and likely success in future programs. Letters require a back and forth with me so please allow ample time for consideration and completion.

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING

There are 200 points in the class.
1. Attendance
2. In-class discussion and self-assessment (3 x 10; 30 pts total)  [15%]
3. Pre-class quizzes (best 8 of 10 count; 40 pts total)  [20%]
4. Four Reflections on Jaina Studies (20 points x 4; 80 pts total) [40%]
5. Final (50 pts)  [25%]
6. Extra Credit (see below)
​
A. Attendance
Attendance will be taken each session beginning the third week of class (April 14, 2023). Life happens and two unexcused absences are permitted with no note or explanation required. On the third unexcused absences, 3 points will be deducted, and 3 additional points for every absence thereafter.

B. Participation 1: In-class discussions and self-assessment; due session 4a, 7a, 9b [15%]
In many classes, students will work in changing groups to answer all or a portion of the below six questions. Three times during the quarter students will fill out an online participation self-assessment on Canvas.
1. What is the full title and who is the author of the reading? Tell us something briefly about the author.
2. What kind of source is this, according to The Bedford Handbook? (Page, kind of source, create a source)
3. What are 1-2 main themes or assertions of this reading, and what support does the author provide for these themes or assertions? 
4.What method does the author seem to rely upon most (historical, philosophical, or ethnographic) and how did you discern that? Note: There are other methods but we are focusing on these this quarter. 
5.What are 2-3 key terms and definitions we should know? How do these terms relate together?  
6.Can you make any connections between this reading and previous readings, concepts, questions, or terms?
Updated 4.26.23 Participation Self-assessment, Jain Hist Phil Ethics.docx
File Size: 15 kb
File Type: docx
Download File
C. Participation 2: Pre-class quizzes weeks 2-6 (10 total; best 8 will count; 5 points each; 40 points total) [20%]
Before each class in weeks 2-6, you will take and submit a 5-point reading/concept quiz (open book; 20 minute limit) prior to coming to class through Canvas. These will include terms key terms, historical contexts, and ideas. I will count the 8 highest scores; you can take all 10 quizzes if you like, or skip two, as you wish. NOTE: the quizzes will open on Canvas 24 hours prior to class and close at class time (2pm)

D. Four Reflections (including site visit reflection) on Jaina Studies (20 points x 4; 80 points total) [40%]
Due session 4a, 7a, 9b, and with final exam week 11
Four Reflections on Jaina Studies.docx
File Size: 16 kb
File Type: docx
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​E. FINAL (50 points) [25%]
The online final exam will pull directly from quizzes and class discussions. A study guide will be emailed by session 10a.
Jain Hist Phil Ethics Final Exam Study Guide (Spr 2023).pdf
File Size: 244 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
F. Extra Credit (up to 10 points)
Friday May 12, 12:00-2:00pm; Virtually attend the online Shri Parshvanath Presidential Chair of Jain Studies Annual Lecture with Melanie Barbato. Afterwards, contribute to class Canvas Discussion forum between 5/12 and 5/21. Register here. 

Extra credit points awarded as follows (up to 10 points):
6pts: RSVP and attend the lecture virtually through Zoom (or watch the video afterwards; you must register to get the video)
8pts: Contribute a comment AND question on the Canvas Discussion forum that clearly demonstrates your thoughtful engagement with the lecture itself and, for full credit, to class content as well
9pts: Respond thoughtfully to 1 comment or question on the Canvas Discussion forum 
10pts: Respond thoughtfully to 2 comments or questions on the Canvas Discussion forum

Basic Canvas grading guide                          
A           94-100%           
A-          90-94%             
B+         87-90%             
B           83-87%             
B-          80-83%              
C+         77-80%            
C           73-77%            
C-          70-73%             
D+         67-70%            
D           63-67%            
D-          60-63%  

RESOURCES: 5 WAYS TO TAKE NOTES AND BEDFORD CITATION GUIDE 

Bedford Handbook 2016.pdf
File Size: 2829 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Another valuable source for your research or reflections is Jainpedia as this is a peer-reviewed website with much information related to Jaina studies. Please note that your searches will be more successful if you use the correct diacritics when relevant, such as ahiṃsā rather than ahimsa.

 WEEKLY SCHEDULE ​(and tips for class preparation)

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. 

TIPS FOR CLASS PREPARATION:
  • Tips for reading notes: See the video under resources (above) for different note-taking methods; I've built in weekly activities for engaging the readings as well. 
  • Trouble following a reading or Short on time? Here are some alternatives to skipping class or throwing in the towel:
    • Pick 1-2 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 a figure named in the reading and look them up independently . . . 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
    • Read the section headings and the closing paragraph
    • "Pass" in class discussion; a rare "pass" is perfectly acceptable so long as it does not happen regularly​​

Week 1​

Please refresh this syllabus page regularly as readings may change
1a Tuesday, April 4
Who is a Jain?
  • In class together: start reading Dundas, p. 1-11
  • Begin reading for Thursday's class
Assignments 
We'll discuss the reading and review portions of the syllabus
Dundas, 1-11.pdf
File Size: 4722 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
1b Thursday, April 6 
What is Jainism?: Methodological Approaches to India
  • Finish Dundas, p. 1–11 (see pdf above)
  • John E. Cort, "Models of and for the Study of the Jains," p. 43–63
​Assignments
  • Review Reflection 1 in class
  • In-class: Sign up for Trip to Jain Center 
Cort, Models of and for.pdf
File Size: 2042 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 2

2a Tuesday, April 11
Mahāvīra, Śramaṇas, and the Vedic Context
  • Jeffrey D. Long, Jainism: An Introduction, Ch 2 ("Mahāvīra and the Origins of Jainism") pp. 29-56
  • Kalpa-sūtra excerpts, translated by Hermann Jacobi
Assignments:
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 1 Prior to Class on Canvas​
Long, Ch 2.pdf
File Size: 10625 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Kalpa sutra excerpts.pdf
File Size: 11212 kb
File Type: pdf
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2b Thursday, April 13 
Mahāvīra’s Life and the Legacy of “Fordmakers”
  • Dundas, p. 19–44, starting at section "The fordmakers and the ford"​
  • ​Acārāṅga Sūtra (excerpts) H. Jacobi 
Assignments:
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 2 Prior to Class on Canvas
Ācārāṅga-sūtra, Ch 1 annotated.pdf
File Size: 3656 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 3

3a Tuesday, April 18
​​Spread and Schism 
  • Dundas, 45–59
  • Familiarize yourself with the timeline and list of Jain "scriptures" in Kristi Wiley, The A to Z of Jainism, p. xix–xi (no need to read every word; just thumb through)
​​​Assignments:
3b Thursday, April 20
What Exists: The Jain “Reals” 1
  • Dundas, 86-107; stop at section: Kundakunda and the Digambarba Mystical Tradition
  • ​Umāsvāti, excerpt from Tattvārtha-sūtra
​​​​​Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 4 Prior to Class on Canvas
Tattvārtha-sūtra, Ch 1-2.pdf
File Size: 8369 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 4

4a Tuesday, April 25 
What Exists: The Jain “Reals” 2
  • Dundas, 107–111
  • John Cort (2009) “The Cosmic Man and the Human Condition" in Victorious Ones: Jain Images of Perfection, pp. 34–47. (pdf)
  • Kundakunda, excerpt from Samayasāra (focus on the actual numbered verses and engage at least one commentary to gain more insight)
Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 5 Prior to Class on Canvas
  • Reflection 1 due; upload to Canvas by class time
  • Participation self-assessment 1 due; Upload rubric (in syllabus "Assignments") on Canvas by class time *Students will get full credit for this first assessment by filling it out fully, candidly, and with reflection.
Samayasāra excerpts.pdf
File Size: 13806 kb
File Type: pdf
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Cort, The Cosmic Man.pdf
File Size: 8119 kb
File Type: pdf
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4b Thursday, April 27
The Mendicant (Ascetic) Ideal
  • Dundas, 150-186 and 81-83 ("The Five Homages" section only)
  • Wiley, "Namaskāra mantra," p. 153
  • Tattvārtha-sūtra excerpts
Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 6 Prior to Class on Canvas​
Tattvārtha-sūtra, Ch7 annotated.pdf
File Size: 1583 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 5

​5a Tuesday, May 2
The Lay Community
  • Dundas, 200–26
  • Wiley, "Aṣṭamaṅgala," p. 45, and "Aṣṭaprakārī pūjā," p. 45-46)​
​​Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 7 Prior to Class on Canvas​
5b Thursday, May 4 
Intro to Jaina Logic and Doctrine of Many-sided View 
  • Melanie Barbato, Jaina Approaches to Plurality: Identity as Dialog, pp.30-59 bottom (pdf)​
  • Introduce Jainpedia as additional peer-reviewed course source; see above in Resources for note on entering diacritics when searching
​​​Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 8 Prior to Class on Canvas​
Barbato, Ch 3.pdf
File Size: 24020 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 6 (Extra Credit Opportunity this week, Friday 5/12 online or recording)

6a Tuesday, May 9 [ONLINE CLASS]
Doctrine of Many-Sided View​​
  • Guest speaker, Melanie Barbato (Dr. Barbato is also the guest speaker on Friday May 12, 2023 for the Extra credit)
  • Read for class: Barbato, Jaina Approaches to Plurality: Identity as Dialog, I've noted a few sections in Ch 3 to focus on (20 pages total). You can read any other parts you like.
    • pp.72-83 (start at "The Nyāya Inference Model"; stop at "Yaśovijaya's Interpretations"), pp. 87-92 (start at "Śaṅkara's Criticism of Jain Logic"; stop at "Plurality and Perfect Knowledge"); pp. 106-108 (start at "Plurality in the Light of Omniscience"; stop at "Kundakunda's Two Viewpoints"); pp. 111-112 ("Conclusion"). 
​​Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 9 Prior to Class on Canvas​
  • As part of your Quiz 9, you will be asked to prepare 1-2 questions for Dr. Barbato drawing from readings from 5b and 6a; please ask your questions or put them in the chat when prompted if you like. 
6b Thursday, May 11
Nonviolence and the Path to Liberation Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 10 Prior to Class on Canvas​​

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY
Friday May 12, 12:00-2:00pm; Virtually attend the online Shri Parshvanath Presidential Chair of Jain Studies Annual Lecture with Melanie Barbato. Afterwards, contribute to class Canvas Discussion forum between 5/12 and 5/21. Register here. Discussion directions to come.
Jaini, Ahiṃsā: A Jaina Way.pdf
File Size: 6393 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

 Week 7 (visit to Jain Center this week Saturday 5/21; see below)

7a Tuesday, May 16
Considering Pluralism and Anekānta in Ethnographic Practice
  • Anne Vallely, "Anekānta, Ahiṃsā, and the Question of Pluralism" (pdf below)
  • Dundas, 81-83 Five Homages
Assignments
  • Reflection 2 due
  • Self-assessment 2 due
  • Extra credit discussion thread open through May 21, 2pm
vallely_anekānta_ahiṃsā_pluralism.pdf
File Size: 3154 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
7b Thursday, May 18 
Environment (BD review readings)  Assignments
chapple_the_living_earth.pdf
File Size: 7078 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
***VISIT TO JAIN CENTER OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, Saturday May 21 10am-noon 
Students will make their own way to the Jain Center arriving by 9:45am; this visit is needed for Reflection #3 so students should make every effort to attend. 
Those students who cannot attend on this day are welcome to visit *together* on another day. I can provide you a contact person to schedule. If you cannot do either of these options contact me asap for another option. To offset this visit I will cancel one class. TBD.

Week 8

8a Tuesday, May 23
NO CLASS as trade off for Jain Center Visit
8b Thursday, May 25
Animals and Diet
  • Padmanabh Jaini, “Fear of Food: Jaina Attitude on Eating” (281-287 only; stop at last paragraph "Fasting is an act of tapas"
  • Anne Vallely, "Being Sentiently with Others: The Shared Existential Trajectory Among Humans and Nonhumans in Jainism"
  • In-class: Three views on Jain animal shelters (pdf below)
Assignments
Jaini, Ch 16, Fear of Food.pdf
File Size: 1206 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Vallely, Being Sentiently with Others.pdf
File Size: 267 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
jain_animal_shelters-3_perspectives.docx
File Size: 340 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

Week 9 

9a Tuesday, May 30
War and Militarism  ​Assignments
  • Spring 2023 Class evaluations here (due Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 11:50pm); If 70% of class fills out, all receive 2 extra credit points
Dundas, The Nonviolence of Violence.pdf
File Size: 457 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
9b Thursday, June 1 
​Jainism and Gender (BD review readings) Assignments
  • Reflection 3 due
  • Self-assessment 3 due (moved to next Tuesday)
  • Spring 2023 Class evaluations here (due Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 11:50pm); If 70% of class fills out, all receive 2 extra credit points​

Week 10

10a Tuesday, June 6 
Jainism and "Right to Die"? ​Assignments​
  • Self-assessment 3 due
  • ​Go over final exam
  • Spring 2023 Class evaluations here (due Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 11:50pm); If 70% of class fills out, all receive 2 extra credit points​
jaini_sallekhana-holy_death__1_.pdf
File Size: 1264 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
10b Thursday, June 8
​Jainism and "Right to Die"? ​Assignments
  • Spring 2023 Class evaluations here (due Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 11:50pm); If 70% of class fills out, all receive 2 extra credit points
  • Final exam questions
braun_sallekhana.pdf
File Size: 632 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 11

Final Exam
The final exam will be open four days (Sunday June 11, 5pm – Thursday June 15, 5pm). The exam is open book and should reflection your own work only, as aligned with the vow of satya (truth). Exams must be done in one 2 hour and 15 minute sitting. Accommodation time will be added. For those interested, the official exam time was: Thursday, June 15, 1:30-3:30pm.
Students: Please disregard information under this line. These are notes and files for me for future classes.
Possibly use Hemacandra for Week 5a Laity (or grad reading)
Quizzes all the way through? 
cort_green_jainism_.pdf
File Size: 2372 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Hemacandra, Yoga-śāstra excerpt (trans. Qvarnstrom).pdf
File Size: 4705 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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