BRIANNE DONALDSON
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​
​Karma & Ethics

REL ST 126/PHILOS 117; Fall 2023
TUES/THURS 3:30-4:50pm
​Anteater Learning Pavilion 1120 (map here)

Professor: Brianne Donaldson / [email protected]


Opening Recitation
कर्मण्य् एवाधिकारस् ते मा फलेषु कदाचन ।
मा कर्म-फल-हेतुर् भूर् मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्व् अकर्मणि ॥ ४७ ॥
karmaṇy evādhikāras te mā phaleṣu kadācana |
mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo 'stvakarmaṇi ||
Bhagavad-gītā 2.47 
You have the right to your action only, but not to the fruits of action. Let not the fruit of action be your motivation, nor let your attachment be to inaction.
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This Jain image depicts the ancient game of Snakes and Ladders, which inspired the modern game Chutes and Ladders. Dice rolls lead to virtues or vices and their (karmic) effects. [Source: Victoria and Albert Museum; watercolor on cloth, 19th c.]
​Description: Historically and philosophically, "karma” is explored systematically in the Jain tradition and to a different extent in the Buddhist and Hindu traditions. In this class, we will explore the role karma plays in relation to understanding Self, World, proper ethical action, mental and physical restraint, and/or liberation (mokṣa or nirvāṇa). In addition to drawing upon primary and secondary sources, students will engage in class discussions and explore their own research interest in a final dialogical project that puts karmic accounts into conversation. This class offers an opportunity to win the prestigious UCI Shri Parshvanath Award for Jain Studies. *Thanks to Dr. Steven Vose for sharing syllabus ideas for this class.
IIa. Undergraduate Student Learning Outcomes
  1. Articulate differences between Western notions of “religion,” “ethics,” or “philosophy” and Indian articulations of the same, problematizing “comparative” approaches
  2. Evaluate scholarly theories about the origins of karma in Indian traditions;
  3. Identify the significance of Jain karma in relation to Self, world, rebirth, liberation, and ethical action alongside unique features of Buddhist and Hindu thought.
  4. Complete a research project reflecting a dialogical approach to karma.
 
IIb. Graduate Student Learning Outcomes
In addition to the above learning outcomes, graduates will:
  • Participate in a “grad session” Discussion thread question each week covering an additional weekly grad reading
  • Complete an additional assignment which is a poster and public presentation (See Creating Effective Poster Presentations)
  • Consequently, grad students will fulfill the following additional learning outcomes:
    • 5. Engage Jain studies concepts in relation to critical social issues through additional multi-perspectival readings in a weekly Grad discussion thread
    • 6. Create a public-facing research poster and presentation on their research project (to be displayed online and/or in tandem with the annual UCI Jain Studies Lecture when possible)

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

I'll be hosting visiting hours every week and I'd love to have you visit:
  • Tuesday (starting Oct 3): 2:00–3:00pm 
  • 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 ​
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REQUIRED TEXT

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Karma by Johannes Bronkhorst ​
  • Publisher: University of Hawaii Press 2011
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0824835913

​*OTHER INDIVIDUAL READINGS WILL ALSO BE LINKED IN THE SCHEDULE BELOW.

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 (Oct 13, 2023). After this date, all students can miss two classes without penalty (missing 2 of 16 classes in weeks 3-10 means missing 15% of classes). 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 their two absences for any reason and need not inform me: 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 Oct. 13, 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.  ​
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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.
Suicide Crisis Line 9-8-8 (this is a talk-only line, different from the 911 police/fire line); UCI's Crisis Text Line: Text “Home” to 741741
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. It is also a serious academic offence 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 when not requested to do so. 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.
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ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING

There are 275 points in the class.
1. Attendance
2. Personal Snapshot: What is karma and ethics? (10 pts)  [4%]
3. In-class Participation & Self-assessment (3 x 10; 30 pts total)  [11%]
4. Pre-class quizzes (best 13 of 17 count; 65 pts total)  [23%]
5. Karma in Jaina, Buddhist, and Hindu Tradition Reflections (20 points x 3; 60 pts total) [22%]
6. Final Project: A Karmic Conversation (60 pts total)  [22%]
7. Final Exam (50 pts) [18%]
8. Extra Credit (see below)
​
1. Attendance

Attendance will be taken each session beginning the third week of class (Oct. 13, 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. See the full policy above.

2. Personal Snapshot: What is karma and ethics?; due by session 1a class time (10 pts) 
 [4%]
We'll start this assignment on the first class (9/28). Please open the document here, fill in, and upload by class time on Tuesday 10/3. You will use this snapshot again for the final exam.
Snapshot Reflection on Karma & Ethics.docx
File Size: 13 kb
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​3. In-class Participation & Self-assessment; due sessions 3b, 6b, 9b (3 x 10 pts; 30 pts total) [11%]
In many classes, students will work solo or in changing groups to answer questions about the author, kinds of source, main themes, key terms, and connections to previous readings, concepts, or questions, or to make connections to other cultural views or social happenings. Three times during the quarter students will fill out an online participation self-assessment on Canvas.
Participation Self-assessments (Karma & ethics).docx
File Size: 15 kb
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4. Pre-class quizzes (17 total; best 13 will count; 5 pts each; 65 pts total) [23%]
Before each class, 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 13 highest scores; you can take all 17 quizzes if you like, or skip four, as you wish. NOTE: the quizzes will open on Canvas 24 hours prior to class and close at class time (3:30pm). Late quizzes do not count.

5. Karma in Jaina, Buddhist, and Hindu Tradition Reflections; due sessions 5ba, 8b, 10b (2 @ 24 pts and 1 at 12 pt; 60 pts total) [22%]
Essay 1, Karma and Ethics, updated 10.26.23.docx
File Size: 18 kb
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Essay 2, Karma and Ethics, Updated 11.17.23.docx
File Size: 18 kb
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Essay 3 Worksheet, Karma and Ethics (Bhagavad-gita).docx
File Size: 17 kb
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​6. Final Project: A Karmic Conversation (60 pts total)  [22%]
In this scaffolded project, you will build an essay between two karmic perspectives we've explored this quarter. If you'd like to be considered for the UCI Shri Parshvanath Award for Jain Studies (up to 2 awards of $500), one of the perspectives must be a Jain view. See the rubric here.
Final Project Prompt, Karma and Ethics Conversation.docx
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​7. FINAL EXAM (50 pts) [18%]
The online final exam will pull directly from quizzes and class discussions. A study guide will be emailed by session 10a.
Karma & Ethics Final Exam Study Guide (Fall 23)
File Size: 6088 kb
File Type: docx
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8. Extra Credit (3 opportunities; 15 points total)
1. Bring question when Peter Flügel comes to class on 11/16; see details in syllabus (up to 3pts)
2. Complete class evaluation (if 70% of class completes, all get 2pts)
3. Discussion Forum after Jain Studies Lecture (up to 10pts; details below)
​
Wednesday November 15, 4:00-6:00pm Attend the in-person Jain Studies Lecture Festival talk by Dr. Peter Flügel: Afterwards, contribute to class Canvas Discussion forum between Nov. 15–24. Registration here. *A video should be available of the lecture a few days later.
Extra credit points awarded as follows (up to 10 points):
6pts: RSVP and attend the lecture (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: 6 WAYS TO TAKE NOTES & CHICAGO MANUAL OF STYLE QUICK GUIDE 

5 methods for taking notes in reading and in class
Method #6: This is MY note-taking method for reading; sample to the right
Click to access
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.
BD sample research chart.docx
File Size: 19 kb
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 WEEKLY SCHEDULE ​(and tips for class preparation)

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 alternative questions you can tackle and contribute to class instead of skipping or throwing in the towel:
    • What is the full title and who is the author of the reading? Tell us something briefly about the author.
    • What kind of source is this, according to Chicago Manual of Style quick guide (see link in "Resources" above)? 
    • Identify 1-2 main point/s that will be covered (even better, what support will the author provide for these themes or assertions?)
    • What are 2-3 key terms and definitions we should know? (even better, how do these terms relate together?) 
    • Can you make any connections between this reading and previous readings, concepts, questions, or terms?
    • Reading the opening/closing paragraph and section headings can give you a good deal of information.
    • A rare "pass" in class is perfectly acceptable so long as it does not happen regularly​​

First Meeting

IN FUTURE: INCLUDE BHAGAVATI-SUTRA (HUNTER, ARROW, BOW) AND TS, FOLLOWING DUNDAS. P.  97-102)
Read/watch items in below schedule before coming to class (unless noted by "in-class"). 

Please refresh this syllabus page regularly as readings may change
0b Thursday 9/28 
What is Karma and Ethics?
  • Class discussion and start 
Assignments 
  • Start Snapshot of Karma and Ethics assignment in class

Week 1

1a Tuesday 10/3 
Approaching Ethics in "Comparative" Perspective? 
  • Aristotle, Book I of Nicomachean Ethics, translated by Martin Ostwald (approx. 30 partial pages)
  • Optional reading (graduate students only); Damien Keown, "Karma, Character, and Consequentialism" 
​Assignments
  • Upload Snapshot of Karma and Ethics to Canvas by class time
  • Introduce Participation Self-assessment (see above in "Assignments") and Note-taking methods (see above in "Resources")
Nicomachean Ethics (Ostwald), Book 1.pdf
File Size: 1821 kb
File Type: pdf
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1b Thursday 10/3
Vedic Origins of Karma?
  • Bronkhorst, Karma, Introduction, pp. xv-xxi (2.5 pages)
  • Herman Tull, "Karma," 309-312 (3 pages; pdf below, stop at The Formulation of Karma in the Upaniṣads)
  • Rig Veda, translated by Wendy Doniger, selected hymns (pdf below)
  • In-class: Introducing emic, etic, and methods
Assignments:
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 1 Prior to Class on Canvas​
  • Discuss in-class extra credit opportunity on 11/15 (see "Assignments" above)
Tull, Karma.pdf
File Size: 196 kb
File Type: pdf
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Rig Veda, Translated, Doniger.pdf
File Size: 1214 kb
File Type: pdf
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Week 2

2a Tuesday 10/10
Alternate Histories of Karma
  • Bronkhorst, Karma, Chs. 1-3 (54 pages)
Assignments:
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 2 Prior to Class on Canvas
  • FYI: Meaning of Life Lunch Thursday 10/12, 12:30-1:30 Humanities Hall 303​
2b Thursday 10/12
Karma in the Upaniṣads
  • Tull, "Karma," 312-322; stop at "Karma and Society" section
  • Upaniṣads, selected texts (pdf below; we'll read these in class together; there are no quiz questions on these texts)
​​​Assignments:
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 3 Prior to Class on Canvas
  • In-class: Go over Extra Credit Jain Studies Lecture Festival on 11/15 (see details in "Assignments)
  • In class: Go over Karma Reflection Essay 1 (see details in "Assignments")​
Tull, Karma.pdf
File Size: 196 kb
File Type: pdf
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Upanisad excerpts (trans. Hume).pdf
File Size: 6488 kb
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KARMA IN JAIN TRADITION

Week 3

3a Tuesday 10/17
Karma, Ahiṃsā, and Action in early Śramaṇa traditions
  • Bronkhorst, Karma, 73-75, “The Theoretical Appropriation of Karma in Jainism”
  • Jeffery D. Long, Excerpts of Intro and Ch 2 from Jainism: An Introduction (13 pages; pdf below)
  • Excerpts from Ācārāṅga-sūtra; 2. Sūtrakṛtāṅga-sūtra; 3. Uttarādhyāyana-sūtra (Please read Ācārāṅga before class; the others we'll read together)
  • In class: Watch Faculty Office Hours
​​​​​​Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 4 Prior to Class on Canvas
  • For those who may have joined the class late, familiarize yourself with (1) Karma Reflection Essays and Extra credit opportunity on 11/15 in "Assignments" above, (2) note-taking methods, including my research charts method, in "Resources" section above
Jeffery Long, Intro and Ch 2 excerpts.pdf
File Size: 441 kb
File Type: pdf
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Sūtrakṛtāṅga-sūtra 1.8-12.pdf
File Size: 5513 kb
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Ācārāṅga-sūtra, Lecture 1, annotated.pdf
File Size: 3700 kb
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Uttarādhyayana-sūtra, Lecture 23-25.pdf
File Size: 6634 kb
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3b Thursday 10/19
​Jain Karma Theories
  • Jeffery Long, Ch 4 “The Jain Path” from Jainism: An Introduction (p. 83-97 only; we'll read second half of this chapter for next Tuesday)
  • Umāsvāti, Tattvārtha Sūtra, selections (note for Bri: decide how to to TS here and next session when next teaching).
Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 5 Prior to Class on Canvas
  • 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.
Jeffery Long, Ch 4.pdf
File Size: 368 kb
File Type: pdf
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Week 4

4a Tuesday 10/24
​
Jain Karma Theories: Śvetāmbara and Digambara Views 
  • Jeffery Long, Second half of Ch 4 “The Jain Path” from Jainism: An Introduction (p. 97-115; pdf is above in week 3b)
  • Umāsvāti, Tattvārtha-sūtra, Ch 1, 6-10 (I assigned a part of this last week, but we didn't get a chance to discuss, so please read this version instead).
  • Kundakunda, Samayasāra, Ch. 1 portion, and Ch 4 (Try to understand Kundakunda's *two views* of reality in Ch 1 and how it effects his view of puṇya and pāpa karma in Ch 4).
    • While we will discuss these Jain texts in class, I ask that you try to at least read through the verses to get the feel for each author's approach. Recall that for your final, you'll be putting two perspectives of karma into dialog, so this will help you in that task.
Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 6 Prior to Class on Canvas​
Tattvārtha-sūtra, Ch 1, 6-10.pdf
File Size: 32946 kb
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Samaya-sāra, Ch 1-4.pdf
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4b Thursday 10/26
Layperson Conduct (​śrāvaka-ācāra) and Karma
  • Hemacandra, Yogaśāstra, selections (pdf below)
  • "Guṇa-sthāna," Wikipedia​
​​​Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 7 Prior to Class on Canvas​
Yogaśāstra, by Hemacandra, annotated.pdf
File Size: 6336 kb
File Type: pdf
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Week 5

5a Tuesday 10/31
Knowing, Nonviolence, and Karma (anekāntavāda and ahiṃsā)
  • Andrew Schwartz, "Anekānta-vāda" 
  • Paul Dundas, "Karma" and "Kinds of Karma" (pdf below)
​​​​​​​Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 8 Prior to Class on Canvas​
  • Due date for Essay 1 extended to Sunday 11/5 3:30pm 
Dundas, p. 97-102.pdf
File Size: 3831 kb
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KARMA IN BUDDHIST TRADITION

5b Thursday 11/2
Karma and Ethics in Buddhism
  • Bronkhorst, Karma, 55-64 of Ch. 4, “Karma and Philosophy" (stop at heading "Karma and Brahmanical Philosophies") *Recall that Bronkhorst p. 20-32 which we read as overview earlier this quarter also addresses Buddhism and Karma
  • Peter Harvey, Introduction to An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics (5 pages; pdf below) ​​​​​
  • In class: Practice using The Chicago Manual of Style (link in "Resources" section above)​​​​​​
Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 9 Prior to Class on Canvas​ ​
  • Sunday 11/5, 3:30pm: Essay 1 (Karma in Jain tradition) due​
Harvey, Buddhist Ethics, Intro.pdf
File Size: 3185 kb
File Type: pdf
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Week 6

6a Tuesday 11/7
Karma in the Early Buddhist Canon
  • Read first: ​Harvey, Ch. 1, “The Shared Foundation of Buddhist Ethics,” in An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics (pages marked 8-26; 31-39; pdf below)​
  • Selections on Karma from the Pāli Canon: 1) Dhammapada; 2) and a few early Pāli Canon passages from In the Buddha's Words 
Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 10 Prior to Class on Canvas​​
Harvey, Ethics, Ch 1.pdf
File Size: 19228 kb
File Type: pdf
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Dhammapada excerpts (trans. Roebuck).pdf
File Size: 5056 kb
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Buddha’s Words excerpts (trans. Bodhi).pdf
File Size: 7920 kb
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6b Thursday 11/9
Mahāyāna Buddhism and Socially Engaged Ethics 1​
  • Harvey, Ch. 3, “Mahayana Emphases and Adaptations,” in An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics (p.123-135; 12 pages)
  • Go over prompt for Karma in Buddhist Tradition Reflection (due 8a)
​Assignments
  • Self-assessment 2 due
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 11 Prior to Class on Canvas​​
  • Note: we don't meeting in person next Tuesday (in exchange for the 11/15 extra credit event); please read and prepare for next Thursday 7b when Peter Flügel will join us in class, and work on your Karma in Buddhist Tradition Reflection.
Harvey, Ethics, Ch 3.pdf
File Size: 10854 kb
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 Week 7 (extra credit opportunity this week 11/15; see below)

7a Tuesday 11/14 
No class today; read for Thursday
As part of Thursday's quiz, you will have a chance to submit a question for Peter Flügel for up to 3 points extra credit. 

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY
Wednesday 11/15, 4-6pm. Attend the in-person Jain Studies lecture with Dr. Peter Flügel, "Self, Person, Society: Jaina Philosophy in Comparative Perspective." Afterwards, contribute to class Canvas Discussion forum between 11/15-24. Registration and Discussion details to come. To offset this talk, we will not meet for class on 11/14. 
7b Thursday 11/16
Peter Flügel visit; Mahāyāna Buddhism and Socially Engaged Ethics 2
  • Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh, “The Fourteen Precepts of Socially Engaged Buddhism” 
  • Ken Knabb, “Lessons for Engaged Buddhists and Evading the Transformation of Reality” 
  • Watch in class: What is Engaged Buddhism?
Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 12 Prior to Class on Canvas​​; in the quiz, you'll have a chance to submit a question on karma to submit for Peter Flügel's visit Thursday 11/16 for up to 3 points extra credit. Take a screenshot of your question so you can remember it and ask it in person. ​
  • ​Extra credit discussion thread following Jain Studies Lecture open through Friday, November 24, 3:30pm 

KARMA IN HINDU TRADITION

Week 8

8a Tuesday 11/21
"Brahminical" Duties and the Inactive Self
  • Bronkhorst, Karma, Ch. 3 (35-54; we read the first few pages of this earlier this quarter, so feel free to start with p. 35 "Absence in Vedic Literature" and skip "The Veda" insert if you remember it); and Ch. 4 (55-57, 64-73)
  • ​Selections from The Law Codes of Manu (pdf below)
  • Introduce Bhagavad-gītā briefly in class
Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 13 Prior to Class on Canvas​​
  • Karma in Buddhist Tradition Reflection due: Extended to FRIDAY 11/24 by class time
  • ​Extra credit discussion thread following Jain Studies Lecture open through Friday, November 24, 3:30pm 
Law Codes of Manu, excerpts
File Size: 6466 kb
File Type: pdf
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8b Thursday NO CLASS (American Thanksgiving)
​​Assignments
  • ​​Extra credit discussion thread following Jain Studies Lecture open through Friday, November 24, 3:30pm 

Week 9 

9a Tuesday 11/28
​Dharma, Karma and Bhakti
  • Bronkhorst, Karma, Ch. 8, “Devotion,” (6 pages) 
  • The Bhagavad Gita, Chs. 1-7, translated by Laurie L. Patton (online pdf here) ​​
    • In class: review final project again
    • In class: Group questions on the Gītā (open word doc below)
Assignments
  • Essay 3 Worksheet Due: Brahmanical-Hindu Karma; no quiz today
In class: Bhagavad Gītā group questions.docx
File Size: 16 kb
File Type: docx
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9b Thursday 11/30
Karma and Death​
  • Bronkhorst, Ch 7 (p. 104-10)
  • Monil Shah, "The Bhagavad Gita and The Stoics: 5 Key Timeless Lessons They Both Teach"​
  • In class: Introduce students to Certificate in Jain Studies and Nonviolence
​​Assignments​
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 14 Prior to Class on Canvas​​
  • ​Fall 2023 Class evaluations here (due 12/15, 2023 at 10pm); If 70% of class fills out, all receive 2 extra credit points​

Week 10

10a Tuesday 12/5
Karma and the Environment 
  •  Read Christopher Key Chapple, "The Living Cosmos of Jainism: A Traditional Science Grounded in Environmental Ethics" (pdf below)
  • Read: Pankaj Jain,  "10 Hindu Environmental Teachings" at Huffington Post
  • Watch in class: "The Trap"
  • Provide final exam study guide
​Assignments
  • Self-assessment 3 due
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 15 Prior to Class on Canvas​​
  • ​Fall 2023 Class evaluations here (due 12/15, 2023 at 10pm); If 70% of class fills out, all receive 2 extra credit points​
Chapple. Living Cosmos of Jainism.pdf
File Size: 298 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

10b Thursday 12/7 
Karma and Merit Transfer
  • ​Bronkhorst, Karma, Ch. 5, “Transfer of Merit" (6 pages)
  • In-class: read together section from Naomi Appleton, Karma and Rebirth: Buddhist and Jain Multi-life Stories (pdf below)
Assignments
  • Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 16 Prior to Class on Canvas​​
  • ​Fall 2023 Class evaluations here (due 12/15, 2023 at 10pm); If 70% of class fills out, all receive 2 extra credit points​
  • Group discussion on final projects
  • Final project due TUESDAY 12/12 at class time (3:30pm)​
Appleton excerpt, Karma & Ethics.pdf
File Size: 5773 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Week 11

Final Exam
The final exam will be open for five days (Monday, December 11, 5pm – Friday December 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: Tuesday, Dec 12, 4:00-6:00pm.
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