Religion 329 - Buddhism in North America

In this course we will explore the diverse nature of Buddhist identity and practice in contemporary North America. After an overview of the major Buddhist traditions in North America, we will explore key factors in the shaping of North American Buddhist identities and practices, such as race, ethnicity and gender; immigration and conversion; meditation movements (including in prisons); social activism; North American forms of monasticism; and Buddhism in the popular media. No prior background required to take this course.