Middlebury

HIST 0472

Buddhist/Christian Monasticism

“The Religious Life”: Buddhist and Christian Monastic Traditions Compared
Both Buddhism and Christianity include traditions of monasticism, of men and women leaving home for “the religious life.” In this course, we will study and compare Buddhist and Christian monasticism from historical and religious perspectives. We will read primary sources, from the Life of St. Anthony and the Rule of St. Benedict to the verses attributed to the first Buddhist nuns and a Zen monastic code. We will examine monastic vocation, the integration of monasteries into society, and the adaptation of monasticism to different cultures. Throughout, we will highlight the role of gender. We will conclude with attention to contemporary manifestations of monastic culture. This course is equivalent to INTL 0472 and RELI 0472. Pre-1800 3 hr sem.
Subject:
History
Department:
History
Division:
Humanities
Requirements Fulfilled:
CMP HIS PHL
Equivalent Courses:
INTL 0472
RELI 0472 *

Sections in Spring 2009

Spring 2009

HIST0472A-S09 Seminar (Burnham, Morrison)