Buddhism and Gender: Gender Dynamics in Buddhist Communi4es: Naviga4ng nunhood in Zanskar and beyond
Buddhism and Gender
LONG ESSAY
Gender Dynamics in Buddhist Communi4es: Naviga4ng nunhood in Zanskar and beyond
Zanskar is a northern Himalayan region located in the Indian territory of Ladakh, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is known for its high mountain ranges, deep valleys, and remote Buddhist monasteries. Zanskar has a unique cultural heritage, with a predominantly Tibetan Buddhist populaCon and a rich tradiCon of monasCc life. For this essay, you will engage with a film and an ethnography that deal with the experiences of women and nuns in Zanskar.
Becoming Woman in Zanskar (2007), a documentary film directed by Jean-Michel Corillion. hPps://youtu.be/9TTDFMa90Zs?si=woEd8iDqTKbe4mGy Click https://youtu.be/9TTDFMa90Zs?si=xok8rgWCOx6hGF4- link to open resource
Being a Buddhist Nun: The Struggle for Enlightenment in the Himalayas (2004) MassachusePs: Harvard University Press, an ethnography* by the anthropologist Kim GutschowSpecifically, the chapters you are required to read are Chapter 1: Gendering MonasCcism (pp. 1-20); Chapter 3: The Buddhist Economy of Merit (pp. 77-123); Chapter 5: Becoming a Nun (pp. 168-198).
You are also encouraged to read the introducCon and the preface. While you are also welcome to scan through the other chapters, it is not mandatory.
*An ethnography is a detailed study and analysis of a parCcular culture or community, typically conducted by an anthropologist through parCcipant observaCon and interviews.
Task
Write an essay that:
A) Explores how cultural and gender norms shape women’s experiences in Zanskar as they enter nunhood and conCnue in their lives as nuns;
B) Compares and contrasts the experiences of women depicted in the film and the ethnography with broader paPerns in Buddhist socieCes;
C) Evaluates the extent to which we can generalise about gender dynamics and women’s empowerment in Buddhist communiCes.
By addressing the three points above, your essay will engage with the specific context of Zanskar and also draw connecCons to broader paPerns in Buddhist socieCes, demonstraCng insight into the intersecCon between Buddhism and gender across different historical and cultural contexts.
Important note:
For this essay, you are expected to draw on content from both the film and the ethnography to support your analysis. AddiConally, you should incorporate other relevant sources and materials, which may include course readings, other journal arCcles and/or book chapters, reputable websites, or films.
Length: 1500 words (including footnotes, not including bibliography, 10% tolerance allowed)
Grading criteria
Totalmark /100
Depth, originality and coherence of analysis: /35
Assesses the depth, originality and coherence of the analysis presented in the essay. Considers how insighjully the student engages with the topic at hand and demonstrates an understanding of key concepts, themes, and issues. Considers how well the analysis/arguments are connected and supported throughout the essay, producing a coherent and logical flow of ideas from beginning to end.
Comprehensiveness and relevance of analysis: /20
Assesses the extent to which the essay thoroughly and appropriately addresses the three specified points outlined in the task instrucCons, ensuring that the analysis is both comprehensive and perCnent to the topic at hand.
IntegraCon of sources: /25
Assesses the effecCveness of integraCng content from the film, the ethnography, and other relevant sources to support the analysis. Considers the relevancy of the sources, the accuracy of citaCons or quotaCons (including Cme-stamps for film scenes and page references from books), and their contribuCon to strengthening the argument and providing comprehensive insights into the topic.
Clarity of expression and essay structure: /10
Evaluates the organisaCon of ideas and the clarity of expression in conveying complex concepts.
Observance of academic convenCons: /10
Assesses the proper use of footnotes and citaCon convenCons and the inclusion of a complete and accurate bibliography.
