Chinese Buddhist Women’s Biographies
Admission requirements
Buddhism. It is not a replacement for Introduction to Buddhism, and assumes knowledge of Chinese history, basic Buddhist ideas, doctrines and history such as would be acquired by satisfactory completion of Introduction to Buddhism. If in doubt, contact the instructor. Ability to read Classical Chinese is necessary.
Description
This course examines the the writing of Buddhist women’s biographies in Chinese history and how they were informed and shaped by Chinese biographical tradition. Students will first familiarize themselves by sampling biographical accounts of different genres including standard history and hagiography in China, before focusing on reading the Lives of Eminent Nuns and Lives of Eminent Monks from the fifth century, as well as the Biographies of Good Women (Buddhist laywomen) from the mid-eighteenth century, the sole collection of its kind in China. By tracing the evolution of Buddhist biographical writing, students will learn how Buddhism as a way of life developed in China even as its recipients gradually assimilated it into their own. Close and critical reading of the primary sources in Chinese is emphasized. These sources will be combined with secondary readings.
Course objectives
Students will develop critical abilities in close reading of original sources from Chinese Buddhist biographical and hagiographical literature; they will improve their reading skills in Classical Chinese and enhance their knowledge of Chinese Buddhism as well as its impact on Chinese culture.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Seminar
Attendance is mandatory.
Assessment method
The course will be evaluated on a combination of final paper and engaged, informed and regular class participation. Weekly short assignments will be accepted on a pass/no credit basis, and the final paper will be discussed much in advance. Students will submit a draft for close discussion, which will not graded. Since a draft is required, and will provide the opportunity for all necessary revision, this will obviate the need for any resit.
Assessment and weighing
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average of the following:
| Partial Assessment | Weighing |
|---|---|
| In class informed participation | 30% |
| Regular written papers | 10% |
| Final paper | 60% |
In order to pass the course, students need a passing mark (“voldoende”, i.e. “5.50” or higher) for the course as a whole AND [for a particular part ].
Resit
Only the final paper may be resubmitted.
Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will be organized.
Reading list
Reading list TBA. As far as possible, freely available materials will be assigned.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Registration À la carte education, Contract teaching and Exchange
Information for those interested in taking this course in the context of À la carte education (without taking examinations), e.g. about costs, registration and conditions.
Information for those interested in taking this course in the context of Contract teaching (including taking examinations), e.g. about costs, registration and conditions.
Exchange students having questions regarding registration, may contact the Humanities International Office.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office Herta Mohr
Remarks
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