Exam Topics - REL 408 Buddhism and Women

The exam will be in two parts. Part I will be on matters related to Writing Papers. Part II will be on topics covered thus far in the readings and lectures. If you will not be here on Tuesday, May 2 to take the exam, you must make prior arrangements by Tuesday, April 25. You must receive prior permission for absence as well as to take the exam separately. Only exceptional cases will be allowed.

The exam will be multiple choice, and as covered in the syllabus, will count 10% of your grade. There is only one right answer per question. If there appears to be more than one right answer, pick the best answer.

If you have any questions about the exam or the topics included in the exam, please ask. You can come in during office hours, make an appointment or inquire by email.

Part I: Writing Papers

Read the following essays and guidelines that are posted on the Writing Papers links on my web pages:

I. Four Keys to Writing in the Humanities

II. Four Stages of Writing

III. Paper Writing Guidelines

IV. Writing: The Bridge between Consciousness and Unconsciousness
 
 

Part II: Readings and Lectures

Mahayana Buddhism

• What is emptiness, and according to Mahayana Buddhists, how does emptiness distinguish the Mahayana from earlier Buddhism? How is the two-fold truth of form and emptiness expressed in the "Goddess" chapter of the Vimalakirti Sutra?
• What implications does emptiness have for gender and sex?

Rosemarie Tong, Feminist Thought

• According to Rosemarie Tong, what are the main characteristics of the following types of feminist thought: liberal, radical (libertarian and cultural), Marxist-socialist schools of feminism; psychoanalytic, existentialist, and postmodern feminism.

Pema Chodron, "No Right, No Wrong"

• What does Chodron mean by "No Right, No Wrong"? If there is no right, no wrong, then what is the basis of ethics, of Buddhist wisdom, compassion?

Broughton Coburn, Aama in America

• According to her native Hindu-Nepali beliefs, what is the rationale for her trip to America?
• For Broughton Coburn, why does he want her to make this journey?

Natalie Goldberg, Long Quiet Highway

• For Natalie Goldberg, how are writing and Zen practice similar? How are they different?