Topics in Comparative Religion (379-0-27)

Topic

Buddhism and Cinema

Instructors

Rekjong Tashi

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-325: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

Buddhism and Cinema

This course explores the relationship between Buddhism and film from three main perspectives. First, we will critically examine some of the ways contemporary movies portray Buddhism and Buddhists. Second, watching films made by Buddhists, we will consider how they address current issues, such as cross-cultural exchange, gender inequality, the search for meaning, and religious identities. Finally, we will use films to consider a "practice of seeing," encouraging students to think creatively about how they watch and understand films and how this experience might connect to Buddhist ways of seeing and practice. Films will include Kundun (1997), The Silent Holy Stones (2006), and The Monk and the Gun (2023), among others. 

Teaching Method

Class Materials (Required)

Readings will be provided by the instructor.

Class Attributes

Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-Registration -- Reserved for Religion students.