BUDDHISM AND BLACK AMERICA. What do American Blacks have to do with Buddhism? Is there such a thing as Black Buddhism? In the course, we will examine African American perspectives on Buddhism. We will explore the writings of Black intellectuals and other Black leaders who are Buddhist and investigate questions like: what were their religious traditions in their formative years? If a convert, how did they encounter Buddhism? What drew them to Buddhism? What Buddhist traditions have they joined? Is there a relationship to other spiritual traditions, such as Dharmic and indigenous traditions? What roles do African American religious movements play in their Buddhist belief and practice? What challenges have they faced in teachings and practice in the sanghas (Buddhist communities)? This course will examine African American experiences in Buddhism through the intersectional lenses of race, class, gender, sexuality, and religion, as well as Buddhist concepts such as emptiness (sunyata), no-self (anatta), oneness (aikyam), and dukkha (suffering). "Buddhism and Black America" is suitable for intermediate MA and M.Div. students. This course is taught by PhD student Angela Lintz-Small with a Newhall Award, under the supevision of Scott Mitchell. A concurrent hybrid option will be available.