Assignment #2: Videos about Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism

You are required to answer 9 out of 12 questions. Questions 1 and 2 are mandatory; you can select which ones to respond to for the remaining 7. Please be aware that I will only grade a maximum of 9 questions, and failing to answer questions 1 and 2 will result in lost points, even if you complete 9 questions.

Please adhere to the following guidelines: do not include the questions themselves, write in complete sentences, double-space your work, use a 12-point font, and number each question appropriately. Be sure to elaborate on your answers and include examples when relevant. Assignments must follow these instructions to be graded.

Required questions

Question #1 from different videos. 17 points

a. From the video, “Kali Dishtiya – from a ritual healing ceremony in Sri Lanka,” what do you think are the three most important functions of this ritual about women (how aspects of the ritual serve women) 3 points

b. In the video “Borders,” which explores women celebrating the Day of the Dead, what are three key functions of this ritual about death, and in what ways does it empower women? 4 points

c. In the video “Papua New Guinea Council of Churches Christian Women to Host 7th Triennial Conference,” what are the two main issues women express their deepest concerns about? Furthermore, what strategies do they intend to employ to tackle these challenges? 3 points

d. From the video, “Watch: Black Female Rabbi”, in what three ways does the black female rabbi dismantle common stereotypes (make sure to identify the three stereotypes first)? 3 points

e. Drawing on insights from the four videos, which of the following practices—spirit possession, leading the celebration of the Day of the Dead, participating in a cause-driven female alliance, or becoming a black rabbi—do you believe is the most empowering for women and how? 4 points

Question #2. From the video “Honor Killings in Pakistan: The Kohistan Case”: 12 points

a. Under which circumstances honor killings usually take place? 1 point What are two different ways women bring dishonor to the family? 2 points  

b. How are honor killings justified? 1 point According to Human Rights Activist, Dr. Farzana Bari, what is the underlying issue behind the honor killings? 1 point 

c. Who are the perpetrators and the victims? 2 points What makes it difficult to resolve these crimes? 1 point

d. Mention two countries in the world besides Pakistan, that practice honor killings? 2 points What are the statistics of honor killings in the world? 1 point 

e. Discuss how religion is involved or not involved in the killings in Pakistan. 1 point

Choose any 7 of the following questions:

Question #3. From the video, “The Deep Meaning Behind an Orthodox Jewish Wedding”: 4 points

a. Identify three unique aspects of marriage and the wedding ceremony within the Orthodox Jewish tradition. 3 points

b. What role do you think class/economic access has in the success of the wedding? 1 point

Question #4. From the video, “Israel: Liberals Clash with Ultra-Orthodox Jews over Jerusalem’s Western Wall”: 3 points

a. Which Jewish groups are involved in the controversy related to women, and what is the point of view of each of the groups? 2 points

b. Explain the position of the Israeli government. 1 point

Question #5. From the video, “Watch: The Buddha’s Forgotten Nuns”: 8 points

a. What is the main issue of contention? 1 point

b. Are all nuns completely agreeable? Explain two different positions of nuns. 2 points

c. Do all monks agree? Give an example. 1 point

d. How does the response in Thailand compare to that in Australia? Include the influence of Westerners. 2 points

e. What was the Dalai Lama’s position on the issue (in the 2007 Buddhist conference)? 1 point

f. How can the ideas “It is all in our heart” and “We must transcend gender” be a double-edged sword or manipulated? 1 point

Question #6. From the video, “The millennial nuns practicing a forbidden ancient skill”: 4 points

a. How did this video change the usual idea of nunnery? Give two examples. 2 points

b. In what two ways this nunnery experience is more or less beneficial than the experience of other Buddhist nuns and Catholic nuns? 2 points

Question #7. From the video, “Exploring the ‘Kingdom of Women’ in China”: 6 points

a. In which part of China is the Kingdom of Women located, and what is the ethnic group’s name? 2 points

b. How is the experience of women in this region of China distinct in three specific ways, taking into account factors such as labor, social and political representation, lineage, living arrangements, romantic relationships, and religious practices? 3 points

c. What potential threats could jeopardize the continuation of the ‘Kingdom of Women’? 1 point

Question #8. From the video, “Sexual Energy-Women’s Taoist Practice, Solla Pizzuto & Jutta Kellenberger”: 4 points

a. Explain the main technique discussed by the two teachers, and how it can help women? 2 points

b. Is there something comparable in Christianity or another religion? Explain if your answer is yes or no. 2 points

Question #9. From the video, “Faith and Feminism: Women and Christianity”: 6 points

a. What was the early role of women in European Christianity and when did it change? 2 points

b. Mention one woman who became a saint/Doctor of the Catholic Church? 1 point

c. In what ways does female leadership in the Catholic Church differ from that in the Protestant Church? Please provide an example. 1 point

d. How did the Dean of the American Cathedral in Paris answer when the journalist asked her if she was a feminist? 1 point

e. What is the position of the Vatican and Pope Francisco regarding women’s leadership? 1 point

Question #10. From “What Islam Really Says About Women | Alaa Murabit”: 5 points

a. How does Alaa’s experience challenge stereotypes surrounding Islam and Muslim women? 1 point

b. What has been her primary religious strategy to promote and advocate for increased women’s participation? 1 point

c. What is your reaction to her expression that when women were “sitting at the table” in 2011 to discuss the country’s war situation, they “were not holding hands or mediums”? 2 points

d. Have people accepted what she is doing? Provide an example(s). 1 point

Question #11. About Sikhism: 3 points

a. Were you surprised to find out that Sikh leaders prohibit interfaith weddings in the UK? Discuss why yes or why not (consider a characteristic unique to Sikhism).1 point

b. From “Guru Nanak, Sikhism & Women Empowerment”: How do the views of the Sikh female leader on women’s roles in Sikhism align with those of Reverend Lucinda Laird regarding women in Christianity? Begin by discussing each position individually, followed by a comparison of the two.

2 points

Question #12 (based on four videos). 5 points