This course will explore the Jain religious tradition from its roots in ancient India to its contemporary forms worldwide. At the center of Jain philosophy is non-violence, which we will examine through a survey of South Asian history, metaphysics and ethical principles. We will track the migration of Jains across India and to Africa, Europe and the US, identifying and analyzing how members of these communities negotiate between tradition and modernity. This semester’s remote class will include a virtual Jain meditation session as well as virtual tours of two Houston Jain temples, allowing students to experience Jain rituals and practices in the American diaspora. Distribution 1 credit effective Fall 2021.