Dear colleagues,

The Ghent Centre for Buddhist Studies at Ghent University, in collaboration with the Centre for Research on Culture and Gender and with support from the Ghent University Doctoral Schools and the Tianzhu Foundation, is proud to present a lecture by Natasha Heller (Associate Professor of Chinese Religions, University of Virginia). This so-called "hot topic" lecture will take place within the context of our doctoral school on "Women and Nuns in Chinese Buddhism." It will take place on June 6, 2019; 19:00-21:00 in Auditorium P (Zaal Jozef Plateau), Campus Boekentoren, Ghent University.

The lecture is open to all and is free of charge. There is no need to register in advance. For directions, refer to the following link: https://soleway.ugent.be/routes/4440

Abstract

Despite oft-expressed commitments to diversity, American institutions of higher learning remain centered on white men.  If we agree that the academy would better serve its purpose with a more diverse faculty, how is such an aim achieved?  In this talk I will consider how we talk about gender, diversity, and inclusion, and what these terms mean for different stages and dimensions of academic life.  Through case studies of the disciplines of Religious Studies and Asian Studies, I will consider how the issues of gender and diversity vary in different fields of study—and what this might teach us about the challenges of transforming the academy into a more inclusive space.

Best regards,

Ben Van Overmeire