More and more people in the USA know something about Buddhism, but what is it? What does it encourage people to do? How? This course is organized around the Eightfold Noble Path, exploring Buddhist ethics and ritual, psychology, and cultivation practices such as meditation. Students will learn about the people, teachings, and institutions of Buddhism. The class will focus on Theravada Buddhism, exploring it historically, philosophically, and anthropologically. Special focus will be placed on matters of gender and race. Some sessions will be dedicated to exploring different Buddhist meditative approaches.