Concentration in Veganism, Animals, and Ecology for the MA – Engaged Jain Studies Track
The Veganism, Animals, and Ecology concentration is part of the MA in Engaged Jain Studies program offered by Claremont School of Theology (CST). Arihanta Institute faculty are engaged at CST as Adjunct Faculty members under an academic agreement, contributing their expertise and teaching courses within this concentration.
To complete the Veganism, Animals, and Ecology concentration, graduate students take 3 courses (9 credits), which may include courses taught by Arihanta Institute faculty as part of the program. These courses are designed to integrate Jain philosophical principles with contemporary issues related to veganism, animal ethics, and ecology. Possible course options include:
The Jain Veganism in the History of Global Veganism graduate seminar offers a global history of vegetarianism and other dietary trends that contributed to the eventual emergence of modern-day veganism. Two additional courses, Food Politics in South Asia and Beyond and Veganism, Climate Change, and Environmental Justice, address regional and global concerns related to the transition to plant-based food systems. The former course examines the religious, cultural, economic, and political dimensions of food systems in South Asia, while the latter focuses on the global impact of climate change on existing food systems and the shift toward plant-based alternatives. These courses support both South Asian and global perspectives, as highlighted in the subtitle of the Engaged Jain Studies MA track.
In addition to these courses taught by Arihanta Institute faculty teaching as adjunct faculty at CST, students may fulfill the 9-credit requirement by taking relevant courses offered at CST in consultation with their advisor.
To complete the Veganism, Animals, and Ecology concentration, graduate students take 3 courses (9 credits), which may include courses taught by Arihanta Institute faculty as part of the program. These courses are designed to integrate Jain philosophical principles with contemporary issues related to veganism, animal ethics, and ecology. Possible course options include:
- Jain Veganism in the History of Global Veganism
- Food Politics in South Asia and Beyond
- Veganism, Climate Change, and Environmental Justice
The Jain Veganism in the History of Global Veganism graduate seminar offers a global history of vegetarianism and other dietary trends that contributed to the eventual emergence of modern-day veganism. Two additional courses, Food Politics in South Asia and Beyond and Veganism, Climate Change, and Environmental Justice, address regional and global concerns related to the transition to plant-based food systems. The former course examines the religious, cultural, economic, and political dimensions of food systems in South Asia, while the latter focuses on the global impact of climate change on existing food systems and the shift toward plant-based alternatives. These courses support both South Asian and global perspectives, as highlighted in the subtitle of the Engaged Jain Studies MA track.
In addition to these courses taught by Arihanta Institute faculty teaching as adjunct faculty at CST, students may fulfill the 9-credit requirement by taking relevant courses offered at CST in consultation with their advisor.
Why Study Veganism, Animals, and Ecology alongside Engaged Jain Studies?
The Veganism, Animals, and Ecology concentration within the MA in Engaged Jain Studies program offered by CST, enriches students’ critical engagement with Jain ethical practices and their application to contemporary issues. Vegetarianism has been a core practice within Jainism for thousands of years, distinguishing the tradition with a level of emphasis, longevity, and adherence unmatched by other religious traditions. While many outside the Jain community may know of Jainism primarily for its strict vegetarianism, this practice is rooted in a deep concern for the welfare of animals and all forms of life. Currently, veganism is gaining prominence around the world, driven by the same ethical principles, but adapted to current geographic, economic, and agricultural contexts. This evolution of tradition, however, is not without both emic and etic debate.
In the broader context, "veganism" has become a significant topic in mainstream discourse, with increasing numbers of individuals adopting vegetarian, flexitarian, and vegan diets each year. Young people, in particular, recognize veganism as a central point where pressing social justice issues intersect, including animal rights, preventative health care, food justice, environmental justice, climate change, and labor rights.
By studying the Veganism, Animals, and Ecology concentration within the MA in Engaged Jain Studies program at CST, students are uniquely positioned to explore the intersection of Jain ethics with contemporary global challenges. The program not only deepens students’ understanding of Jain philosophical principles but also equips them with the knowledge and tools to engage meaningfully with critical issues such as environmental sustainability, animal advocacy, and social justice. Graduates of the program will be prepared to contribute to academic, social, and professional fields, advancing the application of Jain teachings in addressing today’s most pressing ethical and ecological concerns.
The Veganism, Animals, and Ecology concentration within the MA in Engaged Jain Studies program offered by CST, enriches students’ critical engagement with Jain ethical practices and their application to contemporary issues. Vegetarianism has been a core practice within Jainism for thousands of years, distinguishing the tradition with a level of emphasis, longevity, and adherence unmatched by other religious traditions. While many outside the Jain community may know of Jainism primarily for its strict vegetarianism, this practice is rooted in a deep concern for the welfare of animals and all forms of life. Currently, veganism is gaining prominence around the world, driven by the same ethical principles, but adapted to current geographic, economic, and agricultural contexts. This evolution of tradition, however, is not without both emic and etic debate.
In the broader context, "veganism" has become a significant topic in mainstream discourse, with increasing numbers of individuals adopting vegetarian, flexitarian, and vegan diets each year. Young people, in particular, recognize veganism as a central point where pressing social justice issues intersect, including animal rights, preventative health care, food justice, environmental justice, climate change, and labor rights.
By studying the Veganism, Animals, and Ecology concentration within the MA in Engaged Jain Studies program at CST, students are uniquely positioned to explore the intersection of Jain ethics with contemporary global challenges. The program not only deepens students’ understanding of Jain philosophical principles but also equips them with the knowledge and tools to engage meaningfully with critical issues such as environmental sustainability, animal advocacy, and social justice. Graduates of the program will be prepared to contribute to academic, social, and professional fields, advancing the application of Jain teachings in addressing today’s most pressing ethical and ecological concerns.
Apply Today!
To schedule an appointment with a faculty advisor from Claremont School of Theology (CST) and learn more about the program, please email: admission@cst.edu.
Additionally, you may contact Arihanta Institute faculty advisors, who serve as Adjunct Faculty at CST, at: study@arihantainstitute.org.
Additionally, you may contact Arihanta Institute faculty advisors, who serve as Adjunct Faculty at CST, at: study@arihantainstitute.org.