Course Description
An in-depth study of Hinduism. The philosophy, ritual, iconography, literature, architecture, and social theory of Hinduism, a form of religion and culture that have dramatically shaped the history of South Asia and beyond.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Will be assigned additional readings and short papers on issues
associated with the development of Hinduism; must write a
fifteen-page research paper treating some aspect of Hindu
philosophy, ritual, iconography, etc.
Athena Title
HINDU TRAD
Prerequisite
Third-year standing or permission of department
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This aim of this course is to introduce the student to the basic contours of Hindu thought and practice. It will explore foundational themes concerning the relationship between self, cosmos, and divinity underlying the several sectarian Hindu traditions. Our study will span the archaic period of the Indus Valley, the formative phase of the Vedas and Upanishads, the classical period of theistic development, and the medieval expressions of the devotional poet-saints. Throughout the course, philosophical ideas will be juxtaposed to the literary, artistic, and ritual forms that accompany them. To this end, the course materials include primary textual sources, videos, and slides, as well as background secondary literature. This course will enable the student to become familiar with the variety of religious/life questions raised and solutions offered by the religion of a major civilization - a religion that is held dear by one in six of the earth's people. Communicate Effectively through Writing To strengthen skills in written composition, analysis, and presentation by means of projects such as essays, papers, reports, and examinations. Communicate Effectively through Speech To strengthen skills in oral expression, analysis, style, and interaction by means such as class reports, class discussion, and oral examinations. Computer Literacy To enhance and facilitate computer literacy by the use of word processing, the web, email, and OASIS through research, preparation, and presentation of work such as oral class reports and completion of written assignments. Critical Thinking To foster critical thinking by engaging in activities such as classroom discussion and debate, essay examinations, and oral presentations. Moral Reasoning (Ethics) To assist in the continued development of moral and ethical reasoning and reflection by encouraging creative thinking regarding individual and community concerns and needs, the challenging of prejudices and stereotypes, and examining rational and ethical bases of constructive social interactions.
Topical Outline
1. The Indus Civilization and the Aryan Influx 2. The Vedas I: Cosmos, deva 3. The Vedas II: Sacrifice 4. The Upanishads I: Introduction 5. The Upanishads II: Knowledge and Contemplation 6. Upanishads III: Knowing That 7. The Challenge of the Shramanas Movements 8. Yoga and asceticism 9. Theism: puja and darshan 10. Devi 11. Vishnu 12. Krishna: the Bhagavadgita 13. The Story of Rama and Sita: The Ramayana 14. Shiva 15. Bhakti: In the Presence of the Beloved 16. "The name is your raft:" the saguna saints 17. "Talk and talk and the real things get lost:" the nirguna saints 18. Death and rebirth
Syllabus