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
The Hindu Tradition
Prerequisite
Third-year standing or permission of department
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will explore foundational themes concerning the relationship between self, cosmos, and divinity underlying the several sectarian Hindu traditions.
Students will compare and contrast Hindu philosophical ideas and their accompanying literary, artistic, and ritual forms.
Students will engage with primary textual sources, course readings, and background secondary literature to form their own conclusions.
Students will develop an awareness and knowledge of the variety of life questions raised by Hinduism and the solutions offered, and compare these with their own perspectives.
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
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
