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
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.
