Hindu Traditions:
What exactly is Hinduism? Many have remarked on the overwhelming variety of Hindu traditions: the plethora of gods, the richness and range of mythological traditions, the great variety of festivals. in this course, we examine the diversity of Hindu traditions from a number of perspectives. We will reflect on what this diversity means - How can we define Hinduism? Who is a Hindu? What have people understood "Hinduism" to be? We will familiarize ourselves with key concepts, ceremonies and narratives (from the Vedas to the Ramayana, from sacrifice to marriage) through the eyes of men and women, upper- and lower-castes, on the Indian subcontinent and around the world. We will also learn how issues of social and gender equality have been debated in the language of Hindu traditions, thereby building a foundation for understanding the gender struggles, class conflict, and sectarian strife in modern India. 3 units. Same as L06 ANECC 348, L22 History 3480, L97 IAS 3480.
Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion:
What is religion? In this course, we will explore how religious ritual may help to clarify the nature and function of religion. We will first consider some "classic" theories of religion and ritual, such as those of James Frazer, Sigmund Freud, Emile Durkheim, Mircea Eliade, Max Weber, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, and Clifford Geertz. NOTE: This course is required for Religious Studies majors and minors. It is recommended that this course be taken after completion of L23 105 (or L23 202) and L23 106. 3 units. Same as L98 AMCS 3688.
Religion and Politics in South Asia: Writing Intensive Seminar:
The relationship between religion, community, and nation is a topic of central concern and contestation in the study of South Asian history. This course will explore alternative positions and debates on such topics as: changing religious identities; understandings of the proper relationship between religion, community, and nation in India and Pakistan; and the violence of Partition (the division of India and Pakistan in 1947). The course will treat India, Pakistan, and other South Asian regions in the colonial and post-colonial periods. This course satisfies the modern course requirement for the history major. PREREQ: SEE HISTORY HEADNOTE. 3 units. Same as home course L22 History 38C8.
Gurus, Saints, And Scientists: Religion In Modern South Asia:
Many long-standing South Asian traditions have been subject to radical reinterpretation, and many new religious movements have arisen, as South Asians have grappled with how to accommodate their traditions of learning and practice to what they have perceived to be the conditions of modern life. In this course we will consider some of the factors that have contributed to religious change in South Asia, including British colonialism, sedentarization and globalization, and new discourses of democracy and equality. We will consider how new religious organizations were part and parcel with movements for social equality and political recognition; examine the intellectual contributions of major thinkers like Swami Vivekananda, Sayyid Ahmad Khan, and Mohandas Gandhi; and explore how Hindu, Islamic, and other South Asian traditions were recast in the molds of natural science, social science, and world religion. 3 units. Same as L97 IAS 3670.
South Asian Traditions In Practice: Ritual, Spectacle, Self:
What is ritual, what do rituals mean, how do rituals work? In this course we will explore different perspectives on how ritual practice can be effective: How do ritual performances express or reconcile core cultural values? How do forms of worship produce, reinforce, or alter relationships of kinship, hierarchy or power? How are regimens of practice employed for making the self? We will explore these questions through detailed study of forms of practice in Hindu, Islamic, Jain, and other South Asian traditions: public processions; dramatic performance; domestic rites; meditation and worship; diet and bodily discipline. Course aims: to deepen our understandings of religion, society, and politics in general, and of South Asian culture and history in particular. No prerequisites, prior coursework in L23 250F The Hindu Traditions recommended. 3 units. Same as L22 History 3920, L97 IAS 3920.
