REL 224 Hinduism

Prerequisite: GSTR 210, REL 100, or permission of instructor

An introduction to Hinduism. This course examines the origins, histories, and worldviews of Hindu religions, through studies of local traditions in India, Southeast Asia, and diasporic Hindu communities. The course will explore the major dimensions in the religions and spiritualities of the Vedic traditions that originate from South Asia: formative narratives and traditions; sacred texts and authorities; key beliefs, doctrines, and philosophies; major rituals and practices; distinctive forms of religious experience; gender and identity; moral codes and behavior; forms of social and political life; institutions and leadership; styles of architecture and the arts. The course will also consider selected contemporary issues for Hindu communities. Religion Perspective and Non-Western International Perspective.