Course content: This course involves approximately 16 One-Hour sessions delivered in one quarter. These sessions will cover a variety of topics and themes, such as:
- Hindu History – How ancient is Hinduism really?
- The Ramayana – Historical Figure or Mythical Hero
- The Mahabharata – Did the Kurukshetra war actually happen?
- The Spread of Hindu thought and ideas around the world
- Hindu conception of Divinity – Understanding Gods and Goddesses
- Hindu conception of Divinity – Consciousness, and Matter
- Hindu symbolism – Representing the Divine
- Hindu conception of Divinity – Male and Female divinities
- Hindu Sampradaya and Parampara – Rishi, Guru, Yogi, Acharya
- Hindu Cosmology, Astronomy, Calendar – Jyotisha
- Hindu accomplishments and contributions to the world
- The Hindu worldview and lifestyle – the emphasis on spirituality
- The Hindu Social System – Varna, Jati and the so-called Caste system
- Women in Hindu Society – Breaking some myths
- Invasions, Colonization, and India’s Freedom Struggle
- Hindu Life today – Being happy, healthy, organic and responsible
Learning Objectives:
In this course students will be able to:
- Develop a deeper understanding of the history, culture, and traditions of Hinduism
- Discover the various ways in which Hindus conceptualize and relate to the Divine
- Examine the wisdom of ancient Hindu traditions in the light of contemporary life
- Revisit and Clarify certain pervasive myths that are prevalent regarding Hinduism
- Recognize the place of Hinduism in the world and its contribution to humanity
- Discover new conversational spaces within the family unexplored so far
- Learn to describe and talk about Hindu ideas and thought with others
This course can be taken as the inaugural course of a whole series titled “Exploring Hinduism – The Overview”, or as a stand-alone course. It can be enjoyed by teenagers in the age group 12-18, on their own or together with their parents. Alternatively, parents who have teens may also benefit from this course.
Required/Elective: Elective
Prerequisites: None
Faculty/Instructor: Dr. D.K. Hema Hari & Dr. D. K. Hari
Quarter Offered: Summer 2020
Area of Study: Hindu Studies Foundation
Start Date: 8 July 2020
End Date: 15 August 2020
Day: Every Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Time: 9.30 pm – 10:30 pm – EST