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History of Dharmaśāstras II

This is the second course in a two-part survey course that provides an overview of dharma literature from the Hindu tradition. The course introduces students to the rich variety of literature concerning Dharma. Topics covered include the nature of reality, ethics, cosmology, politics, economics, jurisprudence, and various public, professional, familial and personal duties, obligations of human beings. Ritual practices range from large-scale sacrifices such as Aśvamedha and Agnicayana to daily rituals such as feeding the needy (cf. pañcamahāyajña) and contributions to social justice (dānadharma). Texts include dharmasūtras (Gautama, Āpastamba, Manu), Epics and Purānas, and medieval commentarial literature of the tradition.

 

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Course Code: HSF 6006

Credit Hours: 3

Course Level: 600

This is the second course in a two-part survey course that provides an overview of dharma literature from the Hindu tradition. The course introduces students to the rich variety of literature concerning Dharma. Topics covered include the nature of reality, ethics, cosmology, politics, economics, jurisprudence, and various public, professional, familial and personal duties, obligations of human beings. Ritual practices range from large-scale sacrifices such as Aśvamedha and Agnicayana to daily rituals such as feeding the needy (cf. pañcamahāyajña) and contributions to social justice (dānadharma). Texts include dharmasūtras (Gautama, Āpastamba, Manu), Epics and Purānas, and medieval commentarial literature of the tradition.

 

Registration for this course is not open yet

SKU: N/A Category:

Description

Learning Outcomes:

Readings for the course will demonstrate the complexity of being human, being ethical, and exploring the ultimate meaning of life. Although the course is designed as an overview, we will focus on crucial issues concerning social justice: inequalities in income, privilege, caste, access to resources and education, and the consequences of bad governments and individual greed. The course is based on P. V. Kane’s comprehensive work History of Dharmaśāstra. 

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 

    (1) Understand the breadth and depth of the textual tradition of dharma 

    (2) Know key texts, their chronology, key concepts and the debates surrounding  them; 

    (3) Learn how to read, interpret and research based on primary texts; and 

    (4) Knowledgeably draw on the tradition for understanding contemporary issues.

Area of Study: Hindu Studies Foundations

Required/ Elective: Elective

Prerequisites: Completion of History of Dharmaśāstras I

Instructor: Dr. Vishwa Adluri

Quarter Offered: TBD

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