Description
Course Content:
An overview and insight into the design of the curriculum offered by the Hindu University of America. A survey of the central ideas of Hinduism – covering an Ontology of key Sanskrit terms and the principal ideas that are central to the cosmology, practice, and expressions of Sanatana Dharma. The course – orientation to Hindu studies- will include reflections and perspectives on these core concepts, using selected readings from source texts such as the Vedas, Upaniṣhads, Sutras, Itihaasa, Bhagavad-Gītā, Purāṇas and Dharma-Śhāstras. The Hindu world-view based on Dharma with its emphasis on duties and responsibilities and sustainability of life will be contrasted with contemporary ideologies and their focus on rights and privileges, competition and survival of the fittest. The distinction between a discourse of knowledge and a discourse of power will be drawn out.
Area of Study: Hindu Studies Foundation
Program: Certificate Program in Hindu Studies, Community Education Program, Doctor of Philosophy in Hindu Studies, Master of Arts in Hindu Studies
Required/ Elective:
Prerequisites: This course is a recommended prerequisite for all students who wish to enter into the Graduate program.
Faculty: Mr. Kalyan Viswanathan(along with others)
Learning Objectives:
In this course students will be able to:
- Explore various options and trajectories available within the Hindu Studies Program
- Distinguish the central ideas and concepts that constitute the Foundations of Hindu Dharma; Reflect on the Hindu Studies Foundations area.
- Inquire into and evaluate different elective areas of study and Courses offered: Sanskrit Studies, Texts and Traditions, History and Method, Post-Colonial Hindu studies, and Conflict and Peace studies.
- Distinguish between pathways towards a deep study of Hindu thought, or towards deep engagement with western thought from a Hindu perspective
- Discover and Create customized pathwa for engagement with the Hindu Studies curricula
Time: 09:00 pm EST – 10:30 pm EST
Start Date: 16th July 2021
End Date: 24th September 2021
Day: Friday
Quarter Offered: Summer 2021
