Module manager: Olivia Porter
Email: O.C.Porter@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
THEO2201 Hindu Traditions THEO2220 Buddhism THEO2900 The Sikh Tradition
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module takes a detailed look at one or more traditions that have originated in India, most notably Hindu, Buddhist, or Sikh traditions. Central to each of these traditions is the concept of dharma, which, though difficult to translate into English, has associations with religion, law, ethics, duty, and doctrine. The module will typically include discussion of religious, mythological, philosophical, and/or political themes. Reference will be made to the religions under study both in their Asian contexts and in the wider diaspora. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
The module explores key elements of the traditions, texts, and lived realities of one or more religions that originated in the Indian subcontinent. In any given year, these may comprise Hindu, Buddhist, or Sikh traditions. Indicative topics that may be covered in relation to the respective religions include historical origins and development; mythological and doctrinal texts; ritual practices and customs; ethical values and political action; contemporary debates; issues of gender and sexuality; migration and diasporic communities.
The module will be taught by means of lectures and seminars, which complement students’ private study. Lectures present an overview of the traditions and key issues being studied. This provides the necessary background for productive small-group discussions in seminars, for which students prepare by engaging with set readings and other study materials.
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Interpret and analyse a textual passage from a primary source.
2. Accurately describe and explain, with reference to religions that originated in India, important concepts and doctrines and their implications for the beliefs and practices of religious adherents.
3. Formulate a coherent argument in response to set questions about the texts, traditions, or practices of the religions studied.
4. Critically analyse similarities and differences within or between the religions studied.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Communicate ideas and understanding clearly and concisely, using appropriate academic language. (Academic and Work Ready skill)
6. Critically analyse source material and demonstrate independence of thought. (Academic and Work Ready skill)
7. Search for appropriate material to support knowledge and analysis of topics. (Academic, Work Ready, Digital and Sustainability skill)
8. Employ standards of academic integrity, including when and how to appropriately acknowledge someone else’s work. (Academic and Work Ready skill)
The module content may vary from year to year but will include subjects such as:
- The concept of dharma
- Origins and development of key religious traditions in the Indian subcontinent: Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh
- Interrelations between different dharma traditions
- Teachings, texts, doctrines, key stories
- Conceptions of the divine (God, gods, goddesses, other divine powers)
- Forms of practice (ritual, festival, devotional music, meditation)
- Ethical and political issues: gender, sexuality, identity, authority
- Migration and diaspora: dharma traditions in and beyond Asia
- Dharma traditions in the media
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 179 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 21 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Prior to submitting the textual analysis, students have the opportunity to speak with the module tutor about the assignment during student hours.
Feedback and a provisional mark on the textual analysis will be provided in advance of the deadline for the essay, thereby giving students feedback on their progress.
Prior to submitting the essay, students are encouraged to submit an essay plan. Students have the option of receiving written or verbal feedback on their plan.
Students’ progress is also monitored by their contributions to seminar discussions.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 70 |
| Coursework | Textual analysis | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resits will take the same format as the original assessment but with analysis of a different text for the textual analysis and selection of a different essay question from the set list for the essay.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team