Module manager: Dr Mikel Burley
Email: m.m.burley@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2021/22
Any THEO module(s)
| THEO3306 | Hindu Traditions |
This module is approved as a discovery module
The module provides both an introduction to the foundations and development of Hindu traditions (from approximately 1500 BCE to 1600 CE) and a close examination of ideas and practices that bear significantly upon modern-day Hinduism. Consideration is given to the cultural context of the Hindu traditions’ formation, and to the relation of Hindu to other religious traditions in early India. Students will develop skills in independent learning and group discussion of classical Hindu texts, concepts, philosophies and social and ritual movements. The module enables students to develop analytical and methodological approaches essential to the study of religion in particular and to other areas of social scientific and philosophical enquiry more broadly.
On completion of this module, students will understand the foundations and developments of Hindu traditions (circa 1500 BCE to 1600 CE); they will have considered the relationship of Hindu to other religious traditions in early India; they will have gained skills in independent learning, discussion and group work on classical Hindu texts, concepts and social and ritual developments; they will have been encouraged to consider, and prepare for, advanced study on Hinduism at Master's level.
This module will enable students to develop analytical and methodological approaches essential to the study of religion in particular and to other social sciences and humanities subject areas more broadly.
- Introduction to Harappan and Aryan religion and society and to Vedic texts (particularly Rig Veda and early Upanishads).
- Thematic study of Bhagavad Gita or Ramayana (dharma, yoga, karma, bhakti).
- Historical investigation of early Hindu social identities, ritual responsibilities, sectarian developments and philosophical movements.
- Critical analysis of the concept of Hinduism and of issues concerning Orientalism in the study of religions.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 178 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
178 hours - Seminar preparation; essay preparation; revision; course reading.
Observation of student participation in seminar discussions
• Checking of the notes that students have made in preparation for seminars
• Feedback on partial essay drafts and one-to-one discussion during the tutor’s office hours
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2000 words (end of module) | 50 |
| Essay | 2000 words (mid-module) | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 06/07/2021
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