Paper 2307
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Hinduism: Sources and Formations
Syllabus
Description
This paper offers a thematic and historical introduction to the sources and development of Hindu traditions from their early formation to the medieval period. We will explore the formation of Hindu traditions through textual sources, such as the Vedas, Upaniṣads and Bhagavad Gītā, along with the practices and social institutions that formed classical Hindu traditions. The course will trace the development of devotional and tantric traditions. The lectures will include an introduction to Hindu philosophy. Lectures describe the history of the development of Hinduism, while tutorials follow the general historical trajectory of the lectures, focussing in more depth on specific topics.
Aims
To present the history of Classical Hinduism.
Objectives
At the end of the course students will have:
· knowledge of the sources and development of Hinduism
· knowledge about key texts especially the Upaniṣads, Bhagavad Gītā and devotional and tantric texts
· be able to critically assess scholarly debates about the origins and development of Hinduism.
Delivery
8 lectures; 8 tutorials.
Assessment
is by one three-hour written examination in TT of the second year of the Honour School.
Reading list
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