Andrew O. Fort Hindu Office Hours

TBH 214 Religious Perspectives M-F 11-11:45 or

257-6448 RS 30513 by appointment

a.fort@tcu.edu Fall 2007 personal.tcu.edu/afort

This course will introduce the diverse strands of Hindu religious traditions. One major task is to trace "Hinduism" through its various manifestations: Vedic, brahmanical, ascetic, devotional, Tantric, and modern. A second goal is to examine the boundaries of our own worldviews by reflecting on what "religion" means in the Hindu context. Our study will illumine continuity and change in the Hindu tradition, and Indian culture more generally, from the ancient and classical to the modern periods. By introducing another worldview in some depth, this course offers the opportunity for us to reflect on our own. Our exploration will, of course, use the concepts and modes of inquiry common in the academic study of religion. Thus, this course will increase your ability to read critically, think analytically, and write effectively through the description, analysis and evaluation of an array of ideas, themes and practices in Indian religious history.

You are expected to attend all classes (come on time, but come even if late), and to read (and think about) the assignments before class. Both are necessary for full understanding; they also help you to get a good grade. If you miss four or more classes, your grade can be lowered automatically unless you have a legitimate and documented excuse. Bring the relevant books to class; we will analyze the readings. We will also occasionally view slides and videos. Be ready to listen, think, question, and speak. All topics are open, but civil and respectful discourse is required.

There will be three short (c. 4 pg.) papers (worth 15% of grade each) and two exams (worth 25% each) which will include both objective and essay questions. Each of these should demonstrate your knowledge of the material; they will also provide an opportunity to share more personal responses. Unless you contact me beforehand, late papers or exam absence will be permitted only for officially excused absences. You are also required to make a weekly entry into a computer journal on eCollege; it is mandatory but ungraded. The journal, attendance and class participation are worth 5% of your grade.

If you have a problem affecting your course participation, or must miss class, let me know. Also, if you have a disability which may affect your class performance, please inform me during the first week of class. For information about attendance, disabilities and/or academic misconduct, refer to the appropriate sections under www.studentaffairs.tcu.edu. Feel free to see me after class or during office hours.

RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS

Campus Life (257-7926, Sadler Hall 101); TCU Library (257-7117); Center for Academic Services (257-7486, Sadler Hall 11); Writing Center (257-7221, Rickel Bldg. 244); Student Development Services (257-7855, Student Center Rm. 220); University Ministries (257-7830, Student Center Rm. 111).

REQUIRED TEXTS

An Introduction to Hinduism, Gavin Flood

The Hindu Tradition, A. Embree

Patanjali and Yoga, M. Eliade (in reader)

Speaking of Siva, A. K. Ramanujan

Banaras: City of Light, D. Eck

plus a reader

DAILY CLASS ASSIGNMENTS

21 Aug. Introduction to course

23 Aug. Seeing India Flood: 1-30 Embree: 3-19

28 Aug. Veda Flood: 30-50 Embree: 20-29, 36-43 Zaehner: 33-38

30 Aug. Upanißads Flood: 83-6 Embree: 48-65

Zaehner: 64-71, 78-9, 100-1, 201-2

4 Sept. Asceticism Flood: 75-82, 93-96, 234-35

Embree: 112-16, 189-94 Zaehner: 207-12

6 Sept. Var∆¡≈rama-dharma Flood: 51-61, 200-08, 219-20 Embree: 74-100

11 Sept. Dharma Flood: 61-7, 88-93

13 Sept. Gods/epics Flood: 103-09, 114-18, 150-52, 162-66, 246-48

(video on R¡m¡ya∆a) PAPER DUE (topic: If a friend asked you "what is Hinduism?" what would you answer?)

18 Sept. Epics/G•t¡ Flood: 123-7 Zaehner: 251-7

Embree: 153-6, 164-7, 174-6, 117-9 (slide show of various deities)

20 Sept. G•t¡ Embree: 120-2, 125-6

Zaehner: 262-68, 280-82, 288-89, 294-302

25 Sept. Pur¡∆a/P¶j¡ Flood: 109-14, 208-11 Embree: 208-23

27 Sept. Kƒß∆a Gop¡la Flood, 119-20 Embree: 168-70 R¡dh¡/Kƒß∆a poetry reading

2 Oct. ˛aivism/Tantra Flood: 148-9, 154-60, 221-26, 230-32

9 Oct. EXAMINATION

11 Oct. Yoga Eliade: 3-59

16 Oct. Yoga Eliade: 61-121 Flood: 96-102

18 Oct. Ved¡nta Flood: 238-46 Embree: 197-207 Deutsch reading

23 Oct. Ved¡nta (Fourth Stage video) catch up day for reading

25 Oct. Poet-saints Flood: 128-35, 138-41 Embree: 234-39, 246-60

Ramanujan: 19-41, 48-55

30 Oct. Poet-saints Ramanujan: 61-142

1 Nov. Goddess/˛¡ktas Flood: 174-86, 189-96, 216-18 Eliade: 181-93

D¶rga/K¡li reading

6 Nov. Muslims/British

Flood: 144-46, 250-56 Embree: 261-67, 273-84, 292-98, 304-13

PAPER DUE (topic: what do you find most important in Yoga, Ved¡nta, or ˛iva worship, and what does it teach you about your own beliefs?)

8 Nov. "Neo-Hinduism" Embree: 299-324 (ex. 304-13), 339-43

Flood: 256-61 Ramakrishna reading

13 Nov. modern Hinduism Flood: 211-14, 248-9 Ramana reading

Embree: 325-48 (ex. 339-43)

Look at Thaipusam pictures on my website

15 Nov. Begin reading Diana Eck's Banaras

3-24, 34-46, 55-62, mid69-73, 83-109, 120-29

20 Nov. Eck: 136-60, 175-79, 182-85, 189-95, 209-21, 238-45

27 Nov. Eck: 248-82, 296-99, 304-44 (Sadhu video)

29 Nov. Contemporary Hinduism (Hindutva) Flood: 262-73 Varshney reading

PAPER DUE (topic: how does Banaras illumine the question "what is Hinduism?")

4 Dec. Contemporary Hinduism chapter from Coming Back

FINAL EXAMINATION THURSDAY DEC. 13 3 p.m.