Hinduism

Level of Study

Master

Teaching semester

Spring

Place of Instruction

Bergen

Objectives and Content

The aim of the course is for the student to acquire and deepen their knowledge of selected aspects of Hinduism past and present. Special focus is on pilgrimage traditions, goddess traditions, Yoga, the social contexts and modern interpretations.

More information about the course this semester

Learning Outcomes

The student shall by the end of the course have gained the following learning outcome defined in knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge:

The student

• has thorough knowledge about regional and local plurality of Hindu traditions and textual foundation of Hindu traditions and academic traditions of the study of these empirical realities.
• has detailed knowledge of the emergence of various ritual and theological traditions and Hinduism as a religious practice and a religious identity, and of modern interpretations and academic traditions of the study of these empirical realities.

Skills:

The student

• has the ability to think and argue critically about issues in the academic study of the Hindu traditions,
• has the ability to analyse academic texts and draw own conclusions,
• has ability to compose texts based on reasoning,
• has experience with communicating information and theories, and to address problems concerning the topic as well as their solution about the subject in written and oral communication

General competence:

The student

• has the ability to communicate problems, analyses and conclusions within this field of knowledge and argue critically about issues in this academic study.

Required Previous Knowledge

None

Recommended Previous Knowledge

The student should have a sound knowledge of English since the course literature and the lectures are in English.

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

Due to course overlap, students can not take RELV324 as well as RELV224.

If combined, the outcome of credits will be reduced with 15 ECTS credits.

Access to the Course

Admission to a Master's Programme at the University of Bergen is required for RELV324.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, normally 10 lectures of 2 hours.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

None

Forms of Assessment

Written school exam of 6 hours (up to 3000 words)

Examination Support Material

If the course is given in English, a dictionary (without any notes in it) between your own language and English is permitted (for example, a German-English-German or a French-English-French dictionary). You may bring your dictionary to the exam location. The teacher will check the dictionary at the exam location before you are allowed to use it

Grading Scale

A graded marking scale (A to F) is used. A is the top grade and F means Failed.

Subject Overlap

Full overlap with RELV224

Assessment Semester

Spring.

There will also be assessment early in the following autumn semester.

Reading List

The reading list runs to about 1000-1500 pages.

The reading list is published by December 1st for the spring semester.

Course Evaluation

The course unit will be evaluated regularly.

Programme Committee

The Programme Committee for The Study of Religions

Course Coordinator

The Programme Committe for The Study of Religion, Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies, and Religion (AHKR)

Course Administrator

Department of Archaeology, History, Culture Studies, and Religion (AHKR)