About this Course
A RECOGNISED INDEPENDENT CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Understanding Hindu Identity
This module attempts to provide a broad survey of the scope of Hindu Studies, touching briefly on a range of different topics all of which will be covered in more detail in other courses.
It is thus an introduction to the course as a whole that covers a number of subject areas, but does not pursue its subject matter in great depth. It is our hope that you will stay with the course as it revisits these topics in more detail later on. The principal idea here is to explore what is meant by 'Hinduism' or 'Hindu Dharma' and thereby go some way towards an understanding of what is meant by the Hindu identity and the significance of the identity, both traditionally and in the modern world.
The module will provide significant knowledge and insight into a range of topics concerning both the religious ideas and also the practices of Hindu Dharma. We hope that it will provide knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and values of the Hindu tradition and also encourage you to think about the meaning and significance of these ideas both in your own life and for the world as a whole.
Other Courses
Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies
The Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies (OCHS) is a Recognised Independent Centre of the University of Oxford.
The principal aim of the Centre is the study of Hindu culture, religion, languages, literature, philosophy, history, arts, and society, in all periods and in all parts of the world. All Hindu traditions are included.
The Continuing Education Department of the OCHS has been providing courses in Hinduism throughout the UK since 2003. The online version of the course makes it accessible to students throughout the UK and globally.
Contact us
OCHS
13-15 Magdalen St
Oxford, OX1 3AE
UK
+44(0)1865-304300
info@ochs.org.uk
www.ochs.org.uk
Course Delivery and Enrolment
Enrol
The next session of this course begins on 11 October 2010.
Course cost is £95 fully inclusive.
Click here to enrol in 'Understanding Hindu Identity'
(Enrolment queries? Email lal@ochs.org.uk)
Limited places are available so enrol now to avoid disappointment.
Course Delivery
- All materials are delivered via the web
- Your tutor will always be available by email
- You are also be able to communicate online with your fellow students.
Don't worry about technical skills – if you can handle email then you're ready to go.
Course delivery includes:
- Student forums with tutor participation
- Recorded lectures available in video and mp3 format Lecture notes available online and as pdf
- Audio interviews with specialists in Hindu Studies at Oxford University
- Supplementary materials taken from the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies teaching and research programme.
Assessment
Assessment for each course is optional and is on the basis of successful completion of a single essay of 2000 words.
Time Limits
Courses can be completed in as little as seven weeks. There is a final deadline for essays of twelve weeks from the beginning of the course.
Course Structure
The course consists of seven sessions delivered on a weekly basis.
Session One: Hinduism and the Hindu Identity
What does it mean to be a Hindu? What are the difficulties involved in defining the Hindu identity.
Session Two: Origins and Historical Development
What are the origins of Hinduism and historically, how has the tradition developed?
Session Three: The Hindu Scripture
This session reviews the contents and teachings of some of the principal scriptures of the Hindu tradition and considers the question of authority within religion.
Session Four: Hindu Religious Philosophy
Here we outline the main strands of Hindu religious belief and note the varying theological perspectives of Shankara, Ramanuja, and Madhva.
Session Five: Hindu Religious Practice
What are the main features of Hindu religious practice – including temple worship, murti puja, and pilgrimage. What is the connection between practice and belief?
Session Six: Hindu Society – Caste and Gender
We examine the traditional Hindu social system in terms of caste hierarchies and gender roles, and consider the ways in which these are changing in modern Hinduism.
Session Seven: Modern Trends in Hinduism
Building on the ides discussed in previous sessions we explore modern and contemporary trends in Hinduism.
Click here to enrol in this course