Hinduism I series: Themes and textual sources (eight lectures)

This series of eigth lectures offers a thematic and historical introduction to
Hinduism for students of theology and religious studies.
Focussing on the brahmanical tradition we will explore the
textual sources, categories, practices and social institutions
that formed that tradition. Primary texts in translation will
provide the basis for reflection on both philosophical and social
issues such as dharma, renunciation, caste, and concepts of
deity. Not only presenting an account of the texts and
traditions, the course will raise theological and cultural
questions about the relation between reason and practice, person
and world, and society and gender. The last two lectures will
examine contemporary traditions in Kerala and we will conclude
with a consideration of Hinduism and modernity.

Lecture Schedule

• Introduction: What is Hinduism?
• The Vedas and Vedic traditions.
• The Upanishads: the Chandogya and Svetashvatara
• Dharma, society and gender
• Theistic Traditions 1
• Theistic Traditions 2
• Local Traditions: Kerala
• Hinduism and Modernity