Introduction to Hinduism

This synchronous online course will introduce Hinduism, the world’s third largest faith with about a billion adherents, and a five-thousand year history in a way that is accessible to students through a multi-disciplinary study of the Hindu world. We will explore the Hindu experience of the sacred through a religious lens with particular attention to principal doctrines, ethics, and elements of praxis. The religious significance of sacred art, ritual, symbol-systems, music, dance, and contemplative practice will be examined through audio-visual presentations and visits to Hindu places of worship.

The course will use a lecture & discussion format. Requirements include reflections on readings, one short essay, and a seminar paper.

The course is appropriate for students in MA, M.Div., and MTS programs. Doctoral students may take the course with additional research and writing.

The course requires summations or reflections on readings & a term paper. The class may attend liturgical music events and visit a contemplative center, or house of worship.

Relates to Thresholds: 1. Life in Religious Community and Interfaith Engagement 2. Prophetic Witness and Work 3. Sacred Text and Interpretation 4. History of Dissenting Traditions and the Thea/ological Quest 5. Spiritual Practice and Care of the Soul 6. Thea/ology in Culture and Context 7.Educating for Wholeness and Liberation 8. Embodied Wisdom and Beauty and MFC: 1. Spiritual Development for Self and Others 2. Social Justice in the Public Square 4. Serves the larger UU Faith 5. Leads the faith into the future

[20 max enrollment; Auditors excluded].