Course Resources Archive
RPE208: Indian Religions
| Module Title | Indian Religions |
|---|---|
| Module Code | RPE208 |
| Module Tutor | David Webster |
| School | Humanities |
| CAT Points | 30 |
| Level of Study | 5 |
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Co-requisites | None |
| Restrictions | In taking this module you cannot take RPE206 or take RPE202 |
| Brief Description | This module introduces students to the broad range of beliefs and practices within Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Beginning with a historical overview, it will study the doctrinal, devotional and social aspects of Indian Religions. Students will work on primary Buddhist texts, as well as a range of secondary material. |
| Indicative Syllabus | Opening with a historical examination of the origins of Vedic Hinduism, the course will guide students through the complexities of Hindu belief and practice. As part of this an examination of the nature of Hinduism itself will take place – problematising the notion that the term ‘Hinduism’ is a useful one, or that it refers to a single religious faith. The Buddhism material examining the life of the historical Buddha – and the context in which his teachings emerged. As well as introducing students to the basic concepts of Buddhist belief, the history of how these ideas have been interpreted will allow us to move into examining a number of key types of Buddhism. The course will address Theravada, Mahayana, Tantric and Zen Buddhism. Beyond Buddhism and Hinduism, we shall also study Jain and Sikh traditions – at least in their emergence and nature. |
| Learning Outcomes | i. Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the module students should be able to demonstrate that they: a) have an understanding of Buddhist and Hineu beliefs and practices b) have gained an insight, which they can express, into Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, as well as a sense of the religion’s social and historical development ii. Skills On completion of the module students should be able to demonstrate that they: a) can relate distinctive Indian religious beliefs to a range of practices b) have developed critical skills in reading religious texts c) can critique the notion of what a religion consists of through a study of Hinduism and Buddhism |
| Learning and Teaching Activities | Staff/Student contact time: 20% Student private study: 80% |
| Assessment (For further details see the Module Guide) | 001: 50% Coursework: Standard: 3000 words or equivalent 002: 50% Coursework: Standard: 3000 words or equivalent |
| Special Assessment Requirements | None |
| Indicative Resources | The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide. |
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