2016-17 Academic Catalog

South Asia is home to some of the world’s most vibrant religious practices. This course offers a survey of the origins and development of the major religious traditions of the Indian subcontinent: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Jainism, and Sikhism. We will consider classical and historical texts along with ethnographies, modern and contemporary politics, and, most likely, site visits. Readings span the gamut -- from Indian sources in English translation to news, novels, and poetry. Film and other media will also serve as fodder.