Module VPR-3205:
Hinduism in the Modern World
Hinduism in the Modern World 2023-24
VPR-3205
2023-24
School Of History, Law And Social Sciences
Module - Semester 2
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Joshua Andrews
Overview
This module explores the development of Hinduism over the last four millennia in order to establish what it means to practice Hinduism in the 21st Century. Focusing on the largest denominations of Hinduism, the course examines a wide range of religious practices, covering issues as diverse as yoga, aestheticism and animal sacrifice, exploring the philosophical and historical foundations of such practices. The course will continue by questioning the issues facing Hindus who practice their faith in diaspora, exploring how specific traditions have evolved and synthesised when practised within the west. The course will finally examine the rich mythology that central to modern Hinduism, addressing how myths are essential in establishing both identity and social values.
Assessment Strategy
-threshold -Threshold: D- - D +. Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: Generally accurate but with omissions and errors. Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning. Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions. Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.
-good -Very Good B- - B+. Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: Very good structure and logically developed arguments. Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning. Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.
-another level-Good C- - C +. Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: Good structure and logically developed arguments. At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning. Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.
Learning Outcomes
- To be able to critically distinguish between the different practices associated with each of the Hindu denominations studied.
- To conduct a critical analysis of central myths found within Hindu literature.
- To critically assess the central doctrine of Hinduism and how they are understood within each of the three denominations studied.
- To critically assess the theological and philosophical influences that contributed to the establishment of the three largest denominations of modern Hinduism.
- To evaluate the role of mythology in the transmission and negotiation of social norms and ethical principles.
- To have a clear understanding of the distinct difficulties facing Hindus who practice in diaspora.
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
Glossary of Key Terms This assignment asks students to provide a detailed explanation of 10 key Hindu terms. Each explanation should be between 150-200 words, with each definition having clear references to either scholarly works or primary Buddhist texts. Students will be expected to include citations in their definitions and include a complete bibliography at the end of the assignment. This assignment is worth 30% of the final module mark
Weighting
30%
Assessment method
Individual Presentation
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
Students will deliver a 15 minute presentation which discusses the philosophical and ethical teachings associated with the various religious traditions of Hinduism.
Weighting
30%
Assessment method
Essay
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
Students will complete one essay from a choice of five which will require them to critically analyse how Hindu teachings can be applied to an ethical issue.
Weighting
40%