An Introduction to Hinduism
Religion 840:322
Instructor: Edwin Bryant.
Tel: x 3289. E-mail: <Edbryant@rci.rutgers.edu>.
Office Hours: Tue 12-1.00 PM, Loree 114.
Time and Place:
Course Description:
An introduction to the plethora of traditions grouped under the heuristic label of ‘Hinduism’ by
reading some of the most important primary texts of these traditions. Attention will be directed
both to examining these sources theologically by considering their presentations of sacred
history, ultimate reality, and self-transformation through their own terms and categories, as well
as to examining them sociologically by considering their manifestations in the cultural world in
which they are embedded.
Learning Outcome Goals:
To foster an understanding and critical appreciation of the cluster of traditions that have come to
be known as Hinduism in pre-modern and modern south asia. Establishing an introductory but
scholarly awareness of the complexity of Hinduism through engagement with primary and
secondary source materials. The course seeks to strengthen skills in critical cultural and
historical analysis in engagement with important literary expressions and critical thinking and
research skills through a final paper.
Core Assessment Plan:
1) Midterm and final written exam. Students will be required to display their understanding of
the main cultural, historical and philosophical dimensions of the Hindu traditions covered in the
course. Exams will include question and answer formatted evaluations of the data as well as
mini-essay requirements to test critical analytical mastery of the material. [HST h,k]/[AH o,p]
2) Final Essay. Building on some aspect of the material covered in the course, students will
undertake a final research essay (6-8 pages) that examines a thematic area of their choosing.
[Wc s-1, t, v ]
II. Core Assessment
Course assignments 1 & 2 will be evaluated in light of Core Curriculum Assessment Rubrics and
assigned a score of Outstanding, Good, Satisfactory, or Unsatisfactory based on the degree to
which they meet the Core learning goals outlined on the syllabus. Final Core assessment will be
based on an evaluation of each student’s complete portfolio of Core-related work at the end of
the semester.
Course Prerequisites:
None.
Course Requirements:
Three quizzes, one at the end of every month, and a final paper (8-10 pgs) due the last day of
class. Both These quizzes will consist of short answer questions testing the students’ mastery
over the information covered in the course, as well as mini-essay questions testing their insights
and more in-depth understanding of the material. The final paper gives students an opportunity
to probe and research in more detail any particular aspect of ‘Hinduism’ that has captured their
interest.
Grading:
The three quizzes will comprise 20% of the total grade, the final paper 30%, and class attendance
and participation 10%. Students will be called upon in class to answer questions pertaining to
the week’s reading. No make-ups for missed exams will be given without valid medical proof or
a signed letter from a student dean.
A = 100-90 B+ = 89-87; B = 86-80; C+ = 79-77; C = 76-70; D = 69-65; F = 64 and below.
Please note that outstanding class participation can make all the difference between grades.
Required Course Books:
Bryant, Edwin. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. New York: Farrar Strauss and Girouz, 2003.
Flood, Galvin An Introduction to Hinduism Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996
Dasa, Sukavak The Bhagavad Gita As It Is Los Angeles: Sri
Iyengar, B.K.S The Tree of Yoga. Boston: Shambala, 2002.
Hawley, J & Juergensmeyer, Songs of the Saints of India. New York: Oxford University
Press, 1988.
Venkatesananda, Swami The Concise Srimad Bhagavatam. New York: State University of New
York Press, 1989
Narayan, R.K. The Ramayana. New York: Penguin, 1977.
Brown, Mackenzie, C. The Devi Gita. New York: SUNY Press, 1998.
Lad Ayurveda. Wilmot: Lotus Press, 1985.
Tue Sept 2nd
Introduction to the course.
Thur Sept 4th
The Vedic Period.
Flood, Introduction and Chapters 1 & 2.
Tue Sept 9th
The Bhagavad Gita.
Chapters 1-2.
Flood, Chapter 3.
Thur Sept 11th
The Bhagavad Gita.
Chapters 3-6.
Tue Sept 16th
The Bhagavad Gita.
Chapters 7-10.
Thur Sept 18th
The Bhagavad Gita.
Chapters 11-15.
Tue Sept 23rd
The Bhagavad Gita.
Chapters 16-18; pgs 155-161.
Thur Sept 25th
The Ramayana.
Chapters 1-5.
Tue Nov 30th
The Ramayana.
Chapters 6-14 & Epilogue.
Thur Oct 2nd
The Yoga Sutras
Introduction and Part I.
Flood, Chapter 4.
Tue Oct 7th
The Yoga Sutras
Part II.
Thur Oct 9th
The Yoga Sutras
Parts III & IV.
Tue Oct 14th
Mid term examination.
Thur Oct 16th
The Concise Srimad Bhagavatam.
Chapters: 1-4 (specific page no’s will be assigned in class).
Flood, Chapter 5.
Tue Oct 21st
The Concise Srimad Bhagavatam.
Chapters 5-9 (specific page no’s will be assigned in class).
Flood, Chapter 6.
Thur Oct 23rd
The Concise Srimad Bhagavatam.
Chapter 10, pgs 235-281.
Tue Oct 28th
The Concise Srimad Bhagavatam.
Chapter 10 (cont) pgs 282-335.
Thur Oct 30th
Songs of the Saints of India.
Introduction and Chapters 1 & 2.
Tue Nov 4th
Songs of the Saints of India.
Chapters 4-6.
Thur Nov 6th
The Devi Gita.
Chapters, 1-2.
Tue Nov 11th
The Devi Gita.
Chapters 3-4.
Thur Nov 13th
The Devi Gita.
Chapters 5-7.
Tue Nov 18th
The Devi Gita.
Chapters 8-10.
Thur Nov 20th
Ayurveda
Chapters I-VII.
Tue Nov 25th
Ayurveda
Chapters VIII-XIII
Thur Nov 27th Thanksgiving Recess
Tue Dec 2nd
Philosophy and Theology.
Flood, Chapter 10.
Thur Dec 4th
Hinduism in the Twentieth Century.
Flood, Chapter 11.
Tue Dec 9thth
Concluding comments.