RELS 26726 - Modern Hinduisms

Course Credit: 1
(SAST)
Although the practices and traditions we know as Hindu and Hinduism are ancient, “Hinduism” as a term for these traditions and “Hindu” as a religious identity emerged from a modern interplay of perceptions of various outsiders (e.g., Muslims, the British) with the South Asian peoples who would come to identify themselves as Hindu & their religion(s) or ‘way(s) of life’ as Hinduism. We will examine these developments in South Asia and the global diaspora of Hindu communities, along with the engagement of Hindu identities with reform and activist movements. Some key topics include modern forms of traditional persons, practices and religious stories - such as gurus, dance traditions, and the epic Ramayana - and the importance of ancient foundations to such modern Hindu religious practices and identities. (Advising note: Although this course has no prerequisite, it is not an introductory RELS course. Recommended preparation is one RELS course, or a course that considered performative traditions and living narratives. Students seeking an introductory course in this area are encouraged to take RELS 11002 - Comparative Religious Traditions: South Asia.) [R]