RELG 402 - World's Living Religions
Module 8 - Hinduism
Module Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to :
- Identify the people and main events associated with Hinduism.
- Discuss the literature associated with Hinduism.
- Describe the teachings and ethical standards of Hinduism.
- Describe the world-view associated with Hinduism.
- Describe the varieties of worship associated with Hinduism.
Readings
- Textbook, chapter 4, Hinduism
- Notes on Hinduism
- Notes on Hindu deities
- Notes of ISKCON
Optional InterNet Resources
- Go here for Links to optional extra resources for this week.
- Useful articles can be found by using Search Engines such as GoodSearch
- Remember - always cite your sources
Study Questions
Before taking the Test, prepare an answer sheet for yourself by answering the following questions. Then you may use it, along with the textbook and the course notes, to answer the questions on the Test and to formulate a thread for the Discussion Board.
- What are some of the differences between Hinduism and other world religions?
- Discuss the meaning which the word Brahman may have for a Hindu
- Discuss the use of images in worship by Hindus.
- What is an avatar, and who are the two main avatars of Vishnu?
- Discus the Hindu concept of karma
- What are some of the varieties and meanings of dharma, and which are the three main Hindu texts which set forth the ritual and social obligations which define a good life?
- Discuss the Hindu concept of moksha and describe (not just list) the three paths to moksha
- What does Advaita Vedanta teach about the atman and moksha?
- Discuss the caste system of Hinduism
- In what two ways may the term Veda be used when categorizing Hindu texts?. In the narrow sense of the term, what are the four Vedas and what are the characteristics of each of them?
- When were the Upanishads written, and what are their characteristics?
- What is the story of the Ramayana?
- Discuss the significance of the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita for Hindus
- What are the three primary branches (sects) of Hinduism and what are the characteristics of each of them?
- When was the Vedic period, and what were the characteristics of Hinduism in the Vedic period?
- Discuss the concept of darshan
- Discuss the ritual of puja
- Discuss the history and practice of yoga.
- Describe three popular annual Festivals of Hinduism. For each one - what does it commemorate, and how is it celebrated?
- Describe each of the main Hindu deities and their attributes
For some of your answers you may have to go beyond the textbook
Prepare a set of answers for yourself, then use it to help you answer the Test and post your Thread to the Discussion Board
Discussion Board 8
Thread :
If you are a Hindu, discuss what you would most like non-Hindus to know about Hinduism.
If you are not a Hindu, or if you are not comfortable identifying yourself as either Hindu or non-Hindu, discuss one of the Hindu Festivals. What does it commemorate, and how is it celebrated?
Replies to 2 of your classmates' Threads :
If possible, choose Threads which deal with different Festivals.
For each reply, find two good InterNet sites with photos or videos of the Festival being discussed. What do they add to the original Thread?
Do you have any particular insights and/or experiences which might be helpful to the poster or to your classmates as a whole?
Test 8
Go to the Test Section of the course, and take the test at least once before 12 noon of the Monday following the weekly assignment.
You will have 1 hour to complete the test.
You may take the test three times before the cut-off time.
Questions will vary each time you take the test.
Your highest score will count towards your course grade.
Copyright © 1999 Shirley J. Rollinson, all Rights Reserved
