Undergraduate Course: The Hindu Epics: Mahabharata and Ramayana (DIVI10083)
Course Outline
| School | School of Divinity |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course explores the two great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Using English translations and secondary scholarship it will examine the key characters and plots, and relate them to wider Hindu debates about the nature of gods, the obligations of humans, and the cosmic battle between good and evil. It will also pose questions about the reception of the epics, and their role in Hindu and Indian religious history. |
| Course description |
Academic Description:
This course explores the two great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Using English retellings and secondary scholarship it will examine the key characters and plots, and relate them to wider developments in Hindu traditions. The two epics are dated, in their classical Sanskrit versions, to around the 4th century BCE to 4th century CE, thus falling in an important period of Hindu development. As the old Vedic culture that dominated the Northwest of India is challenged by the new religious movements of the Northeast - namely Buddhism and Jainism - a new form of Hinduism begins to emerge. Karma and rebirth is incorporated into the ideology, and new paths to liberation become the focus of religious activity, while the dominant teachings continue to emphasise the importance of fulfilling one's worldly duties. Meanwhile, devotional traditions surrounding key deities such as Visnu, start to develop and rise in popularity. The Mahabharata and Ramayana are key contributors to this exciting religious scene, with their teachings about the nature of gods, the obligations of humans, and the cosmic battle between good and evil. Developing into multiple versions in multiple languages, the epics are also a window into the changing religious landscape of India.
Syllabus/Outline Content:
After an introductory week that introduces key historical and thematic considerations, the course is broadly split into two halves: in the first half of the semester we focus on the Mahabharata, and in the second half on the Ramayana. We will read key episodes from the epics in English translation, and discussion of these will be accompanied by lectures on related themes and questions. The two are tied together at the end of the semester with a discussion of key common features and distinctive elements.
Student Learning Experience Information:
The course will be delivered through a weekly two-hour class. The first hour will usually be a student-led discussion of the week's readings from the epics, while the second hour will constitute a lecture introducing key themes relevant to the week ahead. Students will be expected to keep up with the primary source readings and to write a short response to the reading each week; this will serve as an opportunity for formative feedback but also constitute 20% of the course mark. Lectures will also point to relevant secondary scholarship, which students will need to seek out. A coursework essay of 2,000 words will form a further 20% of the course grade, and feedback on essay plans will provide formative assessment; this essay will address a question on the Mahabharata. A two-hour end of course examination will count for the remaining 60% of the mark, and will ask students to answer three questions: one on the Mahabharata, one on the Ramayana and one on a point of comparison or contrast between the two epics.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | This course is available to visiting students, though it is advisable that the student have some basic knowledge of Indian religions prior to taking it. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2024/25, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 22,
Feedback/Feedforward Hours 1,
Summative Assessment Hours 2,
Revision Session Hours 1,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
170 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
60 %,
Coursework
40 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
40% Coursework
60% Exam
The coursework is divided into weekly brief responses to readings (total 1,500-2,000 words across the semester = 20%) and a coursework essay on the Mahabharata (2,000 words due mid-semester = 20%).
The end of course examination will be 2 hours long and require students to answer three questions: one on the Mahabharata, one on the Ramayana, and one that compares the two. During the course students will be given a list of themes that will come up in the exam, so as to aid preparation. |
| Feedback |
Weekly written responses to readings will serve as both formative and summative, with comments on these pieces returned to students in the subsequent week's class.
An essay plan for the coursework essay will be submitted for comment up to one week prior to the essay deadline, preferably sooner. Plans will be returned within 48 hours (excluding weekends) |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Outline the main features of the two epics, including major plotlines and characters.
- Identify the key themes of the epics or episodes therein, relate them to wider Hindu concerns and teachings, and evaluate their significance for our understanding of Indian religious history.
- Assess the thematic and religious links between the two epics, and between different versions of each epic.
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Reading List
The main texts for this course are the two epics themselves. Students are encouraged to read the whole text if they can, though the necessary sections for each class will be specified on Learn in advance of the course.
These are the translations we will use:
- John D. Smith, trans., The Mah¿bh¿rata (Penguin, 2009)
- Arshia Sattar, trans., The R¿m¿ya¿a (Penguin 2010) |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
- Ability to gather, evaluate and synthesise different types of information
- Writing skills, including clear expression and citing relevant evidence
- Ability to engage critically with the meaning of documents and recognise that meanings may be multiple |
| Keywords | Hindu,India,epics,Mahabharata,Ramayana,Religious Studies |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Naomi Appleton
Tel: (0131 6)50 8976
Email: Naomi.Appleton@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Rachel Dutton
Tel:
Email: rdutton@ed.ac.uk |
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