Religious Pluralism in South Asia, with trip to India March 11-21, 2010
Shin-yi Chao (sychao@camden.rutgers.edu), Religion

This course will explore the impact of religion on the cultural heritage and political reality of South Asia. Religion has left a significant mark on South Asian painting, architecture, music, dance, literature, sculpture, philosophy, and law. Religious values were also a major source for the emergence of nationalism in this region in the early twentieth century. By understanding religion, we will have a better grasp of South Asia in the past, present, and future.

Three religions are in focus: Hinduism (an umbrella term for religious teachings and practices in South Asia that can be traced back 5000 years); Islam (whose adherents founded the Mogul dynasty that ruled India until the nineteenth century); and Sikhism (a syncretic development of Hinduism and Islam). Course work will include readings from scripture, religious stories, political commentaries, and scholarly analysis. The tour will be divided between cosmopolitan New Delhi, with its treasures and museums, and the cities of Amritsar, Jaipur, Agra, and Varanasi, with trips to the Golden Temple, Durgiana Temple, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, the mosque of Jama Masjid, and the steps of Ganges Ghat. Requirements for the course are a short paper, a reading journal or long paper, and a final exam. Six Mondays 6:00-8:30: 25 Jan, 8 Feb, 22 Feb, 8 Mar, 5 Apr, 19 Apr.

Cost and payment schedule TBA