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HU Credits:
4
Degree/Cycle:
1st degree (Bachelor)
Responsible Department:
Asian Studies
Semester:
1st Semester
Teaching Languages:
Hebrew
Campus:
Mt. Scopus
Course/Module Coordinator:
Yigal Bronner
Coordinator Office Hours:
by appointment
Teaching Staff:
Prof Yigal Bronner
Course/Module description:
The Indian sub-continent, a home to approximately 18% of the world population today, is also a home to ancient and multifaceted culture. Two world religions – Hinduism and Buddhism – were born here, and the material and cultural riches of India have fascinated generations of westerners. This course offers an opportunity to taste from the wealth of Indian civilizations, which would hopefully encourage you to keep exploring further by yourself. This introductory course is meant to provide a historical and cultural background to classical India, starting with the mysterious Indus Valley civilization and ending with the arrival of the colonial forces to India in the eighteenth century. We will discuss the foundations of Hinduism and Buddhism and the philosophical ideas of the Upaniṣads and the Bhagavad Gīta, the great epics of the Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata, as well as Indian poetry, and will learn about the Islamic presence in India. The full picture will be completed with the course "Introduction to Modern India" during the second term.
Course/Module aims:
Close familiarity with the central events of classical Indian history, understanding the main intellectual, religious, and cultural developments, which have led to the emergence of Indian cultures as we know them today.
Learning outcomes - On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Knowing how to navigate the cultural, religious, and historical maps of classical India, foundational texts, ideas and arts.
Attendance requirements(%):
According to divisional regulations.
Teaching arrangement and method of instruction:
The course will consist of lectures in class and reading at home.
Course/Module Content:
The course is divided to four main parts, consisting each of 5-8 lectures: (1) the ancient Vedic religion and the so-called axial age; (2) the formation of the classical models; (3) the history and culture of South India; and (4) Muslim India and the early modernity. For a detailed class-plan, please consult the Moodle site.
Required Reading:
For a detailed reading list, please consult the course's Moodle site.
Additional Reading Material:
See Moodle site.
Course/Module evaluation:
End of year written/oral examination 70 %
Presentation 0 %
Participation in Tutorials 0 %
Project work 0 %
Assignments 0 %
Reports 0 %
Research project 0 %
Quizzes 30 %
Other 0 %
Additional information:
On top of the final exam at the end of the semester, there will be 6 short quizzes (8 slots will be give to chose from) based on the reading materials. Quizzes will be give during the first 5 minutes of each class.
This course is accompanied by a guided reading session (Reading Training in Relevant Texts; 35110). Here students will read in small groups from some of the foundational texts of South Asian civilization, and the program will agree follow that of the Intro class. This accompanying class is strongly recommended for all students, and is required for students who major in the field, through either the Asian Studies or Religious Studies departments.
Please note: a "pass" grade in this class is 70 for students who are part of the India and Indonesia Program. For other students the pass grade is 60. Students who belong in the Asian Cultures Program: please consult the office of the Asian Studies department about the required minimum grade.
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