Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description The purpose of this module is to explore the cultural traditions commonly known as ‘religions’ through an introductory engagement with a number of these traditions with historical origins in South Asia: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. The module will problematize and critically interrogate the concept of ‘religion’ and consider its usefulness or applicability to the cultural traditions under discussion. The closely related concept of ‘world religion’ will also be problematised. Through engaging with these traditions of South Asian origin, students will reflect critically on the discipline of Religious Studies and its historic development. Particular attention will be paid to the historical relationships between knowledge and power in the context of the European colonial enterprise in South Asia. The module will also examine a number of religious traditions whose origins lie outside South Asia in their South Asian context: Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Students will develop skills in reading primary source texts and the evaluation and use of appropriate secondary sources. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate an ability to problematize the designation religion with particular reference to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism 2. Display a broad knowledge of the geographic, historical, and cultural background of South Asia in the formative period of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism 3. Demonstrate specialist knowledge of a number of key texts from the South Asian religious traditions and their roles as sources of religious authority 4. Describe in detail a range of practices, beliefs and cultural complexes of South Asian religious traditions 5. Identify key critical issues in the study of South Asian religious traditions, such as Orientalism | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Introduction and Scope of the Module Issues in the Study of Religions of South Asian Origin Historical, Geographical and Linguistic Contexts The Vedic Period Hinduism Buddhism Jainism Sikhism Zoroastrianism Judaism, Christianity and Islam in South Asia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles:
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||