This course surveys the central beliefs and patterns of life of living religious traditions of Asia. It will focus particularly on the basic texts or narratives of these traditions, on their essential histories, and on the concepts of humanity, the world, and the divine that are distinctive of each. In addition, the course will explore not only what people believe religiously but also what they do religiously. Part of the course, therefore, will consider the ways of life, forms of social action, and rituals practiced by different communities. Not all Asian traditions can be included in a one-semester survey. The traditions chosen originated in Asia, have large numbers of adherents, possess particular historical significance, and represent different cultural areas. By the end of the course, students will have a understanding of the basic histories and orientations of these religious traditions.

Written assignments comprise four interpretive essays on primary texts assigned in the course and two exams. 

Principal required texts:

Willard Oxtoby, Roy Amore, (and Amir Hussain), World Religions: Eastern Traditions (3rd or 4th ed.). Oxford.
R.K. Narayan, tr., The Rāmāyaṇa. Penguin.
Patrick Olivelle, tr., The Buddhacarita: Life of the Buddha (posted on Canvas)
Burton Watson, tr., Zhuangzi: Basic Writings. Columbia. [=B. Watson, Chuang Tzu: Basic Writings]
Hiroaki Sato, tr., Basho's Narrow Road: Spring and Autumn Passages. Stone Bridge.

There will also be additional short readings to be posted on Canvas.

This course will study the poetry of the Ṛgveda and the Atharvaveda, including the interpretation of the Ṛgveda in the later Veda and later commentary. It will emphasize the compositional features of Vedic poetry and the distinctive features of Vedic morphology and syntax. We will also consider the nature of Vedic religion, the Vedic period, and linkages between the Vedic and later Sanskrit poetry.

Students enrolled in SAN 384S will be expected to show a higher level of proficiency than those in SAN 330. Both sections require students be able to translate assigned texts and to analyze their grammar and syntax in class and both sections require a midterm and a final. In addition, SAN 384S requires a written translation, grammatical analysis, and critical discussion of one Atharvavedic hymn.

Description:

This course surveys the central beliefs and patterns of life of living religious traditions of Asia. It will focus particularly on the basic texts or narratives of these traditions, on their essential histories, and on the concepts of humanity, the world, and the divine that are distinctive of each. In addition, the course will explore not only what people believe religiously but also what they do religiously. Therefore, part of the course will consider the ways of life, forms of social action, and rituals practiced by different communities. Not all Asian traditions can be included in a one-semester survey. The traditions chosen have large numbers of adherents, possess particular historical significance, and represent different cultural areas. These include: Hinduism, Islam in South Asia, Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia, Chinese Confucian and Daoist traditions, Shinto, and Buddhism in China and Japan.

Required Texts:
Willard Oxtoby, Roy Amore, (and Amir Hussain), World Religions: Eastern Traditions (3rd or 4th edition)
R.K. Narayan, tr., The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic
Patrick Olivelle, tr., The Buddhacarita: Life of the Buddha (selections provided in class)
Burton Watson, tr., Zhuangzi: Basic Writings [or B. Watson, Chuang Tzu: Basic Writings]
Hiroaki Sato, tr., Basho's Narrow Road: Spring and Autumn Passages.

Grading:
30%  Two exams (15% each)
45%  Three essays (15% each)
15%  Final essay
10%  Attendance and Participation

DESCRIPTION:

This course will study the Suparṇādhyāya (also called the Suparṇākhyāna), a late Vedic poem that tells the story of Suparṇa or Garuḍa, the eagle that became the mount of Viṣṇu. It will emphasize the historical transition from Vedic to Epic poetic composition and the problems of textual corruption and restoration. It will also study other versions of the Suparṇa tale in the Yajurveda, the Mahābhārata, and the Bṛhaddevata, and a possible ancestor of the story in the Ṛgveda.

TEXT:

The principal text we will be using is based on Jarl Charpentier, ed., Die Suparnasage. This text will be available on the Canvas website for the class. All other assigned texts will also be posted on Canvas.

GRADING:

For both SAN 384S and SAN 330, the course requires careful preparation of the text assigned for each class meeting, including the ability to translate the text and to analyze its grammar and syntax. In addition, the graduate section will be required to understand the linguistic history of Sanskrit reflected in the texts studied. Both sections of the course have two exams, and, in addition, SAN 384S requires an essay on a different early narrative thread. The final grade will be determined as follows:

For SAN 384S

For SAN 330

Class recitation                        50%

Two exams, each                     25%

Essay:

The essay, which is assigned only to the graduate section, will require students to study a short narrative or a part of a longer narrative that is preserved in at least two versions, one in Sanskrit Epic literature and the other either in earlier or later Sanskrit or Middle Indic literature. The essay will analyze the relation of the narratives chosen to show what underlying literary, cultural, or social developments may be reflected in the continuities and differences in the narratives. It will also include translations of and close commentaries on selected portions of both narratives.

This course surveys the central beliefs and patterns of life of living religious traditions of Asia. It will focus particularly on the basic texts or narratives of these traditions, on their essential histories, and on the concepts of humanity, the world, and the divine that are distinctive of each. In addition, the course will explore not only what people believe religiously but also what they do religiously. Part of the course, therefore, will consider the ways of life, forms of social action, and rituals practiced by different communities. Not all Asian traditions can be included in a one-semester survey. The traditions chosen have large numbers of adherents, possess particular historical significance, and represent different cultural areas. They include Hinduism, South and Southeast Asian Buddhism, South Asian Islam, Buddhism in Tibet, China, and Japan, Popular Chinese Religion, the Confucian and Daoist Traditions, and Shinto.

Study of various aspects and periods of Sanskrit language and culture.  Specific offerings are listed in the Course Schedule.  Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and Sanskrit 325L, 330, or the equivalent, or consent of instructor.

History of Hindu Religious Traditions

This course examines the principal themes of traditional Hinduism, the dominant religion of the Indian subcontinent. It gives special attention to the historical development of the tradition and its relation to social and cultural life in India. To the extent possible, the course will examine different forms of religious expression created within India. These include written texts that have been significant in the Hindu tradition, but they also comprise rituals that have been central to religious life, patterns of social action that embody Hindu values, and images and architecture that display the form and powers of the world.  

Written Requirements:
(1)  Nine microthemes (of the twelve or more posted). These microthemes are short (approximately one page), interpretive essays on assigned topics regarding the required reading or films.
(2)  Three quizzes.
(3)  Final essays due or written at the time of the final exam.

Grading:
Microthemes  ………………………………………………   45%
Three quizzes………………………………………………   30%
Final essays   ………………………………………………   20%
Attendance…………………………………………………     5%

Required Texts:
Anantha Murthy, U.R., Samskara. tr. by A. K. Ramanujan.  
Dimmitt, C. and J.A.B. van Buitenen, Classical Hindu Mythology:  A Reader in the Sanskrit Pur??as.
Hawley, John Stratton and Vasudha Narayanan, The Life of Hinduism. PCL Library e-book.
Miller, Barbara Stoler, tr.,  The  Bhagavad-Gita.
Narayan, R.K., tr.,  The Mah?bh?rata

Topics:
Origins: The Vedic Tradition
The Way of Insight: Religious Knowledge
The Formation of the Tradition: The Great Epics
The Way of Devotion: Worship of the Deities in Classical Hinduism
The Way of Action: Village Life and Regional Hinduism
Hinduism in Contemporary Society

This course surveys the central beliefs and patterns of life of living religious traditions of Asia. It will focus particularly on the basic texts or narratives of these traditions, on their essential histories, and on the concepts of humanity, the world, and the divine that are distinctive of each. In addition, the course will explore not only what people believe religiously but also what they do religiously.

Text:W. Oxtoby, R. Amore, (A. Hussain) World Religions: Religions of the East, 3rd ed/4th ed. The Ramayana by R.K. Narayan, The Life of the Buddha (Buddhacarita) translated by Patrick Olivelle, Zhuangzi: Basic Writings, translated by Burton Watson, Basho's Narrow Road translated by H. Satol

Grading:Each of three essays on the assigned reading 15%, Midterm exam 15%, Final exam 30%, Attendance 10%

Prerequisite: Sanskrit 312L with a grade of at least C.

Study of various aspects and periods of South Asian culture and society.  Specific offerings are listed in the Course Schedule.  Prerequisite: Graduate standing; additional prerequisites vary with the topic and are given in the Course Schedule.

This course surveys the central beliefs and patterns of life of living religious traditions of Asia. It will focus particularly on the basic texts or narratives of these traditions, on their essential histories, and on the concepts of humanity, the world, and the divine that are distinctive of each. In addition, the course will explore not only what people believe religiously but also what they do religiously.

Text:W. Oxtoby & R. Amore, World Religions: Religions of the East, 3rd ed. The Ramayana, retold by R.K. Narayan, The Life of the Buddha (Buddhacarita), translated by Patrick Olivelle, Zhuangzi: Basic Writings, translated by Burton Watson,

Grading:Each of three essays on the assigned reading 15%, Midterm exam 20%, Final exam 35%

This course examines the principal themes of traditional Hinduism, the dominant religion of the Indian subcontinent.  It gives special attention to the historical development of the tradition and its relation to social and cultural life in India.  To the extent possible, the course will examine different forms of religious expression created within India.  These include written texts which have been significant in the Hindu tradition, but they also comprise rituals that have been central to religious life, patterns of social action that embody Hindu values, and images and architecture that display the form and powers of the world.

This course surveys the central beliefs and patterns of life of living religious traditions of Asia.  It will focus particularly on the basic texts or narratives of these traditions, on their essential histories, and on the concepts of humanity, the world, and the divine that are distinctive of each.  In addition, the course will explore not only what people believe religiously but also what they do religiously.  Part of the course, therefore, will consider the ways of life, forms of social action, and rituals practiced by different communities.  Not all Asian traditions can be included in a one-semester survey.  The traditions chosen have large numbers of adherents, have particular historical significance, and represent different cultural areas.

Prerequisite: Sanskrit 312L with a grade of at least C.

This course offers a survey of the major religious traditions of Asia (Hinduism, Buddhism in South and East Asia, Confucianism, Daoism, and Shinto). It focuses on the historical development of their beliefs, practices, rituals, and customs in social context. The course will combine lectures with class discussions on readings.

For fall 2011, this course will study the upani?ads, particularly the Br?had?ra?yaka Upani?ad, together with a selection from ?a?kara's commentary on the Br?had?ra?yaka Upani?ad, and selections from the late upani?ads. 

Texts:

Br?had?ra?yaka Upani?ad from A. Weber, ed., ?atapatha Br?hma?a in the M?dhya?dina Recension

Selections from other upani?ads from the editions in Patrick Olivelle, The Early Upani?ads

?a?kara's commentary from G. Govinda ??strin, ed., ???dida?opani?ada? ?a?karabh??yayuta?

Grading:

384S Class recitation 50%, Midterm 15%, Final 20%, Paper 15%

330   Class recitation 50%, Midterm 20%, Final 30%

Prerequisite: Sanskrit 312L with a grade of at least C.

This course will survey the central beliefs and patterns of life of living religious traditions of Asia.  It will focus particularly on the essential texts or narratives of these traditions, on the periods of their origins, and on the concepts of humanity, the world, and the divine that are distinctive of each.  In addition, the course will explore not only what people believe religiously but also what they do religiously.  Part of the course, therefore, will consider the ways of life, patterns of social action, and rituals practiced by different communities.  Not all Asian traditions can be included in a one-semester survey.  The traditions chosen have large numbers of adherents, or have particular historical significance, or represent different cultural areas.

TEXTS:

John L. Esposito et al., The Religions of Asia Today  
Burton Watson, tr., Zhuangzi:  Basic Writings
R. K. Narayan, tr., The Ramayana
Hiroaki Sato, tr., Basho's Narrow Road

GRADING:

Three quizzes            35%
Four essays            40%
Final                25%
Regrettably, excessive unexcused absences and persistent failure to prepare the assignments on time have deleterious effects on final grades for the class.  On the other hand, vigorous and informed participation in class discussions can help a grade.  Other factors, such as a student's progress or effort in the course, may also affect final grades for the class.

SAN 384S (#31975) and SAN 330 (#31960)

The Supar??dhy?ya

spring 2010

Joel Brereton

Office:  WCH 4.134A

Email: jpb@austin.utexas.edu

Office Hours:  T 1:30-3:00, TH 1:30-3:00 and by appointment

This course will study the Supar??dhy?ya (also called the Supar??khy?na), a late Vedic poem that tells the story of Supar?a or Garu?a, the eagle that became the mount of Vi??u. It will emphasize the historical transition from Vedic to Epic poetic composition and the problems of textual corruption and restoration.  It will also study other versions of the Supar?a tale in the Yajurveda, the Mah?bh?rata, and the B?haddevata, and a possible ancestor of the story in the ?gveda.

Requirements:

For both SAN 384S and SAN 330, the course requires careful preparation of the text assigned for each class meeting, including the ability to translate the text and to analyze its grammar and syntax.  Both sections of the course also require two exams, and, in addition, SAN 384S requires an essay on a different early narrative.  The final grade will be determined as follows:

For SAN 384S

     Class recitation          40%

     Two exams, each          20%

     Essay                    20%

For SAN 330

     Class recitation          50%

     Two exams, each          25%

The grade for class recitation will depend on attendance and preparation, so it is important for everyone to be present and to be ready for each class.  Please discuss any anticipated absences with me before the class you expect to miss.

Grading:

This class uses plus-minus grading on a straight scale of 93-100 A, 90-92 A-, 87-89 B+, 83-86 B. 80-82 B-, 77-79 C+, 73-76 C, etc.  That is, the minimum grade for an A is 93, for an A- 90, for a B+ 87, and so on.

Posted Materials:

Texts and additional materials will be posted on Blackboard.  You can access the Blackboard site for this course from http://courses.utexas.edu/.

Special Needs:

At the beginning of the semester, students with disabilities who need special accommodations should notify the instructors by presenting a letter prepared by the Service for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Office. Students should contact the SSD Office at 471-6259 or 471-4641 TTY.

Academic Honesty:

Be careful not to copy the work of peers or in written work to use material without proper attribution.  Nothing can be more disastrous for your grade or for your college record than to be found to have violated the University rules on academic honesty.  Students who violate these rules are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course or dismissal from the University or both. If you have any questions about properly utilizing sources, check with the instructor.

Texts:

The principal text we will be using is based on Jarl Charpentier, ed., Die Suparnasage.  This text is available on the Blackboard website for the class.  All other assigned texts will also be posted on Blackboard.

Schedule: 

The exact schedule of the class will depend on our progress through the text, and students should expect that we will be doing a careful exegetical and grammatical analysis of each verse and passage.  Approximately two-thirds of the semester (that is, from January 19 to approximately April 1) will be dedicated to the Supar??dhy?ya itself and the remainder of the semester to parallel versions of the narrative in other Sanskrit sources.  The dates of the exams and the due date for the essay (in SAN 384S) are:

First exam                  March 25

Second exam            May 6

Essay                           April 22

The date of the first exam may be adjusted depending on our progress through the Supar??dhy?ya, but any change will be announced at least two weeks in advance.

Because unanticipated consequences of karma or daiva are possible, the instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus with due notification.  Any such modifications will be noted in a revised syllabus.  

Prerequisite: Sanskrit 312L with a grade of at least C.

Introduction to classical Sanskrit poetry and philosophical literature; readings from the Upanishads and Kalidasa's Meghaduta.  Prerequisite: Sanskrit 312K with a grade of at least C.

Study of various aspects and periods of Sanskrit language and culture.  Specific offerings are listed in the Course Schedule.  Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and Sanskrit 325L, 330, or the equivalent, or consent of instructor.

Study of various aspects and periods of Sanskrit language and culture.  Specific offerings are listed in the Course Schedule.  Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and Sanskrit 325L, 330, or the equivalent, or consent of instructor.

Please check back for updates.

Study of various aspects and periods of Sanskrit language and culture.  Specific offerings are listed in the Course Schedule.  Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and Sanskrit 325L, 330, or the equivalent, or consent of instructor.

Please check back for updates.

Study of the major research tools and methods used in current Asian scholarship.  Specific offerings are listed in the Course Schedule.  Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Please check back for updates.

Please check back for updates.

Study of various aspects and periods of Sanskrit language and culture.  Specific offerings are listed in the Course Schedule.  Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and Sanskrit 325L, 330, or the equivalent, or consent of instructor.

Study of the major research tools and methods used in current Asian scholarship.  Specific offerings are listed in the Course Schedule.  Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

Study of various aspects and periods of Sanskrit language and culture.  Specific offerings are listed in the Course Schedule.  Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and Sanskrit 325L, 330, or the equivalent, or consent of instructor.

Please check back for updates.

Please check back for updates.

Study of various aspects and periods of Sanskrit language and culture.  Specific offerings are listed in the Course Schedule.  Prerequisite: Graduate standing; and Sanskrit 325L, 330, or the equivalent, or consent of instructor.

Study of various aspects and periods of South Asian culture and society.  Specific offerings are listed in the Course Schedule.  Prerequisite: Graduate standing; additional prerequisites vary with the topic and are given in the Course Schedule.