Hinduism

Midterm Essay
Spring 2014
In this course so far, we noticed how religious attitudes have changed from one text to
the next, and how this might relate to historical changes in social structures. Using one
of the following two prompts, write a 2-3 page essay that considers how religious and
social change are intertwined.
1)! Gender: The way in which women and their relationships with men has been
portrayed has been a recurring theme in our discussions of the literature weve
discussed. Select two women from our readings and one we have discussed in
class. Compare and contrast the ways in which their roles as women in religion and
society are presented differently. What are some of the implications of these
differences? Do these literary examples suggest a changing role for ordinary
women? From a modern western perspective, are some of these portrayals more or
less problematic?From readings: Gargi (BU), Maitreyi (BU), Sita (Ramayana), gopis
(BhP)From class: Draupadi (MBh) or one of the Puranic goddess stories Sati,
Parvati, Durga, Kali
2) !Caste: Although they share a common philosophical core, the Upanisads and
Bhagavad Gita have some different ideas about the nature of the divine and how to
achieve liberation, not to mention some differences in style and setting. Using at least
one specific reference to each text and at least one reference to class, consider how
these differences reflect a shift in the relationships between the brahmin and ksatriya
(warrior) caste in the religious and social spheres. How might this shift relate to
sramanic and Vedic streams of Hindu traditions? What is your personal evaluation of
this shift?
This is a formal writing assignment, so I expect you to submit a well structured,
proofread document with citations that follows the writing guidelines listed on the back
of this page. This essay is an examination of your engagement with the material, and
as such you can and should rely on the texts weve read, your notes, and my
Powerpoints, but you may not use outside sources without my expressed permission.
Doing so will be considered cheating, a violation of the academic integrity policy.
Essays should be submitted by e-mail on Wednesday, March 5 before class (5:15 pm).
Your papers file name should include your last name and the number of the prompt you
answered. If you do not receive confirmation from me within 24 hours of submitting
your paper, please contact me immediately. Late papers will be accepted for a full letter
grade deduction until Wednesday, March 12 at 5:15 pm. After this point, papers will not
be accepted for credit.

Hinduism
Final Essay
Spring 2014
In the second half of this course, we have seen how popular Hindu practices began to
develop and the ways in which they were subsequently translated and retranslated
according to modern contexts. Using one of the following two prompts, write a 3-4 page
essay that considers Hindu traditions contact with modernity. In either essay, you
should reflect on what the encounter between India in the West in the context of
colonization (prompt 1) or globalization (prompt 2) tell us about Western cultures.
Your essay must reference at least one specific source from each of the listed units (not
including Knott), including at least one class meeting and at least one reading.
1) Colonialism: It is a common scholarly view that the British popularized modern
Western values like humanism, freedom, and equality among Hindus. To what extent
do you think the British really spread these values to India? Your essay should
consider the status of these values historically before, during, and after the colonial
period. Consider a) if these values were present before the British, and to what
extent, b) if the British presence in India was conducive to the spread of these values,
and c) how the status of these values in the past continues to affect the politics of
modern India. Your essay must cover material from units 7, 8, and 10.
2) Globalization: Hinduism has flourished in the contemporary world, negotiating the
challenges and opportunities presented by mass media, international migration, and
global capitalism. Are certain aspects of popular Hinduism particularly well suited to
the age of globalization? How might the experience of colonization prepared Hindus
for globalization? In your essay, consider a) what obstacles Hinduism has had to
overcome to become a successful global religion in this context, b) how it has
overcome these obstacles, and c) what historical and cultural resources have helped
it adapt to the world in which we live. Your essay must cover material from units 8, 9,
and 11.
This is a formal writing assignment, so I expect you to submit a well structured,
proofread document with proper citations. This essay is an examination of your
engagement with the material, and as such you can and should rely on the text weve
read, your notes, and my Powerpoints, but you may not use outside sources without
my expressed permission. Doing so will be considered cheating, a violation of the
academic integrity policy.
Essays should be submitted by e-mail on Monday, May 5 by 5 pm. Your papers file
name should include your last name and the number of the prompt you
answered. If you do not receive confirmation from me within 24 hours of submitting
your paper, please contact me immediately. Late papers will be accepted for a full letter
grade deduction until Saturday, May 10 by 5pm. After this point, papers will not be
accepted for credit.