Introduction to Hindu Ritual, Yoga, Caste, and Gender
This course provides the ultimate introduction to Hinduism, from religious practice to temple ritual to classical yoga and its influence on Hindu culture. This course also includes a comprehensive look at Hindu society as well as an exploration into the caste system. This course also looks at how does gender plays out within modern Hinduism. This course is ideal for students wanting to expand their general knowledge of Hindu culture and religion. This course particularly focuses on social and cultural aspects, which can help students to gain a more well-rounded understanding of modern Hinduism and how it has developed over time.
Over 7 sessions, this course provides a detailed and engaging introduction to the fundamentals of Hinduism culture and religion. As well as discussing gender and the caste system, this course will also look at Hindu religious literature and through guided sessions, discuss the ways in which Hinduism has faced challenges posed by foreign rule and the onset of modernity.
For more information, take a look at the course breakdown below. If you’re looking for a different course, view our Understanding Hinduism Learning Pathway.
Start Date: 21 April 2024
Late enrolments close Sunday 5 May
Course Duration: Seven Weeks
207 pages
Optional Assessment: Essay
On-Demand Video
The main video component of your course. On-demand means you can watch at the time that suits you.
5hr 9min
Campus-wide Zoom sessions
These free Zoom sessions are not part of your main course materials. They are open to students enrolled in any course.
Explore other areas of Hindu studies! Meet tutors and students from other courses!
Monday 29 April 3pm
Tuesday 7 May 2pm
Tuesday 14 May 2pm
Saturday 25 May 5pm
Sunday 2 June 6pm
These are all UK times. Recordings are available for any sessions you miss
£95
Introduction to Hinduism, Session One: Devotion, Worship, and Ritual
In this session we consider how devotional teachings are reflected in ritual and spontaneous worship. We also include a brief discussion of Vedic fire rituals and Hindu temple worship.
Session Two: Knowledge and Yoga
We continue our consideration of Hindu religious practice with a look at how spiritual knowledge is pursued, with an emphasis on yoga exercises.
Session Three: Caste System
Turning to social Hinduism, we now consider the caste system, and how it is related to Hindu beliefs. We also look at examples of Hindu opposition to caste barriers.
Session Four: Gender Issues
In this session, we consider the role and status of women in Hindu religious teachings as well as marriage and family life.
Session Five: Modern Trends, Part 1
We begin to consider how a number of modern Hindu teachers have sought to reinterpret and reform the tradition. How have they challenged established practices in relation to caste and gender? How do they seek to establish forms of Hinduism appropriate for the modern age.
Session Six: Modern Trends, Part 2
We move into the post-independence (1947) era, considering how Hinduism has been affected by secularism and the pervasive influence of modernity.
Session Seven: Reading Hindu Texts
We conclude by looking at some of the most important Hindu texts, including passages from the Upanishads and Bhagavad-gita, as well as Hindu devotional literature.
Your Tutor
Gitte Poulsen
Gitte has a Masters in Religious Studies from Aarhus University, Denmark but has completed most of her studies in Varanasi, India, and as a visiting student at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies. Gitte’s focus is on Yoga, Tantra, and Sanskrit. She is also a dedicated practitioner of āsana and prāṇāyāma. She manages the OCHS Kathmandu Office where she oversees the daily operation and focuses on Nepali and Newari language as well as Śākta traditions among the Newar community of The Kathmandu Valley.