Oxford Centre for
Hindu Studies Online
Oxford Centre for
Hindu Studies Online
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.
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.
We continue our consideration of Hindu religious practice with a look at how spiritual knowledge is pursued, with an emphasis on yoga exercises.
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.
In this session, we consider the role and status of women in Hindu religious teachings as well as marriage and family life.
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.
We move into the post-independence (1947) era, considering how Hinduism has been affected by secularism and the pervasive influence of modernity.
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.
Course Tutor
Nick is the Director – and the heart and soul – of the OCHS Continuing Education Department. He is a dedicated teacher with decades of experience in making sometimes-confusing traditions relevant. He has created over a dozen online courses and is working on many more. He has written translations and commentary on Bhagavad Gītā and the Yoga Sūtra. Nick received his Phd from Lancaster University (1995). His thesis was on the religious teachings of the Mahabharata.