Drawing from The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism (First edition, electronic copy provided), and tutored by the book’s editor, Prof. Gavin Flood, this programme explores Hindu thought and practice across time, focusing on texts, philosophies, theologies, rituals, and social contexts.
On Completion of this course, you will…
- Gain a critically informed understanding of Hindu texts, philosophies, and traditions.
- Develop research and writing skills through personalised guidance.
- Produce an original thesis demonstrating your ability to engage deeply with a chosen area of Hindu studies.
Timing and Tutoring
Over three academic terms, students are guided through key topics. Audio/video are given by our team of renowned scholars and Prof. Gavin Flood brings his decades of experience tutoring at Oxford to tutor students through this course. The fourth term is dedicated to a thesis project, where you’ll develop and present your own research with close academic supervision.
A strong emphasis is placed on personal support, with online tutorials and detailed feedback to assist with writing and reflection. This course is ideal for those seeking a rigorous and enriching study experience led by experts in the field.
From your tutor…
Prof. Gavin Flood FBA
I’m Professor of Hindu Studies and Comparative Religion at Oxford and the Piramal Dean of Hindu Studies at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies.
I study and write on Hindu texts to ask big questions about meaning, purpose, and holiness. It’s a privilege to teach and research something so vital to human life.
We’ve been working on this course fro two years now and are delighted to see it finally come to life.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Materials and Teaching
Each session contains a lecture video. Students will be given access to an electronic copy of The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism (First Edition). Communication with your tutor will be via course forum and Zoom sessions.
Each module is released weekly over an eight-week term. Four terms cover one year.
What the Programme Covers
This course comprises a deep study of Hindu traditions and texts over time and place.
Each lecture is given by an expert in their field. Where possible, the lecturer is also the author of the chapter in The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism.
Module One: Text
- Vedas and Upanisads
Finn Gerety - The Dharmasastras
Patrick Olivelle, Nick Sutton - The Sanskrit Epics
John Brockington - The Puranas
Jessica Frazier - Tamil Hindu Literature
S. Bhuvaneshvari - Surdas
Jack Hawley - North Indian Hindi Devotional Literature
Nancy M. Martin
2000 word paper
Module Two: Tradition
Orientalism and Hinduism
Author: David Smith
Lecturer: David Haberman- The Shaiva Traditions
Gavin Flood - History of Vaisnava Traditions
Mans Broo - The Renouncer Tradition
Steven Lindquist - Hinduism and the Goddess: Śākta Traditions
Bjarne Wernicke-Olesen - Hindu Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage in Europe
Knut A. Jakobsen - The Month of Kartik And Women’s Ritual Devotions to Krsna in Benares
Tracy Pintchman
2000 word paper
Module Three: Philosophy and Theology – Language and People
- Early Foundations of Hindu Philosophy
Jessica Frazier - Hinduism and the Proper Work of Reason
John Nemec - Restoring “Hindu Theology” as a Category in Indian Intellectual Discourse
Francis Clooney - Mantra
Gavin Flood - On the Relationship between Caste and Hinduism
Nick Sutton - Gender in a Devotional Universe
Karen O’Brien-Kop
2000 word paper
Module Four: Thesis 5000 words
This term will comprise of a 5000 word thesis written under the supervision of Prof. Flood. It will contain guidance on how to craft a thesis statement and how to write a thesis. Students will be permitted ot submit a single draft for review before final submission.
Interested?
This course is still in production. If you’d like to be kept informed of start dates and fees, please complete this form.
