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Neelima Shukla-Bhatt and Jason Smith

Ever wondered about the sacred scriptures that have sustained for millennia one of the oldest and most diverse religions of the world - Hinduism? Want to discover the lessons this history may offer mankind in the 21st century?

This religion course introduces the rich and diverse textual sources from which millions of Hindus have drawn religious inspiration for millennia. The Bhagavad Gita has offered philosophical insights to a number of modern thinkers. This course will introduce important passages from important Hindu sacred texts, their interpretations by moderns and will give you an opportunity to engage with them.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Religious and philosophical insights conveyed in hindu texts
  • How scriptures are interpreted to diverse ends in different historical contexts
  • Sensitive appreciation of world religions

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores topics and ideas in a manner that is particularly relevant to students' personal, professional, or social needs
Introduces essential concepts likely sought by students interested in this topic
Examines concepts and practices that are closely relevant to topics studied in many social sciences and humanities degrees
Builds on prior knowledge and skills in related fields to strengthen understanding
Offers teachings that are potentially applicable to a variety of careers
Requires students to complete other courses before taking

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Reviews summary

Hindu scriptures survey

Learners say that this course examines Hinduism by looking at its written scriptural traditions. Many students remark that the course is largely positive and very well organized but a few students felt that the course is a bit shallow. The course is led by a female instructor who some students felt focuses mainly on feminism.
Course is very well organized.
"Hinduism is Oldest Religion.we can call it Native religion of Human being..So We proud to be Hindu.Shreemadbhagwadgita has answers to all our questions.."
Course is a bit shallow.
"I wonder why they did not find a proper hindu pandit or knowledgeable hindu man to teach about hinduism instead of a women teaching it which brings in a feminist angle to it."
Instructor focuses on feminism.
"I wonder why they did not find a proper hindu pandit or knowledgeable hindu man to teach about hinduism instead of a women teaching it which brings in a feminist angle to it."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Hinduism Through Its Scriptures with these activities:
Practice Sanskrit vocabulary and grammar
Review and enhance your Sanskrit skills, which can aid in understanding Hindu texts.
Show steps
  • Use language learning apps or websites.
  • Read and translate simple Sanskrit sentences.
Read Beginner's Guide to Hinduism
Get a basic understanding of Hinduism and its beliefs before starting the course.
Browse courses on Hinduism
Show steps
  • Read the first three chapters of the book.
  • Make notes on the key concepts and practices of Hinduism.
Watch documentaries on Hinduism
Gain a deeper understanding of Hinduism through visual storytelling and expert insights.
Show steps
  • Search for documentaries about Hinduism.
  • Watch and take notes on the key themes and perspectives presented.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Review Bhagavad Gita
Gain insights into the philosophical and ethical teachings of Hinduism by reviewing the Bhagavad Gita.
Show steps
  • Read the first five chapters of the Bhagavad Gita.
  • Identify the main characters and their perspectives.
  • Discuss the key philosophical concepts presented in the text.
Participate in online discussion forums
Engage with classmates and instructors by participating in online discussions.
Show steps
  • Join the course discussion forums.
  • Read and respond to classmates' posts.
  • Ask questions and share your insights.
Solve Hinduism-related quizzes
Test and reinforce your knowledge of Hinduism through interactive quizzes.
Browse courses on Quizzes
Show steps
  • Search for online quizzes on Hinduism.
  • Take the quizzes and review your answers.
Create a timeline of Hindu history
Develop a deeper understanding of the chronological development of Hinduism by creating a timeline.
Show steps
  • Research key events and periods in Hindu history.
  • Create a timeline using a tool or template.
  • Label and describe each event or period on the timeline.
Compile a collection of Hindu scriptures
Enhance your understanding of Hindu texts by gathering and organizing a collection of scriptures.
Show steps
  • Research and identify different Hindu scriptures.
  • Download or scan the texts into a digital format.
  • Organize the scriptures into a coherent collection.

Career center

Learners who complete Hinduism Through Its Scriptures will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Historian
As a Historian, you may specialize in religious history, and understanding the Hindu scriptures is essential for a comprehensive understanding of Hinduism's development and evolution. This course may help you research and write about the history of Hinduism by providing a deep understanding of its source texts.
Professor
A Professor may teach courses on Hinduism, and understanding the source texts of Hinduism can provide deep insights into the beliefs and practices of this religion. This course may help you in your research and teaching by providing a comprehensive understanding of the Hindu scriptures.
Theologian
Theologians study religious texts and traditions, and understanding the Hindu scriptures is crucial for a well-rounded knowledge of world religions. This course may help you develop a deeper understanding of Hinduism and its place within the broader context of religious thought.
Religious Counselor
Religious Counselors provide guidance and support to individuals on religious matters, and understanding the Hindu scriptures is essential for providing informed counsel to Hindu clients. This course may help you develop a deep understanding of the Hindu scriptures, enabling you to provide sensitive and effective counseling.
Religious Studies Teacher
Religious Studies Teachers educate students about different religions, and understanding the Hindu scriptures is essential for teaching about Hinduism. This course may help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the Hindu scriptures and their significance, which you can pass on to your students.
Museum curator
Museum Curators specializing in religious artifacts may benefit from a deep understanding of the Hindu scriptures to interpret and present artifacts related to Hinduism. This course may help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the Hindu scriptures, which can enhance your ability to curate and interpret Hindu artifacts.
Journalist
Journalists covering religious topics may benefit from a deep understanding of the Hindu scriptures to accurately report on Hinduism and its practices. This course may help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the Hindu scriptures, enabling you to write informed and insightful articles on Hinduism.
Editor
Editors working with religious texts or publications may find this course helpful in gaining a deep understanding of the Hindu scriptures, which can assist them in editing and publishing materials related to Hinduism. This course may help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the Hindu scriptures, providing a solid foundation for your work as an editor.
Writer
Writers specializing in religion or spirituality may find this course helpful in gaining a deep understanding of the Hindu scriptures, which can inform their writing and provide insights into the beliefs and practices of Hinduism. This course may help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the Hindu scriptures, providing a solid foundation for your writing.
Translator
Translators specializing in religious texts may benefit from a deep understanding of the Hindu scriptures to accurately translate Hindu texts into other languages. This course may help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the Hindu scriptures, enabling you to produce accurate and meaningful translations.
Meditation Teacher
Meditation Teachers may find this course helpful in gaining a deeper understanding of the meditative practices and philosophies found in the Hindu scriptures. This course may help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the Hindu scriptures, providing a solid foundation for your teaching.
Nonprofit Program Manager
Nonprofit Program Managers working with organizations focused on interfaith dialogue or religious understanding may find this course helpful in gaining a deep understanding of the Hindu scriptures, which can inform their work and enable them to effectively engage with Hindu communities. This course may help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the Hindu scriptures, providing a solid foundation for your role as a Nonprofit Program Manager.
Yoga Instructor
Yoga Instructors may find this course helpful in gaining a deeper understanding of the philosophical and spiritual aspects of yoga, which originated from ancient Hindu traditions. This course may help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the Hindu scriptures, providing a solid foundation for your teaching.
Interfaith Minister
Interfaith Ministers working with diverse religious communities may benefit from a deep understanding of the Hindu scriptures to foster interfaith dialogue and promote religious understanding. This course may help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the Hindu scriptures, enabling you to engage in meaningful interfaith work.
Ayurvedic Practitioner
Ayurvedic Practitioners may find this course helpful in gaining a deeper understanding of the ancient Hindu texts that form the basis of Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine. This course may help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the Hindu scriptures, providing a solid foundation for your practice.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Hinduism Through Its Scriptures.
The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most important Hindu scriptures. It dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, and it contains philosophical insights that have been influential for centuries.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Hinduism. It good starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about the religion.
Comprehensive handbook on Hinduism. It provides a wealth of information on the religion, its history, and its beliefs.
Provides a comprehensive history of Hinduism. It good resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the development of the religion.
Provides a cultural history of Hinduism. It good resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the role of Hinduism in Indian culture.
Good resource for anyone who wants to learn Sanskrit, the language of the Hindu scriptures.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to mythology. It good resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the myths and legends of Hinduism.
Collection of religious texts from around the world. It good resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the beliefs of other religions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the world's religions. It good resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the beliefs and practices of other religions.
Provides a comprehensive history of Comparative Religion. It good resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the development of the field.
Collection of religious texts from around the world. It good resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the beliefs of other religions.

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