- Course code: RL5081
- Credits: 10
- Semester: Autumn
- Language: English
Study program affiliation:
Hinduism and Buddhism: Summer University in Kathmandu RL5081
This Summer University is offered in collaboration with the Oxford Center for Hindu Studies (OCHS). The course takes place in Kathmandu during the first two weeks of August.
The Kathmandu Valley of Nepal is a central hotspot for Hinduism and Buddhism, two of the world's largest religions. Over the course of two weeks of lectures and field-trips, this course provides unique insight into the religious traditions and popular religiosity of Nepal. The course will also give a practical introduction to research methods employed in the study of Hinduism and Buddhism, including philology, manuscript studies, ethnography and visual studies.
For more information on the programme, dates, travel and more, see the OCHS website.
This course is particularly relevant to students with some prior knowledge of Hinduism and Buddhism interested in learning more about Asian religions. Students in the MA programmes History of Religions and Religion in Contemporary Society (RICS) can combine this course with RL5090 for a full exchange semester to Kathmandu/Oxford with the OCHS. For more information, send an e-mail to international@mf.no.
Prerequisites
Students must be enrolled in a relevant MA programme. Students who hold a BA degree in religion, theology, anthropology or other relevant subject area can also apply. Students are recommended to have passed the course RL2040 Østlig religiøsitet or an equivalent introductory course to Hinduism/Buddhism.
Application and admission
There are participant restrictions to this course. Students who wish to attend must apply the OCHS Summer University via the online form on their website and pay a deposit. For information on admission, deadline and application, see the OCHS Summer University website.
Once admitted to the course, students must register their admission with MF through Søknadsweb.
Study requirements
Credits for this course is given on the basis of fulfillment of the following course requirements:
- Participation in lectures and mandatory field trips at the Summer university in Kathmandu.
- Have approved an academic essay (2500-3500 words) to be submitted in September. The essay is assessed as pass or fail. The essay can be written in English or any Scandinavian language.
- Participate in the in-depth evaluation of the course if such evaluation is stipulated in the relevant term.
When course requirements are not fulfilled, this will count as one examination attempt, unless the student withdraws before the set deadline (1 November).
Final assessment/Exam
The student must have passed all the course requirements within set deadlines. The course is assessed passed/not passed.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
The candidate has:
- thorough knowledge of popular religiosity and religious diversity within Hinduism and Buddhism in the Kathmandu valley.
- thorough knowledge about different sources and methods in the study of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Skills
The candidate can:
- understand and critically discuss various religious phenomena within Hinduism and Buddhism.
- observe and analyse different forms of religious and/or ritual practices.
- discuss possibilities and challenges of different research methodologies, including manuscript studies and fieldwork.
Overlapping courses
RL5081 Hinduism & Buddhism overlaps with RL2081 Hinduism & Buddhism. Students who have already completed RL2081 will receive 0 credit points (ECTS) for RL5081 on their transcript of records or diploma.
Course responsible
