Introduction to Folk Hinduism-Tamil Village Deities 3600-IN-WDHL-OW
A lecture devoted to South-Indian Hinduism with particular emphasis on village deities cults in Tamil tradition. Students come to know the South-Indian folk Hinduism represented by village deities (mostly goddesses). The lecture topics include the characteristics of cults of deities from Tamil Nadu region: the ambivalent nature of deities, their temples, the mythology and rituals like blood sacrifices or vegetarian offerings. Lecture includes photos and movies showing Tamil beliefs.
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
K_W03
has extended knowledge of particular problems pertaining to the culture of Inner Asia, Mongolia and Tibet (within the scope of culture and literature or language and religion or history and socio-political issues)
K_W07
knows and understands the local academic tradition (methods of analysis, interpretation and evaluation) in the context of Inner Asia, Mongolia and Tibet
K_W10
has wide and profound knowledge of the structures and social relations as well as socio-cultural behavior in Mongolia and Tibet, which enables professional verbal communication in social and intercultural contexts
K_U06
can use the terminology from the domain of religion of Mongolia and Tibet to analyze and interpret religious phenomena, ethical motives and social behavior, as well as cultural differences
K_U07
can analyze relationship between the development of philosophical and religious ideas in Mongolia and Tibet as well as social, cultural and economic processes
K_U09
can compare and thoroughly analyze interrelations between selected literary texts and other works of culture (film, press, social writing) of Mongolia and Tibet, and the issues of tradition and modernity
K_U10
can carry out a critical analysis and interpretation of different products of culture of Mongolia and Tibet appropriate to a selected tradition, theory and research schools within the scope of studies on literature, language, culture and religion employing unique attitude of Oriental studies
K_U11
can analyze most important phenomena in the field of history, as well as socio-political, linguistic or cultural context of Mongolia and Tibet
K_K05
is open to new ideas and trends as well as cultural diversity
K_K06
has awareness of the differences stemming from cultural, religious and philosophical variety and their influence on shaping social and political attitudes as well as economic processes
K_K07
understands responsibility and ethical issues that come with imparting knowledge of Mongolia and Tibet
K_K08
understands and appreciates the value of tradition and cultural heritage of one’s own country and of Mongolia and Tibet
K_K09
can see the need to enrich one’s own tradition by adding positive philosophical, social and cultural values of Mongolia and Tibet, treats cultural synergy as an added value
Assessment criteria
- final written exam
- attendance control
Bibliography
S.H. Blackburn, Death and Deification: Folk Cults in Hinduism, „History of Religions”, 1985, s. 254-275.
A. Good, The Annual Festival in South Indian Village, „South Asian Social Scientist”, t. I, nr 2, s. 119-167.
W.T. Elmore, Dravidian Gods in Modern Hinduism, Asian Educational Services, New Delhi 1984.
E. Masilamani-Meyer, Guardians of Tamil Nadu: Folk Deities, Folk Religion, Hindu Themes, Verlag der Franckeschen Stiftungen zu Halle, Halle 2004.
Additional information
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