Undergraduate study

Undergraduate 

Theology & Religious Studies BD/MA

South Asian Epic Traditions TRS4117

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Critical Studies
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2 (Alternate Years)
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

The course introduces key concepts in Indic religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism) based on narrative, ritual, and performance traditions in, on, and around the Sanskrit epics (Rāmāyāṇa and Mahābhārata). Students will be asked to read the epics (in English translations) and discuss regional variations in narrations, visual representations, and performance arts. The course will introduce the ritual dimensions of Indic narrative traditions.

Timetable

1x2hr seminar per week over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus. This is one of the Honours options in Theology & Religious Studies and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Essay (2,000 words) - 50%

■ 2 x 750-word reading reflections - 20% each

■ Oral presentation (5 minutes) - 10%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ There is no alternative to the reading reflections, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ Recorded presentation as an alternative to the oral presenation

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ introduce students to South Asian literary cultures and folklore

■ apply ethnographic approaches to literary and cultural studies

■ relate South Asian religion and ritual to oral traditions and the arts

■ analyse cross-cultural contacts in Asia and beyond

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ assess key episodes in relation to their religious, literary, socio-historical and cultural significance

■ appraise regional variations against the backdrop of pan-Hindu concepts and values

■ evaluate the significance of the epics to South Asian religions and cultures

■ analyse the epic discourse and narrative in relation to specific religious, literary, socio-historical or cultural contexts

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions