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Study of Religions

Jainism: History, Doctrine and the Contemporary World

Course Code:
15PSRC024
Status:
Course Not Running This year
Unit value:
1.0
Year of study:
Any
The aim of this MA course is to introduce students to key aspects of Jainism. It will focus on the doctrinal and social history of Jainism. It will concentrate on the Jaina paths of salvation, and on religious practices, such as the āvaśyaka rites, tapasya, dhyana, pūjā, and dāna on the basis of a close reading of key texts such as the Bhagavatī Sūtra, the Tattvārtha Sūtra and the Samayasāra Sūtra, and modern ethnographic studies.

The structure of the course is broadly historical, but material will be drawn from both textual and ethnographic sources. The key subjects will be the history of Jainism, Jain scriptures, Jain philosophies of non-violence and non-absolutism, Jain sects, contemporary religious and social practices, and Jainism in the modern world.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the course

The aim of this course is to introduce students to important aspects of Jainism.

On completion of the course students should:

  • be familiar with the central issues of the Jain tradition;
  • be able to specify the major historical changes within Jainism;
  • understand the ways in which contemporary Jain practices relate to other religious and cultural traditions.

Method of assessment

Coursework: two 2,500-3,000 word essays. Assessment: three hour exam paper 40%, essays 60%.

Required reading

Online course outline.