Introduction to Folk Hinduism-Tamil Village Deities

elective courses

The lecture devoted to South-Indian beliefs aimed at presenting the culture of that region.

Classroom

A lecture devoted to South-Indian Hinduism with particular emphasis on village deities in Tamil tradition

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.

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.

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

- final written exam

- attendance control