RELI 250 - Across Religious Boundaries: Understanding Differences

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

The study of a selected topic or theme in religious studies that cuts across the boundaries of particular religions, allowing opportunities for comparison as well as contrast of religious traditions, beliefs, values and practices.

Topic for 2025/26a: Superstories: The Popular Culture of the Rāmāyaṇa and the Mahābhārata. (Same as ASIA 250) Superstories is an introduction to the epic literature of Hinduism for the comic book reader, the fan fiction writer, the Marvel Cinematic Universe theorist, the cosplayer, and anyone who has ever “binged” on literature in any medium. Students analyze selections from the two great Sanskrit epics, the Mahābhārata and the Rāmāyaṇa, in tandem with their retellings in more contemporary epic mediums: television series, movies, fantasy fiction, comic books, and graphic novels. Students focus their reading by assessing the boundaries that the Hindu epics transgress—those between canonicity and creativity, classical and popular, and reader and author. Along the way, we recognize the phenomenon of the marvel—a supernatural being or event that provokes wonder in the onlooker—and consider its place in Hindu thought and practice, as well as religion more broadly. Throughout the course, we welcome productive comparisons with local superhero literature (e.g., Black Panther, Wonder Woman) and popular Western epics (Star Wars, Game of Thrones). Nell Hawley.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS