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Academic Year 2005/2006

Diet and Deities: Food Themes in Indic Religions
RELI 475 SP

This course explores three related questions: (1) What are the types of and reasons for food prohibitions (e.g. avoiding beef) in the religions of India; (2) to what extent do food practices (e.g., fasting, alms-giving) differ according to social group (gender, class, etc.); and (3) how have the religious traditions of India used food and food symbolism to construct or negotiate relationsips between individuals, communities, and nonhuman beings? In the course of answering these questions, we will familiarize ourselves with some of the myths, history, practices, and images associated with food, drawing mainly on material from the Vedic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Islamic traditions.

MAJOR READINGS

Khare, R.S., ed. THE ETERAL FOOD: GASTRONOMIC IDEAS AND EXPERIENCES OF THE HINDUS AND BUDDHISTS.
Pearson, Anne. "BECAUSE IT GIVES ME PEACE OF MIND:" RITUAL FASTS IN THE RELIGIOUS LIVES OF HINDU WOMEN.
Achaya, K.T., INDIAN FOOD: A HISTORICAL COMPANION.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Weely 1-2 page essays, midterm, final.

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS RELI    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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