RE261 - Women, Demons, Deities & Other Dangerous Fantasies

An examination of gender and power in Hindu traditions, through an in-depth study of divine figures or historical women identified with goddesses, such as Sītā, Rādhā, and Kālī, or medieval saints and contemporary global gurus. May meet either the Critical Perspectives: Global Cultures or Social Inequality requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: AIM requirement. Meets the Critical Learning: CP requirement. Meets the Equity and Power: EPG requirement.

Degree requirement — Critical Learning: AIM, Critical Learning: CP, Equity and Power: EPG

1 unit — Coleman

Previously Featured Offering

A study of women and goddesses in Hinduism focused on Sītā. After identifying how and why Sītā is idealized, we consider critiques of gender ideology, reflecting on women's internalization of and resistance to Sītā. Students also participate in the tradition of the Rāmāyaṇa by composing their own re-tellings of select episodes.
Painting, Rasamanjari, the devoted husband, opaque watercolour on paper, Jammu, ca. 1720. From the Victoria and Albert Museum Collection.

Offerings

Term Block Title Instructor Location Student Limit/Available Updated
Spring 2024 Block 6 Women and Goddesses in Hinduism Tracy Coleman Armstrong Hall 257A 25 / 0 03/29/2024
Fall 2024 Block 1 Women, Demons, Deities & Other Dangerous Fantasies Tracy Coleman TBA 25 / 25 03/29/2024
Spring 2025 Block 6 Women, Demons, Deities & Other Dangerous Fantasies Tracy Coleman TBA 25 / 25 03/29/2024
Report an issue - Last updated: 03/29/2024