Course Schedule and Catalog

Long Title: THE MAHABHARATA: THE INDIAN EPIC OF FAMILY, MORALITY, AND WAR (BROWN)

Department: College Courses

Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

Language of Instruction: Taught in English

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: Family drama. War. Betrayals. ELEPHANTS! What else could a great story even need? For over 5,000 years, the Mahabharata, one of this world’s largest epics, played a significant role in shaping Indian and Hindu culture. This class is for anyone interested in dissecting stories, debating moral dilemmas, and learning more about other cultures. While the Mahabharata translates directly to the Great War, these stories are not merely battles and fighting. Within this epic lies the Bhagavad Gita, a defining text for Hindu and Indian philosophy. In this course, we will delve into the exciting tales of the Mahabharata, exploring the relatable characters, complex themes, and, of course, the perplexing moral dilemmas. Success in this course will be determined primarily by participation in discussions and willingness to learn about new and exciting stories. There will also be short weekly discussion posts to assess understanding and encourage reflection. Through such thought-provoking discussions and investigation of the epic’s many interpretations and adaptations, we will explore the essential question of how stories, both within and outside our culture, shape our values and philosophy.