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Online Class: Hinduism 101 - An Introduction

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IACET Authorized Provider Enroll today! This is a self-paced, continuing education, online course with instructor. You have 6 months to complete.
Course Cost: 6 Month Subscription
Course (no Certificate)   =   $35.00
Course with CEU Certificate*   =   $60.00
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Course Description

Welcome to this introductory course on Hinduism. In this course, the student will learn the foundations of one of the oldest religions in the world. From the origins of Hinduism to the writings that shaped its historical development over centuries, non-Hindu students are introduced to a number of rather 'foreign' concepts.

While this course in no way claims to offer an in-depth view into every aspect of Hinduism and its concepts, we do want to touch upon the development and continual evolution of Hinduism in the past, and today. We'll talk briefly about the Indo-Aryan people from the Indus Valley region, known as the birthplace of Hinduism, and then focal points found in the practice of Hinduism. Topics relating to important scriptures found in Hinduism touch upon the Veda and the concept of Dharma.

 As students progress through the course, they'll learn about concepts like karma and the difference between mantras and tantras. Hindu deities will be explored, offering a glimpse into the most popular deities and holidays that still celebrate them today. You'll be introduced into concepts such as predestination and reincarnation and understand how such concepts helped shape Hindu society through the ages.

We'll then move on to talk about common Hindu customs and learn about the foods that Hindus can and cannot eat, customs regarding birth, marriage, death and funerals as well as how and why Yoga is such an important part of the practice of Hinduism. The functions of Hindu priests and temples and festivals is also briefly explored.

We'll wrap up this introductory course on Hinduism by exploring the contributions of various women in Hindu society who helped shaped India's history, past and present, as well as how Hinduism has adapted to 21st century attitudes. Finally, we'll conclude the course with common Hindu goals such as the continual search for peace and harmony, not only among Hindus, but also among all peoples and religions.

Course Lessons

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Lesson 1: What is Hinduism?

Understanding how Hinduism differs from other world religions, its history, and its basic tenants are introduced in this course.

Lesson 2: Origins

In this lesson, we'll offer a brief introduction of Hinduism's history and origins.

Lesson 3: Indo-Aryan Society

In this lesson, we'll briefly touched on Indo-Aryan society and how caste systems evolved.

Lesson 4: Focal Points of Hinduism

In this lesson, we'll offer a very brief introduction into some of the major focal points of Hinduism from a religious perspective.

Lesson 5: All About Karma

Like many different religions, the concept of living a good and moral life offer rewards in the afterlife.

Lesson 6: Holy Books of Hinduism

As in other religions, Hindus rely on the writings, texts and both written and oral traditions of the founders of Hinduism.

Lesson 7: Hindu Deities

In this lesson, we'll briefly discuss and address the concept of deities in Hinduism as well as the concept of the infinite Brahman, known as Īshvara.

Lesson 8: Predestination and Reincarnation

Hindus believe that a soul is born repeatedly and may be reborn in the form of a human or an animal or a plant.

Lesson 9: Common Hindu Traditions

Hinduism is a fluid religion, and as such, a variety of traditions that have been practiced since the origin of the Hindu way of life as a practice have also changed.

Lesson 10: Hinduism and Yoga

In this lesson, we'll briefly discuss the importance of yoga, and the types of yoga practiced by Hindus around the world in their journey toward striving for more direct communication and spiritual companionship with God.

Lesson 11: Mantras and Gunas

Understanding what chanting is, why certain things are chanted, and the meaning of mantras and symbols in Hinduism, offers students a greater understanding of why it's done.

Lesson 12: Hindu Priests and Temples

In this lesson, we'll illustrate and offer a brief introduction into the different types of temple styles, why they evolved over time, as well as a brief glimpse into the duties of a temple priest.

Lesson 13: Hindu Customs

In this lesson, we'll introduce various Hindu customs, covering the lifespan of a religious follower from the pre-birth stage all the way until death, and subsequent funeral traditions and customs.

Lesson 14: Hindu Festivals

In this lesson, we'll discuss a selected number of festivals that take place each year.

Lesson 15: Hindu Women in Society

In this lesson, we'll discuss the reverence accorded to Hindu women in the early centuries of Indo-Aryan development, and conclude our lesson with brief profiles of women throughout India, ancient and modern.

Lesson 16: Hindu Foods

In this lesson, we will discuss Hindu foods and how they are regarded in a spiritual sense, as well as how those of the Hindu faith eat on a daily basis.

Lesson 17: Hinduism in the 21st Century

In this lesson nearing the end of this basic introductory course on Hinduism, we'll discuss how Hinduism is practiced in the 21st century.

Lesson 18: Striving for Harmony and Peace

One of the most important aspects of Hinduism is tolerance, acceptance and harmony.

Bibliography & Online Resources

Bibliography & Online Resources

Additional Information

Course Title : Hinduism 101: An Introduction
CEU Value :

1.0 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

Standard :

Course Adheres to the ANSI/IACET 1-2007 Standard

Accreditation :

Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), 1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500, McLean, VA 22102.

Languages : English - United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and other English speaking countries
Course Number : 7550557
Course Type : General Education
Course URL :

http://hinduism.onlineclasses.com

Course Rating : Excellent Course! 4 Star Rating
Instructor :

UniversalClass Staff Instructor

Syllabus :

View Syllabus

Grading Policy :

Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive a CEU Certificate documenting CEUs earned

Assessment Method :

Lesson assignments and review exams

Duration : Continuous: Enroll anytime!
Requirements : View Technical Requirements
Course Fee :

Basic Course: $35.00 (no CEU Certificate)

   

with CEU Certificate: $60.00

NOT FOR COLLEGE CREDIT
This is a non-credit course, and is provided for your personal enrichment. This course is not intended to be a substitute for any state, government, licensing, certification or educational requirements.

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