Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis The subject is designed to introduce students to the study of religion, looking at the main religious traditions of Asia in turn, tracing their evolution, and relating each to the cultural environment in which it grew. Certain basic questions are taken as themes to apply to each section of the subject: for example, what have the different religions said about fundamental questions such as the problem of suffering, the existence of an afterlife and the existence of God or gods? The concern in this semester will be with eastern religions, with special attention to Taoist mysticism, the Hindu way of life, yoga and salvation, and the Buddhist teaching.
Assessment Short essay and long essay (total 4000 words): 50% + Examination (2 hours): 50%