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 MA Comparative Religion - Semester I
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 Core Courses:
 

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 Paper 1: Understanding Religion
 
 
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 Defining Religion: Etymological and phenomenological approaches.
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 Theories of Religion: Anthropological, sociological, psychological, and philosophical perspectives (e.g., Tylor, Durkheim, Freud, Marx, Otto).
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 Elements of Religion: Belief systems, rituals, ethics, sacred texts, and religious experiences.
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 Religion and Culture: Interrelation and mutual influence.
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 Paper 2: Religions of Indian Origin
 
 
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 Hinduism: Origins, development, major schools of thought (Vedanta, Yoga, Samkhya), deities, and practices.
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 Buddhism: Early Buddhism, Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana, the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path.
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 Jainism: Principles of Ahimsa, Anekantavada, Aparigraha, the Tirthankaras, and Jain ethics.
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 Sikhism: The Gurus, the Adi Granth, Sikh beliefs, practices, and social ethics.
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 Elective Courses (Choose One):
 

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 Paper 3 (Elective): Religion and Society
 
 
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 Religion and Social Structures: Caste, class, gender, and ethnicity.
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 Religion and Politics: Religious nationalism, secularism, and religious movements.
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 Religion and Economy: Religious ethics and economic development.
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 Religion and Conflict: Causes of religious conflict and peace-building strategies.
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 Paper 3 (Elective): Mysticism in World Religions
 
 
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 Defining Mysticism: Characteristics and types of mystical experiences.
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 Mystical Traditions: Overview of mystical traditions in Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.
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 Mystical Practices: Meditation, contemplation, prayer, and asceticism.
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 Theories of Mysticism: Psychological and philosophical interpretations.
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 Note:
 
 
 Each paper will include detailed study of relevant texts, case studies, and contemporary issues.

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 MA Comparative Religion - Semester II
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 Core Courses:
 

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 Paper 4: Religions of Semitic Origin
 
 
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 Judaism: Origins, history, beliefs, practices, and major movements.
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 Christianity: Origins, development, major denominations, doctrines, and ethics.
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 Islam: Origins, the Quran, the Hadith, the Five Pillars, Islamic law (Sharia), and Sufism.
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 Comparative Study: Similarities and differences among the Abrahamic religions.
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 Paper 5: Comparative Ethics
 
 
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 Ethical Theories: Deontology, consequentialism, virtue ethics, and religious ethics.
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 Comparative Religious Ethics: Ethical teachings in Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.
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 Contemporary Ethical Issues: Bioethics, environmental ethics, social justice, and human rights from a religious perspective.
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 Religion and Moral Development: The role of religion in shaping moral values and behavior.
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 Elective Courses (Choose One):
 

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 Paper 6 (Elective): Religion and Gender
 
 
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 Gender Roles in Religion: Traditional and contemporary perspectives.
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 Feminist Theology: Critiques of patriarchal religious structures and interpretations.
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 Women in Religious History: Contributions and challenges faced by women in different religious traditions.
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 Religion and Sexuality: Religious perspectives on marriage, family, and sexual ethics.
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 Paper 6 (Elective): Religion and Ecology
 
 
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 Religious Views of Nature: Concepts of creation, stewardship, and the sacredness of nature.
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 Environmental Ethics: Religious perspectives on environmental issues such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
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 Religious Environmental Movements: Case studies of religious groups working to protect the environment.
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 Sustainable Development: The role of religion in promoting sustainable practices and lifestyles.
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 Note:
 
 
 Each paper will include detailed study of relevant texts, case studies, and contemporary issues.

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 MA Comparative Religion - Semester III
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 Core Courses:
 

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 Paper 7: Contemporary Religious Movements
 
 
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 New Religious Movements (NRMs): Characteristics, typologies, and sociological perspectives.
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 Globalization and Religion: The impact of globalization on religious identity and practice.
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 Religious Fundamentalism: Origins, characteristics, and manifestations in different religious traditions.
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 Interfaith Dialogue: Principles, methods, and challenges of interfaith cooperation.
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 Paper 8: Religion and Philosophy
 
 
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 Philosophy of Religion: Key concepts and debates (e.g., the existence of God, the problem of evil, religious language).
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 Religious Epistemology: Ways of knowing in religion (e.g., faith, revelation, intuition).
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 Religious Metaphysics: Concepts of reality, time, and space in different religious traditions.
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 Comparative Theology: Exploring theological themes across different religions.
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 Elective Courses (Choose One):
 

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 Paper 9 (Elective): Religion and Art
 
 
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 Religious Symbolism: The use of symbols in religious art and architecture.
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 Religious Music: The role of music in religious rituals and devotional practices.
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 Religious Architecture: Comparative study of sacred spaces in different religious traditions.
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 Religion and Visual Culture: The representation of religion in film, television, and other media.
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 Paper 9 (Elective): Religion and Healing
 
 
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 Religious Healing Practices: Prayer, ritual, and other forms of spiritual healing.
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 Faith Healing: Case studies of faith healing in different religious traditions.
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 Religion and Mental Health: The role of religion in coping with stress, anxiety, and depression.
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 Integrative Medicine: Combining religious and medical approaches to healing.
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 Note:
 
 
 Each paper will include detailed study of relevant texts, case studies, and contemporary issues.

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 MA Comparative Religion - Semester IV
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 Core Courses:
 

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 Paper 10: Research Methodology in Religious Studies
 
 
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 Qualitative Research Methods: Ethnography, interviews, focus groups, and case studies.
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 Quantitative Research Methods: Surveys, statistical analysis, and experimental designs.
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 Textual Analysis: Hermeneutics, exegesis, and interpretation of religious texts.
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 Ethical Issues in Religious Research: Informed consent, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity.
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 Paper 11: Dissertation/Project Work
 
 
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 Students will undertake independent research on a topic of their choice, under the guidance of a faculty member.
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 The dissertation/project should demonstrate critical thinking, analytical skills, and a thorough understanding of the chosen topic.
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 Regular progress reports and consultations with the supervisor are required.
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 The final dissertation/project will be evaluated based on its originality, methodology, and contribution to the field.
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 Elective Courses (Choose One):
 

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 Paper 12 (Elective): Religion and Law
 
 
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 Religious Law: Comparative study of religious legal systems (e.g., Sharia, Halakha, Canon Law).
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 Religion and Human Rights: Religious freedom, freedom of conscience, and the right to practice one's religion.
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 Religion and Constitutional Law: The separation of church and state, and the role of religion in public life.
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 Legal Issues in Religious Organizations: Property rights, governance, and liability.
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 Paper 12 (Elective): Religion and Development
 
 
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 The Role of Religion in Development: Religious values, ethics, and social capital.
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 Religious Organizations and Development: Case studies of religious groups working in poverty reduction, education, and healthcare.
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 Religion and Social Justice: Religious perspectives on inequality, discrimination, and human rights.
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 Sustainable Development: The role of religion in promoting sustainable practices and lifestyles.
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 Note:
 
 
 Each paper will include detailed study of relevant texts, case studies, and contemporary issues.

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Explore MA Comparative Religion: delve into diverse faiths, ethics, and cultures. Understand religious traditions and their impact on society.

MA Comparative Religion

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