My work deals with medieval Sanskrit texts, particularly making accessible the ideas of these texts. I deal with critical theory, with gender and am currently working on ideas of subjectivity, consciousness and cognitive science in relation to medieval Indian perspectives on these subjects.
RLST 2610 - Happiness and Nirvana: Enlightenment in Indian Religions
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Spring 2020
Addresses religious and spiritual practices geared towards ideals of enlightenment across various religious traditions in India, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism, in relation to different social groups historically. Examines the concept of happiness (sukha) and its connections to spiritual enlightenment.
RLST 2612 - Yoga: Ancient and Modern
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Fall 2019
Addresses the history and philosophy of yoga, beginning from its earliest articulations in Vedic India 1200 BCE up to contemporary understandings of yoga. Examines yoga's historical evolution from a primarily mental practice to a bodily centered practice. Looks at the shifts yoga undergoes as it becomes popular in the modern West.
RLST 3200 - Hinduism
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Fall 2019
Studies literature, beliefs, practices, and institutions of Hinduism, in historical perspective.
RLST 4810 - Honors Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
Students write an honors thesis based on independent research under the direction of a faculty member. Required for students who elect departmental honors.
RLST 4820 - Interdisciplinary Seminar on Religion
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019
Variable topics in religion, drawing from a variety of disciplines and methodologies as they shed light on specific traditions and issues. Recommended requisite: 6 credit hours of religious studies at any level or instructor consent. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours as topics change. Same as RLST 5820.
RLST 5210 - Advanced Readings in Sanskrit
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2019
Requires at least two years of prior Sanskrit training. Students will read texts in the original. Class time is devoted to parsing out difficult grammatical structures, discussing the philosophical import of the readings and addressing the historical contexts that assist in interpreting the texts. The topic varies according to student interest.
RLST 5820 - Interdisciplinary Seminar on Religion
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019
Variable topics in religion, drawing from a variety of disciplines and methodologies as they shed light on specific traditions and issues. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours as topics change. Same as RLST 4820.
RLST 6945 - Portfolio: Non-Thesis Option
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Summer 2018 / Spring 2019 / Summer 2019 / Spring 2020
Course work finished or in the last semester. May be repeated up to 4 total credit hours.
