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ASIA2062 Indian Epics

Later Year Course

Offered By Faculty of Asian Studies
Academic Career Undergraduate
Course Subject Asian Studies
Offered in ASIA2062 will not be offered in 2009
Unit Value 6 units
Course Description

Indian Epics is centered on the study of two epic narratives, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. These two master-texts have exerted unequalled influence throughout the greater Indic civilisational realm for two millennia, and continue to form and inform the Indian national consciousness today. The course engages with four disciplines: literature, anthropology, history, and cultural studies. It is specifically designed for flexible delivery using innovative approaches to information technology.

The course is divided into two halves. The first half deals with the Ramayana. The second half deals with the Mahabharata. Seven weekly activities support the course objectives: (1) Epic Reading, (2) Epic Reading Guide, (3) Theory Reading, (4) Story Retelling, (5) Read and Respond, (6) Famous Last Words, (7) Workshop. On average, these activities require students to spend 8 hours per week on them. Only one session, the Workshop (one hour), will be face-to-face. The other activities can be completed online.
Indicative Assessment

Cumulative weekly assessment requirements (12 weeks):

Creative writing task 16%

Theoretical mind-mapping exercise 16%

Responsive writing  exercise ('Read and Respond') 16%

Learning Journal ('Famous Last Words') 16%

Attendance 8%

Participation 8%

Essay 2000 words (20%)
Workload 1 hour contact, 8-9 hours online
Areas of Interest Non Language Asian Studies
Requisite Statement 6 university courses (36 units)
Incompatibility

Incompatible: ASIA2161, if ASIA2161 was taken in 2007

Prescribed Texts

1. Ramayana by R. K. Narayan (Penguin) and
2. Mahabharata by R. K. Narayan (Penguin)

Majors/Specialisations Cognitive Major (Contemporary Asian Societies)
Academic Contact Dr McComas Taylor

The information published on the Study at ANU 2009 website applies to the 2009 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2008 website.

Updated:   13 Nov 2015 / Responsible Officer:   The Registrar / Page Contact:   Student Business Solutions