Master of Arts in Hindu Studies
Master of Arts in Hindu Studies (MAHS)
Structured According to Italian and Bologna Standards
๐๏ธ ClassicalโPhilosophical Motto (Sanskrit Origin)
โเคตเคฟเคฆเฅเคฏเคฏเคพ เค เคฎเฅเคคเคฎเคถเฅเคจเฅเคคเฅ โ Vidyayฤ Amแนtam Aลnuteโ
โThrough knowledge one attains the immortal.โ
(from the Upaniแนฃads โ perfectly expresses the pursuit of transformative wisdom.)
1. Degree Overview
Duration: 2 Years (4 semesters)
Total Credits: 36 SCH (โ 90 ECTS)
Mode: Fully Online (SARA-Compliant, Asynchronous & Synchronous Components)
Qualification Level: Second Cycle (Bologna EQF 7) / U.S. Masterโs Degree
2. Program Philosophy
This is a research-intensive, linguistically grounded, and methodologically rigorous program modeled on:
- Italian Laurea Magistrale programs (LM-64 Religioni, Filosofie e Storia; LM-39 Linguistica e Letterature Moderne)
- Harvard Divinity Schoolโs M.T.S. (Master of Theological Studies) Hindu Studies Track
- University of Floridaโs M.A. in Religion (REL prefix, FCNS alignment)
The curriculum is structured and sequential, not elective-heavy โ every student progresses through core modules, linguistic training, research methodology, specialization seminars, and a defended thesis.
3. Curriculum Architecture
| Cycle | Area | Credits (SCH) | ECTS Equivalent |
| 1 | Core Foundations (Philosophy, Texts, History) | 12 | 30 |
| 2 | Language and Philology (Sanskrit, Tamil, Pali) | 6 | 15 |
| 3 | Methodology and Hermeneutics | 6 | 15 |
| 4 | Specialization and Research Seminars | 6 | 15 |
| 5 | Masterโs Thesis (Dissertation + Defense) | 6 | 15 |
| TOTAL | 36 SCH | 90 ECTS |
4. Course Structure and Descriptions
Year 1 โ Foundational Cycle (18 SCH / 45 ECTS)
1. Hindu Philosophical Systems (REL 6101) โ 3 SCH / 7.5 ECTS
Analytical study of the six orthodox darลanas: Sฤแนkhya, Yoga, Nyฤya, Vaiลeแนฃika, Mฤซmฤแนsฤ, and Vedฤnta, emphasizing epistemology and ontology.
2. Hindu Textual Traditions: Vedic to Epic (REL 6112) โ 3 SCH / 7.5 ECTS
Close reading of selected hymns, Upaniแนฃadic excerpts, and passages from the Mahฤbhฤrata and Rฤmฤyaแนa. Focus on textual criticism and hermeneutic method.
3. Sanskrit I: Grammar, Syntax, and Exegesis (SAN 5001) โ 3 SCH / 7.5 ECTS
Introductory Sanskrit with focus on grammar and short primary texts (Bhagavad Gฤซtฤ, Upaniแนฃads).
4. Research Methodology in Religious and Indological Studies (REL 5930) โ 3 SCH / 7.5 ECTS
Covers philology, critical edition principles, comparative religion, historiography, and ethnography. Prepares for thesis-level research.
5. Hindu History and Civilization (REL 6203) โ 3 SCH / 7.5 ECTS
Chronological survey of Indian civilization from the Vedic period to the early modern era; integrates archaeology, art, and cultural studies.
6. Seminar on Hindu Hermeneutics and Interpretation (REL 6211) โ 3 SCH / 7.5 ECTS
Introduces the Mฤซmฤแนsฤ and Vedฤnta traditions of interpretation; parallels with Western hermeneutic theories (Gadamer, Ricoeur).
Year 2 โ Research and Specialization Cycle (18 SCH / 45 ECTS)
7. Advanced Sanskrit II or Tamil Philology (SAN 6002 or TAM 6002) โ 3 SCH / 7.5 ECTS
Advanced reading of primary texts; introduction to critical apparatus and textual variants.
8. Comparative Theology and Hindu Thought (REL 6313) โ 3 SCH / 7.5 ECTS
Dialogical study of Hindu-Christian and Hindu-Buddhist thought; issues of revelation, divinity, and salvation.
9. Seminar on Hindu Ethics, Ecology, and Society (REL 6405) โ 3 SCH / 7.5 ECTS
Examines dharma, nonviolence, ecology, and applied Hindu ethics within contemporary global challenges.
10. Specialization Elective (choose one) โ 3 SCH / 7.5 ECTS
Options:
- Feminine Divine and Gender in Hindu Traditions
- Tantra and Esoteric Traditions
- Hindu Law (Dharmaลฤstra)
- Hindu Aesthetics and Performing Arts
11. Masterโs Thesis (REL 6971) โ 6 SCH / 15 ECTS
Original research project (20,000โ25,000 words) supervised by faculty and defended via online viva voce.
5. Pedagogical Model
- Sequential, research-driven modules (like Italian โmoduli didatticiโ)
-
Each course includes:
- Lectures (online video)
- Seminars and tutorials (synchronous discussion)
- Textual labs (primary-source translation)
- Assessment: written exam + oral colloquium (per Bologna standards)
- Thesis evaluated by a three-member academic committee.
6. Quality Assurance and Academic Rigor
| Element | Italian Equivalent | Florida/SACS Equivalent |
| 60 ECTS/year | 60 CFU/year | 30 SCH masterโs minimum |
| Collegio dei Docenti (Faculty Board) | Graduate Faculty Council | |
| Relatore + Correlatore (Thesis Supervisor & Reader) | Major Professor + Second Reader | |
| Discussione finale (Thesis Defense) | Oral Defense / Capstone Presentation | |
| CFU/ECTS credits with contact hour equivalence | SCH via SACSCOC & Florida definitions |
7. Compliance and Alignment
- Florida Course Numbering System (FCNS): REL/SAN prefixes follow UF/FSU model.
- SACSCOC guidelines: โฅ30 SCH, qualified graduate faculty, thesis requirement.
- SARA (NC-SARA) guidelines: Program designed for interstate online education delivery.
-
Bologna Process:
- Follows EQF Level 7 descriptors (advanced knowledge, critical thinking, independent research).
- Thesis mandatory.
- Uses ECTS/SCH mapping: 1 SCH = 2 - 2.5 ECTS.
8. Degree Award and Diploma Supplement
Upon completion, students receive:
- Master of Arts in Hindu Studies
- Diploma Supplement (EU format) including ECTS credits, course list, and EQF level for international recognition (useful for Italy and Europe).
9. Career and Academic Pathways
- Ph.D. in Religious Studies, Indology, or South Asian Studies (meets Bologna 2nd cycle access)
- University teaching or research roles
- Cultural and interreligious institutions
- Heritage and translation projects
- Ethical, ecological, and policy consultancy
10. Example of Academic Progression Map
| Semester | Courses | Total SCH |
| Fall Year 1 | REL 6101, REL 6112, SAN 5001 | 9 |
| Spring Year 1 | REL 5930, REL 6203, REL 6211 | 9 |
| Fall Year 2 | SAN 6002, REL 6313, REL 6405 | 9 |
| Spring Year 2 | Elective + Thesis | 9 |