WHAT TYPE OF HERO IS RAMA, AND WHAT is his dharma? As we trace his wanderings through the wilderness, pay attention to what he does, but also to why he does it. Though he embodies perfection, he doesn't always act perfectly. Why follow the deer, for example? Why must Lakshmana build his shelter time and time again? What do these lapses mean, both in the context of the myth, but also to you personally? Annotate for what the myth teaches us about the Hindu society that produced this myth, but also where it intersects with your own experience.

MONDAY

Exploration of Hanuman, the Hindu deity who embodies holy service to god. Among other resources, we will read an Encyclopedia Britannica entry, listen to a song celebrating the god, and explore a Glenview temple built to celebrate Indian culture and Hinduism.
HW: Read chapter seven of Ramayana tonight, “When the Rains Cease.” In this chapter, we see Rama fall into depression, and is briefly distracted from his holy mission.

TUESDAY

Discussion of Lakshmana and Hanuman as the heroes of The Ramayana.
HW: Reading chapter eight, “Memento from Rama,” the ring Hanuman carries to Sita to encourage her to withstand Ravana’s advances, and chapter nine, “Ravana in Council,” the great god preparing for war with Rama.

WEDNESDAY

Exploring the importance of jewelry to women in India, and other gender related issues. We will, briefly and as a whole class, discuss the two chapters from last night’s reading.
HW: Readin chapters 10 and 11, “Across the Ocean” and “The Siege of Lanka”

THURSDAY

Reading essays from The Alchemist.
HW: Reading chapter 12, “Rama and Ravana in Battle.”

FRIDAY

Reading essays from The Alchemist.
HW: Finish the book for class on Monday.