The University of Ottawa Overseas India Summer Course 2012: Focus on Jainism
Description
The University of Ottawa, in affiliation with the University of Mumbai and the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI), is pleased to announce the University of Ottawa Overseas India Summer Course 2012. The course will place a special focus on the ancient religious and cultural tradition of Jainism, one of India’s most influential—though least studied—traditions. Academic studies, field trips to religious sites and interaction with the Jain community, including religious mendicants, will allow students to explore Jainism in the context of India’s broader religious landscape.
Under the guidance of the University of Ottawa’s Professor Anne Vallely, this travel-study course will bring qualified students to India to immerse them in the country’s rich religious landscape. Students will be based at the esteemed University of Mumbai, and will study with faculty from the University of Mumbai’s Department of Philosophy.
Though students spend most of their time in the city of Mumbai, weekend excursions to explore nearby sites expose students to aspects of Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Islam. In studying these diverse cultures, student will visit places like the ancient Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves at the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Ajanta-Ellora and even spend 4 days exploring the holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the River Ganges, one of the oldest cities in the world as well as the cultural and religious centre of North India for the past few thousand years.
Students on the UoO-UoM programme are eligible to receive 3 credits (graduate or undergraduate credits, depending on their degree programmes) through the accrediting host institution, the University of Ottawa.
Eligibility
Graduate Students with an interest in India Studies and advanced Undergraduate Students who have completed 3 years of undergraduate study, including some component of India Studies coursework (in Religious Studies, History, or Philosophy etc.) or have a particular academic interest in India Studies.
Application Requirements
- A completed application form
- A statement of purpose outlining how this programme will benefit the student's
studies - Two letters of reference
Application Deadline
December 15, 2011
Selection
Selection will be based on the merit of the student's application and the relevance of their coursework and academic training to India Studies.
Cost
The total cost of the programme in past years was $2500 (CDN) which included application fees, airfare, room and board, materials, health and field trip costs. Since this programme is subsidized by Jain philanthropic organizations, the costs for the 2012 programme will be similar.
Application Form
Please click here to download the application form.
Enquiries
For more information, please contact Programme Director:
Anne Vallely, PhD
Associate Professor/Professeure agrégée
Department of Classics and Religious Studies/Départment d'études anciennes et science des religion
University of Ottawa/Université d'Ottawa
70 Laurier, Ottawa K1B 6N5
(613) 562-5800x 1168
avallely@uOttawa.ca