2C Hinduism

2C Hinduism is a component of the AQA A-Level Religious Studies course, focusing on the diverse beliefs, practices, and philosophical traditions within Hinduism. This topic explores key concepts such as dharma, karma, moksha, and the nature of the divine, including the trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) and the concept of Brahman as ultimate reality. Students will examine sacred texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Ramayana, and consider how these texts inform Hindu ethics, rituals, and social structures such as the caste system and stages of life (ashramas).

Understanding 2C Hinduism is crucial for grasping the richness of one of the world's oldest religions and its influence on global culture and philosophy. This topic challenges students to think critically about religious diversity, the relationship between faith and practice, and the ways in which Hindu traditions have adapted over time. It also provides a foundation for comparative study with other religious traditions covered in the A-Level syllabus, such as Christianity or Buddhism.

Mastery of this topic requires engagement with primary sources, scholarly interpretations, and contemporary issues. Students should be prepared to analyse different schools of Hindu thought (e.g., Advaita Vedanta, Vishishtadvaita, Dvaita) and evaluate their responses to questions about the nature of reality, the self (Atman), and the path to liberation. This topic not only builds knowledge but also develops skills in critical analysis, argumentation, and empathetic understanding.