This course offers an in-depth introduction to the Mahabharata, the world's longest epic and one of the foundational works of Indian civilization, both in its traditional cultural context, and as a world classic of profound mythic and psychological insight. Following a 200-page synopsis of the main story, we will read excerpts from seven of the epic’s 18 Major Books, including a translation of the spiritual classic, Bhagavad Gita (the 63rd of its 100 "minor books”). Together with these primary-source readings we will also sample recent scholarship on the poem's historical, ritual, and mythic contexts, and on its performance traditions. Throughout the semester, we will stress the Mahabharata’s role as a living tradition that is continually being re-created and reinterpreted, and we will view and discuss video and DVD recordings of several modern stagings, ranging from outdoor folk dramas to popular films, a television serial, and the nine-hour international play directed by Peter Brook.

Students will be expected to produce bi-weekly short (2 page) "reaction papers" based on readings and a longer final research essay.