An historical and thematic introduction to ancient Indian civilization in its major religious forms. Students will study Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Islam, as these have given shape to distinctive ways of life in India. Students will read historical studies, religious and philosophic texts, examine forms of devotion and ritual, recount the stories of major religious figures (human and divine), and encounter distinctive forms of religious expression through the arts. This course satisfies the Core Exploration Cultural Literacy requirement.