AAS/RLS 256 Mid-Term Exam Preview

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, concepts, and structural components characterized in the AAS/RLS 256 mid-term exam preview.

Aryan migration thesis

One of two hypotheses discussed to explain the ancient origins of Hinduism, contrasted with the cultural transformation thesis and examined using archaeological and textual evidence.

Cultural transformation thesis

One of two hypotheses discussed to explain the ancient origins of Hinduism, contrasted with the Aryan migration thesis.

Indus valley civilization

An ancient civilization whose archaeological and textual evidence is considered by scholars to evaluate whether the Aryan migration thesis or the cultural transformation thesis is correct.

Mahābhārata

One of two Indian epics compared and contrasted regarding how it approaches the issue of dharma, exemplified by the figure of Kṛṣṇa.

Rāmāyaṇa

One of two Indian epics compared and contrasted regarding how it approaches the issue of dharma, exemplified by the figure of Rāma.

Dharma

A central issue approached in differing ways by the two Indian epics, the Mahābhārata and the Rāmāyaṇa.

Kṛṣṇa

A figure who exemplifies the Mahābhārata and its approach to the issue of dharma.

Rāma

A figure who exemplifies the Rāmāyaṇa and its approach to the issue of dharma.

Section I (Mid-term Exam)

The portion of the exam worth $25\%$ of the mid-term grade, requiring short definitions of no more than one or two sentences for ten terms or concepts out of twelve listed.

Section II (Mid-term Exam)

The portion of the exam worth $75\%$ of the mid-term grade, requiring students to answer two out of three essay questions addressing topics discussed in class.