Project Description
This project will undertake a comprehensive examination of a Classical Hindu epic, the Rāmāyaṇa, as a historically significant work of both Indian and global political thought. Researchers will perform the following tasks: read and analyze a translated version (in English, from Sanskrit) of the epic, mapping out the most important political themes and ideas in the text; locate, examine, and summarize peer-reviewed scholarship related to the text; meet weekly with the professor to discuss researchers’ analysis and findings. The purpose of this research is to lay the groundwork for a future book/monograph.
Prerequisites
The researcher must have taken Politics 111: Introduction to Political Philosophy and have additional course experience in political philosophy (or related coursework in disciplines such as Philosophy, Classics, and/or Religion). The researcher should also possess strong critical reading skills.
Special Comments
Project Information (subject to change)
Estimated Start Date: 6/08/2026
Estimated End Date: 7/17/2026
Estimated Project Duration: 6 weeks
Maximum Number of Students Sought: 2
Research Location: On campus
Travel Required? No (If “yes”: )
Contact Information: Stu Gray (email: grays@wlu.edu)