Course Content

HUA respects the commitments students have outside of their studies. The FBL is tailored to meet each student’s needs and goals. HUA also recognizes that the success of field study depends upon a high degree of definition and planning. which must meet the following criteria:

1. The field location is connected to a specific sampradaya or Dharmic lineage. For example, an FBL in yoga cannot be completed at a Westernized yoga school with no specific Dharmic lineage.

2. There is an on-site learning component. This can take place at any time during the course of study. The duration should be both amenable to the student and recommended or approved by the partnering learning setting. Students will take field notes during this period.

3. There is an extended component of learning apart from the on-site component. This might include online meetings or courses with an acharya (instructor) or guru from the learning setting; a deeper study of a text or practice that relates to the onsite experience. The aggregate of the two components should comprise a semester’s-worth of study. Note: This refers to the content and not the duration (i.e., the duration of the study does not need to be 15-16 weeks long.)

4. The study enhances the student’s understanding of Hinduism with both knowledge and practice. For instance, a student might incorporate a new practice of sadhana as a result of the FBL.

5. The student is able to make connections between their FBL, their HUA coursework, and their personal practice of Hinduism. This connection does not have to include all of their coursework; it can be a deeper dive into a particular node of study.

6. Students will write a final paper as a culmination of the FBL. The paper will incorporate their field notes, their extended learning, and (an aspect of) their HUA coursework.