The Faculty of Peace Studies, Spirituality and Culture is conducting distance and supported learning courses in Certificate in Hindu Studies and Certificate Course in Bhagavad Gita Studies. Please click the below tabs for course details.

• Certificate in Hindu Studies
• Certificate in Bhagavad Gita Studies

Certificate in Hindu Studies

1. Introduction

The Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa conducts distance and supported learning courses in the Spiritual Heritage and Culture of India. The first of these courses, the Certificate in Hindu Studies, which was launched in the 2007 Academic year, was well received by our first cohort of students. This course provides a general overview of Hinduism, with its various components such as the Hindu scriptures, philosophies, ethics, festivals, deities, symbolism, etc.

This programme was especially created to equip students with an understanding of the basics of the Hindu Religion. In addition, the programme will develop in students key competencies required for acquiring a sound knowledge of the subject, keeping in view that this is an introductory course, which could lead to other courses in this field of study.

2. Programme outline

1. The minimum duration of the programme is one year, which will be divided into two semesters.
2. The programme will commence in March 2008 and end in February 2009.
3. A written examination for the first semester will be held in August 2008 and for the second semester, in February 2009. At the end of each semester there will be a three hour examination paper.
4. Students will also be assessed through assignments, a percentage of which will contribute towards the final mark for the course.
5. Other details regarding the programme requirements will be sent only to registered students at a later date.

3. Entrance requirements

1. Matric (Senior Certificate) (10 + 2)
2. Age exemption may be granted to persons over 23 years of age.
3. Admission may be granted based on recognition of prior learning (RPL).

4. Fee Structure

1. The cost of study for the year, which has been highly subsidised by the Centre, is R350.00.
2. The above cost includes all textbooks, postage costs and examination fees.
3. The full fee is payable upon registration.

5. Registration

1. Registration for 2008 is closed.
2. Registration will be limited to 120 students on a first come first served basis and only finalised upon payment of the full registration fee either at the Centre's Headquarters at 8 Montreal Road, Glen Anil or by faxing or handing in a copy of the deposit slip showing the student's full name and ID number as proof of payment of the full amount.
3. All study materials will be despatched to students not later than 1 March 2008.

6. Examination Centres

1. Examinations will be conducted at the following Centres: Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa (Glen Anil), Pietermaritzburg, Ladysmith and Lenasia.
2. Should there be more than 10 students at any other venue, consideration will be given to setting up an Examination Centre there.
3. Details of the exact location of the Examination Centres will follow.

7. Certificate Presentaion

1. There will be a Certificate Presentation Ceremony in April 2008 and April 2009.
2. Successful students will be required to pay a Certificate presentation fee of R25.00 prior to the Certificate presentation ceremony.
3. Students will be responsible for obtaining (at their own cost) undergraduate gowns from a Company specifically contracted to the Centre.

8. Contact with Course Co-ordinators

An Administration Clerk, appointed to handle all queries in connection with the programme will take telephone calls on weekdays from 8.00am to 12.30pm once the programme commences. This excludes public holidays and any pre-stipulated recess periods which will be announced.

9. Acreditation

Arrangements are being made to get accreditation from Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University, which is a deemed university under UGC Act. This universtiy presently is operated from Belur Math, West Bengal, India.

Certificate in Bhagavad Gita Studies

The Centre launched the CERTIFICATE IN BHAGAVAD GITA STUDIES distance and supported learning course in March 2008.

This course is designed to further enhance the understanding the basics of the Hindu Religion and is offered to students who have successfully completed the basic Certificate in Hindu Studies course offered by the Centre. The Bhagavad Gita embodies the perennial message of the Lord to all humankind, regardless of caste, colour or nationality. Throughout the chapters, Lord Krishna teaches the higher truth of philosophy and religion to Arjuna. Practically the whole of the Vedanta philosophy is included in the Bhagavad Gita.

The course is largely based on the Centre’s issue of the Bhagavad Gita, with the introduction and chapter summaries by Sri Swami Nihsreyasananda. This book, together with additional printed material on the course is included in the cost of the course and will be supplied by the Centre. The textbook, ‘All about Gita’ by Swami Harshananda will also be used.

The programme is of one-year duration with two assignments and one three-hour written examination in each of the two semesters. The cost of the course is highly subsidized by the Centre.

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