Offers an in-depth introduction to the Mahabharata, reputedly the world's longest epic and one of the foundational works of Indian civilization. Synopsis of the full text and selected excerpts will be read, including a translation of the spiritual classic, Bhagavad Gita. Recent scholarship on the poem's historical, ritual, and mythic contexts as well as on its performance traditions will also be examined. Formerly HNDI 3821.