Information coming soon

Information coming soon

Information coming soon

Information coming soon

This course will provide an overview of Hindu and Muslim traditions, rituals, and practices with a focus on India and South Asia. While the course has an emphasis on present day South Asia in a globalizing world, we will explore the uniqueness of these religions in their Indian setting. We will however branch out, when necessary, to make comparisons to Hinduism and Islam elsewhere, and explore their history in order to fully grasp the development of these religious communities, as well as related religions, such as Sufism, Sikhism and Jainism. We will discuss dynamics between the different religious communities in South Asia, and their relevance to the Western world. No knowledge of Hindi or Urdu is required, taught in English.

This course will provide an overview of important and influential 20^th and 21^st century controversial writings and media that have caused great social upheaval in India. We will read Indo-Pakistani literature (in English) and watch some movies (subtitled in English), as well as cover some other modern media, like commercials and campaign ads. In class, we will analyse the possible reasons why these narratives have proven controversial, which stretch far beyond the expected sexual or violent content. Controversy and censorship are indicators of frictions in society and are often the first step to change, so we will analyse what their impact on the society at large has been, and what happened to their writers/creators. This will shed light on and create a better understanding of important historical moments in the making of modern India, its politics, societal and religious communities, and shifts and changes in social values and taboos in Indo-Pakistani and South Asian society. No knowledge of Hindi or Urdu required. Taught in English.

A survey course of south Asian popular culture.

This new course will expand the South Asia Program. Film is used as an avenue for understanding culture, politics, religion, social issues/tensions, complexity and richness of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. As India has the largest film industry in the world, this course will also show students that there is more to Indian cinema than just Bollywood. It illustrates how one cannot appreciate Indian films without basic knowledge of literature, history and the composition.

In this course, the students will be introduced to the rich cultural interactions that have taken place over centuries of time between South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) and Iran. Both located on the ancient Silk Route, the economic, technological, cultural, philosophical and religious exchanges between India and Iran started over 2,000 years ago, and in certain ways, is still ongoing today. From religious communities (Zoroastrian/Parsi, Shi'a Muslim, Jewish) finding exile in India and influencing their new home country in numerous ways (e.g. giving rise to modern Indian theatre and the film industry), over literary and linguistics cross-fertilizations, to modern dance and film industries that bloom and influence each other, South Asia and Iran share a rich history and heritage.

Readings selected by student ad designated professor to broaden student's background in area where no course is taught. Repeatable for credit when topic varies.

A survey course of south Asian popular culture. Graduate students enrolled in the class will be required to do more course work.

This new course will expand the South Asia Program. Film is used as an avenue for understanding culture, politics, religion, social issues/tensions, complexity and richness of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. As India has the largest film industry in the world, this course will also show students that there is more to Indian cinema than just Bollywood. It illustrates how one cannot appreciate Indian films without basic knowledge of literature, history and the composition.

Directed readings are designed for advanced graduates to pursue interests with a given professor that go beyond the boundaries of previous classroom work or available class offerings. Students will create a reading list and syllabus of assignments and meetings in conjunction with the professor.

Info coming soon