COURSES
Fall 2009 | Spring 2010 | Language Courses
Archive:
Fall 2008 | Spring 2009
Fall Courses
SAST203/ANTH 266
State and Society in Afghanistan
Alessandro Monsutti
TTh 9.00-10.15
Historical, political and ethnographic examination of state and society in Afghanistan. Ecology and economy, social and political organization, ethnicity and transnational networks will be presented as a basis for understanding the causes and consequences of domestic political turmoil and foreign interventions over the last thirty years. Attention to contemporary reconstruction, and the country's prospects for the future.
SAST 300/ANTH 419
Language and the Public Sphere
Bernard Bate
T 1.30-4.30
Exploration of the relationship between language and the public sphere. Consideration of the theoretical perspectives of Jürgen Habermas and Benedict Anderson. Ethnographic and historical examination of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century America and Europe, nineteenth- and twentieth-century Arabia, and India from the third to the twentieth century.
SAST 476/ECON 478
Economic Development of India and South Asia
T.N. Srinivasan
W 2.30-4.20
Colonial antecedents of low levels of economic and social development in India and, more broadly, in other South Asian countries. Failings and achievements of the state-directed and inward-oriented development strategy of the first four decades after independence from colonial rule. Developments since India and the region initiated systemic economic reforms and reintegrated their economies with the world economy, allowing market forces to play a large role in economic decisions. Comparison of the performance of India and China since 1980.
SAST 310/FILM 317
Understanding Bollywood
Ashish Chadha
MW 4.00-5.00
T 7.00-9.00
This course is a critical introduction to the world's largest film industry. It will investigate the social and political ideology embedded of this popular culture of South Asia in terms of gender, caste, class, and religious frameworks. Topics will also include - nationalism, partition, gender, secularism, development, globalization and diaspora in relation to Bollywood's cinematic imagination.
SAST 221/HIST 310
History of Modern South Asia
Mridu Rai
TTh 1.00-2.15
Survey of the Indian subcontinent?s history from colonial rule, through nationalist resistance, to postcolonial history. Topics include the establishment of British dominion; colonial transformation of Indian politics, society, economy, and culture; nationalism before and after Gandhi; the partition of India; and recent developments in South Asia.
SAST323/HIST 395
India and Globalization
Marina Martin
T 2.30-4.30
India’s role in the world economy from the eighteenth through twentieth centuries. Global factors that influence economic change in India within that period. The part India has played in international transactions of goods, people, and money. South Asia’s contributions to economic change in the rest of the world.
SAST 256/HSAR 383
The Art of India, c. 300 BC-1650 AD
Tamara L. Sears
MW 2:30-3:45
Introduction to the art and architectural history of the Indian subcontinent between c. 300 BC and 1650 AD. The course traces the development of early Buddhist and Jain art, the development of Hindu temples and icons, and the efflorescence of Islamic visual culture under the Mughal Empire.
HUMS 418/RLST 130
Traditional Literature of India, China, and Japan
Phyllis Granoff, Koichi Shinahara
MW 2.30-3.45
Introduction to literary works that shaped the great civilizations of Asia. Focus on traditional literature from India, China, and Japan. Readings range from religious and philosophical texts to literature of the court, poetry, drama, and epics.
SAST 341/PLSC 442
Development in South Asia
Tariq Thachil
W 7.00-8.50p
Introduction to the complex issues surrounding questions of political and economic development in South Asia. The successes and failures of modernization in South Asia, including the influence of intellectual trends and their derivative policy prescriptions. Foundational perspectives on development and the policies they yielded; empirical treatments of the experiences of South Asian countries in the postcolonial era.
SAST340/PLSC 374
Violence in Modern South Asia
Shreeyash Palshikar
T 9.25-11.15
The history of political violence in South Asia from the colonial period to the present. Topics include non-violence and violence during the nationalist movement and the violence that accompanied the formation of India and Pakistan in 1947 and recent riots in Mumbai (Bombay), Maharashtra and Gujarat.
SAST 357/RLST 129/RLST 549
Buddhism and Hinduism in Gandhara
Osmund Bopearachchi
Th 9.25-11.15
This course explores the development of Buddhism and Hinduism through the archaeological record. In addition to well-known sculptures and structural remains, the course presents newly discovered material that challenges current reconstructions of the history of Buddhism and Hinduism in the region known as Gandhara.
RLST 579
Religious History of Central Asia
Osmund Bopearachchi
W 1.30-3.20
This course will be a study of the history of religions in Central Asia and North-West India taking into account literary evidence, archaeology, plastic art, epigraphy and numismatics. The focus is on the Indo-Greeks and Gandhara.
SAST376/SOCY 211
Health and Inequality in India
Vani Kulkarni
T 1.30-3.20
Study of the relationship between India’s inequalities in health and society. Inequalities in society and medicine, both natural and constructed, that influence health outcomes; health disparities that shape social and medical institutions and relationships; and research that evaluates and proposes health and social policy models.
Spring Courses 2010
SAST 301/ANTH 330
Science, State and Technology in India
Ashish Chadha
T 2.30-4.30
This course is an historical and anthropological investigation of science, state and technology in the making of colonial India, its transformation into postcolonial nation and now into a global InfoTech player. Topics include colonial medicine, colonial survey, Gandhian critique of science, postcolonial laboratory, big dams, Bhopal gas disaster, nuclear energy and Indian space program.
SAST 201/ANTH 285
South Asian Nationalisms
Bernard Bate
MW 2.30-3.45
An examination of the culture and history of nationalist movements in South Asia. Exploration of elements of various national movements across the subcontinent, focusing on Tamil South India and the war of ethnic fratricide in Sri Lanka. Consideration of ideas and practices surrounding tropes of language, gender, and history in the development of national and regional identities.
SAST 302/ANTH 337
Global Afghans
Alessandro Monsutti
M 3.30-5.20
Introduction to the field of migration studies, focusing on Afghan refugees as a case study. Anthropological perspectives on transnational networks and socioeconomic strategies of Afghan refugees and migrants. Topics include the political stakes of global migration, debates on remittances in contexts of conflict, post-conflict reconstruction and development, the role of humanitarian and development organizations, and issues of illegal immigration to the West.
SAST 321/HIST 390Jb
Postcolonial South Asia, 1947 to the Present
Mridu Rai
T 3.30-5.20
Examination of the modern nation-states of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh in the aftermath of British decolonization. Topics include the imprint of colonialism; democracy and authoritarianism; constructing or contesting nations; regional, linguistic, and caste conflict; gender and politics; political economy of development; war and peace.
SAST322/HIST 391Jb
The Culture of Colonial India
Mridu Rai
Th 3.30- 5.20
This course examines the history of cultural interactions between the British and Indians under imperial rule from c. 1780 until formal decolonization in 1947. It investigates how colonial relationships were established, substantiated and transformed through various cultural and social practices, besides the purely political and administrative ones, that could mark difference between rulers and subjects but also breach them to create domains of interchange that sustained the British Raj in India.
SAST 222/ HIST 392
Indian Merchants in History
Marina Martin
TTh 2.30- 3.20
Antecedents to contemporary India’s role as a global powerhouse for industry. Focus on Indian mercantile networks prior to 1900, their patterns of business organization and spheres of influence, and the political and economic conditions within which they operated.
SAST 257/HSAR309
Visual Culture of British India
Tim Barringer
TTh 2.30-3.45
The impact of British colonial activity in India on visual and material culture since c.1700. Analysis from a range of theoretical positions and historical perspectives. Some attention to contemporary art in South Asia and artists of the Indian diaspora in Britain. Special emphasis on works in Yale and New York collections.
SAST 258/HSAR 385
Temple Towns of Southern Asia
Tamara L. Sears
MW 2:30-3:45
This lecture course explores the history, forms, and meanings of South Asian temples both as important works of architecture and as part of broader urban contexts. We begin by interrogating the nature of divinity in the South Asian context and its relationship to the temple’s fundamental symbolism as altar, shelter, cosmos, and palace. Morphological and stylistic analysis of the buildings themselves forms the basis for subsequent investigations of such themes as architecture and cosmology, ritual and space, royal patronage, pilgrimage, and the economic function of the temple. We will conclude by examining the transformations that the temple has undergone in recent years. While some prior knowledge of South Asian art, history, or religion may be helpful, none is required for the successful completion of this course.
SAST 375/HSAR 427
Gurus and Saints in Indian Art
Tamara L. Sears
T 1:30-3:20
This seminar examines the myriad ways in which (1) saints and sages have served as a subject for artistic works, and (2) holy men have actively contributed to the creation of new forms of visual expression. What is the relationship between art and asceticism? How were ritual practices, such as yoga and meditation, visualized and transmitted visually from teacher to student? And to what extent do images record the relationship between gurus, kings, and lay devotees? Students will be expected to do weekly readings before class, participate actively in discussion, give short oral presentations, and develop an original research paper by the end of the semester.
SAST 259/MUSI 357
Indian Music Theory and Practice
Priya Kanungo
TTh 1.00-2.15
Introduction to the basic concempts of Indian classical music traditions from Vedic times to the present, with a focus on Hindustani music. Discussion of history and theory combined with practical instruction. Topics include improvisation, modern trends, gender, Bollywood, musical fusions, and interactions between Indian and Western music cultures. No previous experience in Indian classical music required.
SAST 240/PLSC 353
Democracy in Modern India
Shreeyash Palshikar
TTh 9-10.15
Examination of democracy in India, with a focus on the postcolonial period. The development and functioning of contemporary Indian democracy analyzed through study of the 2009 Indian election.
SAST 241/PLSC 375
Social Movements in India
Tariq Thachil
TTh 1.00- 2.15
Study of India’s social mobilization movements, from the anticolonial struggle for independence, to dynamic women’s movements, to organized religious violence. Collective action in India situated within a broader study of social mobilization through analysis of social movement theory and reading on similar movements taking place in different parts of the world. Works by authors in the fields of economics, political science, sociology, and literature and film.
SAST 359/RLST 128/RLST 548
Buddhism and Trade in Sri Lanka
Osmund Bopearachchi
W 1.30-3.20
This course provides an introduction to Buddhist archaeology, art history and architecture of South India and Sri Lanka and the role. One emphasis of the course is on the role that trade played in the development of Buddhism and its arts. Students study material remains and texts.
SAST 358/RLST 184
The Ramayana
Hugh Flick, Jr.
W 1.30-3.20
Exploration of the religious and ideological interpretations of this epic of ancient India as manifested in performance and in written texts. Emphasis on the religious and historical contexts from which the texts emerged. All readings in translation.
RLST 580
Recent Archaeological Discoveries
Osmund Bopearachchi
W 9.25-11.15
The focus of this course is new archaeological finds from Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan that have been made by Uzbek, Afghan, Pakistani, Russian, French, Italian and Japanese archaeologists. These finds throw light on the complex religions of the region. Since many of the publications are in Russian, the course will provide summaries in English of major discoveries.
SAST360
Introduction to Bhakti Literature
Swapna Sharma
Th 3.30-5.20
Study of bhakti (devotional literature) in North India, beginning in the sixteenth century. Resistance to Brahmanical forms of social dominance; the role of linguistically based power; the development of vernacular languages and the national language of India.
SAST361
Law and Religion in Ancient India
David Brick
M 1.30 -3.20
The tradition of Hindu law and its place in the legal, religious, social, and political history of South Asia. The methodologies and theoretical presuppositions of comparative religious and legal studies. The relationship between religion and law, the nature of scriptural authority, jurisprudential commentary, and the role of customary law.
SAST 457
The Tamil Literary Tradition
Blake Wentworth
Th 3.30-5.30
An introduction to the masterpieces of Tamil literature. Tamil’s literary heritage as independent of Sanskrit norms. Bardic poetry, epic, lyric verse, devotional hymns, autobiography, and modern fiction. All texts provided in translation; no previous knowledge of Tamil required.
SAST 276/ SOCY 206
Public Health in India
Vani Kulkarni
MW 1.00-2.15
The structure of public health in India examined through a socio-medical perspective. Theoretical, empirical, and critical research on topics such as the burden of disease and communicable, non-communicable, and unintentional injuries; management governance and delivery of health services to populations across the country; and the policies and future challenges for the Indian government to promote the goal of universal health.
Language Courses
HNDI 110a
Elementary Hindi I
Seema Khurana, Swapna Sharma
MTWThF 10.30-11.20
MTWThF 1.30-2.20
An in-depth introduction to modern Hindi, including Devanagari script. A combination of graded texts, written assignments, audiovisual material, and computer-based exercises provides cultural insights and increases proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Hindi. Emphasis on spontaneous self-expression in the language. No prior background in Hindi assumed. Credit only on completion of HNDI 120b.
HNDI 120b
Elementary Hindi II
Seema Khurana, Swapna Sharma
MTWThF 10.30-11.20
MTWThF 1.30-2.20
Continuation of HNDI 110a.
HNDI 130a
Intermediate Hindi I
Seema Khurana, Swapna Sharma
MTWThF 11.35-12.25
The first half of a two-term sequence designed to develop proficiency in the four language skill areas. Extensive use of cultural documents including feature films, radio broadcasts, and literary and nonliterary texts to increase proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Hindi. Focus on cultural nuances and Hindi literary traditions. Emphasis on spontaneous self-expression in the language. After HNDI 120b or equivalent.
HINDI 132a
Accelerated Hindi
Seema Khurana, Swapna Sharma
TTh 4- 5.15 pm.
A fast-paced course designed for students who are able to understand basic conversational Hindi but have minimal or no literacy skills. Introduction to the Devanagari script; development of listening and speaking skills; vocabulary enrichment; attention to sociocultural rules that affect language use. Students learn to read simple texts and to converse on a variety of everyday personal and social topics.
HNDI 140b
Intermediate Hindi II
Seema Khurana, Swapna Sharma
MTWThF 10.30-11.20
MTWThF 1.30-2.20
Continuation of HNDI 130a, focusing on further development of proficiency in the four language skill areas. After HNDI 130a or equivalent.
HNDI 150a
Advanced Hindi
Seema Khurana, Swapna Sharma
TTh 4-5.15
An advanced language course aimed at enabling students to engage in fluent discourse in Hindi and to avhieve a comprehensive knowledge of formal grammar. Introduction to a variety of styles and levels of discourse and usage. Emphasis on the written language, with reading on general topics from newspapers, books, and magazines. Prerequisite: HNDI 140b or permission of instructor.
HNDI 157b
Hindi in the Diaspora
Seema Khurana
TTh 4-5.15
An advanced language course designed to develop overall language skills through selected reading of Hindi literature and the study of popular culture in the Indian diaspora. Works by Suaham Bedi, Sunita Jain, and Umesh Agnihotri; theater, films, and other art forms; news articles and television programs related to political, social and cultural debates. Prerequisite: HNDI 150a or permission of instructor
HNDI 198a or 198b
Advanced Tutorial
Swapna Sharma
For students with advanced Hindi language skills who wish to engage in concentrated reading and research on material not otherwise offered by the department. The work must be supervised by an adviser and must terminate in a term paper or its equivalent. Permission to enroll requires submission of a detailed project proposal and its approval by the language studies coordinator. Prerequisite: HNDI 150a or permission of instructor.
SKRT 110a/LING 115a
Introductory Sanskrit I
David Brick
MTWThF 9.25-10.15
An introduction to Sanskrit language and grammar. Focus on learning to read and translate basic Sanskrit sentences in the Indian Devanagari script. No prior background in Sanskrit assumed. Credit only on completion of SKRT 120b.
SKRT 120b/LING 125b
Introductory Sanskrit II
David Brick
MTWThF 9.25-10.15
Continuation of SKRT 110a. Focus on the basics of Sanskrit grammar; readings from classical Sanskrit texts written in the Indian Devanagari script. After SKRT 110a.
SKRT 130a
Intermediate Sanskrit I
David Brick
MTWThF 10.30-11.20
The first half of a two-term sequence aimed at helping students develop the skills necessary to read texts written in Sanskrit. Readings include selections from the Hitopadesa, Kathasaritsagara, Mahabharata, and Bhagavadgita. After SKRT 120b or equivalent.
SKRT 140b
Intermediate Sanskrit II
David Brick
MTWThF 10.30-11.20
Continuation of SKRT 130a, focusing on Sanskrit literature from the kavya genre. Readings include selections from the Jatakamala of Aryasura and the opening verses of Kalidasa’s Kumarasambhava. After SKRT 130a or equivalent.
TAML 110a
Introductory Tamil I
Blake Wentworth
MTWThF 10.30-11.20
An in-depth introduction to modern Tamil, focusing on comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills as well as on cultural understanding. Course work includes graded texts, written assignments, audiovisual material, and computer-based exercises. No prior background in Tamil assumed. Credit only on completion of TAML 120b.
TAML 120b
Introductory Tamil II
Blake Wentworth
MTWThF 10.30-11.20
Continuation of TAML 110a. After TAML 110a.
TAML 130a
Intermediate Tamil I
Blake Wentworth
MTWThF 11.35-12.25
The first half of a two-term sequence designed to develop proficiency in comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing through the use of visual media, newspapers and magazines, modern fiction and poetry, and public communications such as pamphlets, advertisements, and government announcements. Prerequisite: TAML 120b or equivalent.
TAML 140b
Intermediate Tamil II
Blake Wentworth
Continuation of TAML 130a, focusing on further development of proficiency in the four language skill areas. Prepares students to conduct fieldwork in Tamil. Prerequisite: TAML 130a or equivalent.
TAML 150b
Advanced Tamil
Staff
An advanced language course designed to help students understand speech from the public platform, conduct interviews in Tamil, and analyze texts through critical reading, discussion, writing, and translation. Texts may include creative literature of the modern period, contemporary cultural and political writings, and other genres as determined by student interest. Prerequisite: TAML 140b or equivalent.
TAML 198a or 198b
Advanced Tutorial
Blake Wentworth
For students with advanced Tamil language skills who wish to engage in concentrated reading and research on material not otherwise offered by the department. The work must be supervised by an adviser and must terminate in a term paper or its equivalent. Permission to enroll requires submission of a detailed project proposal and its approval by the instructor and the director of undergraduate studies.