Critical Social Inquiry 0148 - Understanding Modern S/Asia

This course is designed as a broad exploration of social and political change in South Asia, with special focus on India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Instead of in-depth study, this course aims to provide a broad sweep of vital aspects of South Asian culture, economy and polity. Key concepts taken up for discussion will include caste difference, religious plurality, rival nationalisms and anti-colonial struggle. Special attention will be paid to how the region's experience of colonialism continued to shape its politics and economy in the post-independence period. The contrasting fate of democratic governance in India and Pakistan will also be explored. This course is designed to give complete beginners a basic literacy in matters South Asian while enabling those who have already engaged with some aspect of South Asian studies to address gaps in their knowledge.

Power, Community and Social Justice Multiple Cultural Perspectives Writing and Research