History 297BB - ST- Bollywood & British Empire

The most enduring images of the British Empire in India are derived from popular culture, especially films. Focusing on popular Bollywood (Hindi films) as well as Indian arthouse and world cinema, this course examines the rise and fall of the British Empire in India between the late eighteenth and early twentieth century. We will analyze key social, economic and political issues created by the British Empire and how these issues are depicted in filmic narratives. Material used in this course will include films, scholarly pieces, and primary source readings. No background in Indian history is required.