Hours to be arranged. An introduction to the study of South Asia through its literary institutions, authors, and texts. Focusing on classic texts from both the pre-modern and modern periods, the class will examine the place of literature in South Asian cultures, and especially in the religious and political life of India. A major theme of the course will be the interaction of cosmopolitan literatures written in languages like Sanskrit, Persian, and English, and those literatures written in regional languages like Hi ndi, Bengali, and Tamil. Given in alternate years.
All readings are in English translation.
Indian Studies 112. Students will work with various sources, including memoirs, newspaper reports, television documentaries, film, political speeches and interviews, and occasionally a short piece of fiction. Hours to be arranged . Based on the premise that the diversity of South Asian civilizations can best be approached and understood through an in-depth study of a particular region. Discussion of geography, history, religion, language, literature, art, religion, anthropology, society, and politics of the chosen region.