Some examples from previous years have included:
This course considers the history, context, style, and significance of a broad spectrum of Indian painting traditions. We will look closely at Jaina and Hindu religious illustrations, the evocative courtly and religious imagery from the Rajput and other regional kingdoms, the extraordinarily refined and naturalistic Mughal imagery, the influence of colonialism, and the development of modern and contemporary works
Professor Cynthia Packert (taught Spring 2007, Spring 2009, Fall 2010)
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Boasting lost cities and rock fortresses, the Buddha's tooth and Hindu temples, colonial forts and modern cities, tea gardens and beautiful beaches, Sri Lanka may appear to be the world's island paradise. But recently Sri Lankans have suffered greatly, especially because of a devastating tsunami in 2004 and an on-going civil war. In this course we will review the island's history in order to help explain its current predicament. We will study the Dutch period (17th-18th centuries), the Kandyan kingdom (18th-early 19th centuries), the British period (late 18th-20th centuries), and developments after independence in 1948.
Professor Ian Barrow (taught Spring 2010)
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In this interdisciplinary course we will trace social, political, and economic experiences as well as the aesthetic expressions of South Asians dispersed around the world. Beginning with a theoretical exploration of the concept of diaspora we delineate the historical specificity of the subcontinental experience. The key topics we will consider are labor, the politics of gender and sexuality, cultural production of desi identity, and religion. The course will include literary texts, films, art, and multimedia production. Some of the authors we will consider are: Anita Rau Badami, Jhumpa Lahiri, Shyam Selvadurai, and M. G. Vassanji. The films will include Bhaji on the Beach, My Beautiful Laundrette, My Son the Fanatic, When Mother Comes Home for Christmas, and Bollywood Productions.
Professor Yumna Siddiqi (Spring 2007)
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Intl/Psci 0250: International Diplomacy and Modern South Asia
In this course we will examine current political and economic issues in the countries of South Asia - Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bhutan. We will first examine the background of the South Asian region in general (pre-colonial and colonial eras) and of South Asian countries after independence. We will look at specific interstate and intrastate issues, focusing on the combined quests for political stability and economic development. Students will look at topical issues from the perspective of an officer working in a U.S. Embassy or in a U.S. foreign policy agency. The course will combine rigorous academic understanding of the region with current policy issues. Readings will include both academic studies and contemporary policy/issues papers.
Professor Jeffrey Lunstead (Fall 2008, Fall 2009)
