Hindi
The Department of Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies offers a minor in South Asian Languages and Cultures. As minors in South Asian Languages and Cultures, students can expect to gain proficiency in Hindi/Urdu languages, study the area's literary and cultural landmarks, and gain familiarity with Indian history and civilizations.
Language Placement: Placement tests are required for all students entering our language programs. Students may be eligible for up to 6 units of back credit based on advanced placement and successful completion of the recommended course. Native speakers are not eligible for back credit; evidence of secondary or postsecondary study of the language is required. Any units received from back credit cannot be counted toward the minor.
Contact Info
Phone: | 314-935-8567 |
Email: | jimes@wustl.edu |
Website: | http://jimes.wustl.edu |
Chair
Kit Wellman
Interim Director of Graduate Studies
Professor of Philosophy
PhD, University of Arizona
Endowed Professor
Jonathan Judaken
Gloria M. Goldstein Professor of Jewish History and Thought
PhD, University of California-Irvine
Professors
Pamela Barmash
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Professor of Hebrew Bible and Biblical Hebrew
PhD, Harvard University
Nancy E. Berg
Professor of Hebrew Language and Literature
PhD, University of Pennsylvania
Martin Jacobs
Professor of Rabbinic Studies
PhD and Habilitation, Free University of Berlin
Erin McGlothlin
Vice Dean of Undergraduate Affairs in Arts & Sciences
Professor of German and Jewish Studies
PhD, University of Virginia
Associate Professors
Nancy Reynolds
Associate Professor of History and of Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies
PhD, Stanford University
Anika Walke
Associate Professor of History
PhD, University of California
Hayrettin Yücesoy
Associate Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies
PhD, University of Chicago
Assistant Professor
Mona Kareem
Assistant Professor of Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies
PhD, State University of New York at Binghamton
Teaching Professor
Younasse Tarbouni
Teaching Professor in Arabic
PhD, L'École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS)
Senior Lecturer
Housni Bennis
Senior Lecturer in Arabic Language
MA, Washington University in St. Louis
Lecturers
Meera Jain
Lecturer of Hindi Languages and Cultures
MArch, University of Texas at Austin
Sara Jay
Lecturer in Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies
PhD, Washington University in St. Louis
Toqeer Shah
Lecturer of Urdu
MSc, University of Peshawar
Eyal Tamir
Lecturer of Hebrew
PhD, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Madhavi Verma
Lecturer in Hindi Languages and Cultures
MA, Patna University
David H. Warren
PhD, University of Manchester
Noa Weinberg
Lecturer of Hebrew
MA, Tel Aviv University
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Ayala Hendin
PhD, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Endowed Professor — Affiliated
John R. Bowen
Dunbar-Van Cleve Professor in Arts & Sciences
PhD, University of Chicago
Professors — Affiliated
Lois Beck
Professor of Sociocultural Anthropology
PhD, University of Chicago
Michael Frachetti
Professor of Anthropology
PhD, University of Pennsylvania
Tabea Alexa Linhard
Professor of Spanish and Comparative Literature
PhD, Duke University
Associate Professor — Affiliated
Seth Graebner
Associate Professor of French and Global Studies
PhD, Harvard University
Professors Emeriti
Robert Canfield
PhD, University of Michigan
Hillel J. Kieval
PhD, Harvard University
Joseph Schraibman
PhD, University of Illinois
The Department of Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies (JIMES) does not offer a major in this area. Please visit the JIMES page for a list of available majors.
The Minor in South Asian Studies (Hindi)
The minor in South Asian Studies requires a minimum of 9 units at the 300 level or above and a minimum of 18 total units. The goal of the minor is language proficiency at the 200 level or above in either the Hindi or Urdu language. Students placing into Hindi 202 Intermediate Hindi II, Hindi 251 Second-Year Urdu II, or above must complete two consecutive semesters of language instruction at Washington University to fulfill the language requirement.
Total units required: 18 units, in addition to prerequisites
Language Prerequisites:
- Hindi Language: Hindi 111D Beginning Hindi I and Hindi 112D Beginning Hindi II, by course work or by placement or
- Urdu Language: Hindi 150 First-Year Urdu I and Hindi 151 First-Year Urdu II, by course work or by placement
Language Requirements:
Students should choose one primary language for the minor to fulfill the language requirement.
- Hindi Language:
- Hindi 201 Intermediate Hindi I and Hindi 202 Intermediate Hindi II, by course work or
- Hindi 219 Hindi for Heritage Students and one additional semester of Hindi language instruction or
- If placed into Hindi 202 Intermediate Hindi II or above, two consecutive semesters of language instruction at Washington University
- Urdu Language:
Required Foundational Course:
Choose one of the following courses:
- JIMES 210C Introduction to Islamic Civilization
- JIMES 3171 Religion and Culture in South and Southeast Asia
Electives:
- 9 credits of 300- or 400-level L73 Hindi or L75 JIMES courses, distributed as the student wishes
Additional Information
- Pass/Fail: No course taken pass/fail can count toward the minor.
- Grades: A grade of B- or higher must be earned in each language course in order to advance to the next level.
- Study Abroad: Students enrolled in preapproved Washington University study abroad programs during the regular academic semester, in summer programs, and in transfer courses can earn a maximum of 3 units subject to review by their advisor and the director of undergraduate study.
- Back Credit: Any earned back credit does not count toward the total number of units for the Language Requirement. All students are required to take at least one year of language instruction at Washington University.
Visit online course listings to view semester offerings for L73 Hindi.
L73 Hindi 111D Beginning Hindi I
This course presents an introduction to the most widely spoken language of South Asia. The aim of this course is for the student to achieve proficiency in spoken comprehension and to acquire the major language skills -- listening, speaking, reading, and writing. A standard text, web-based materials, a reader prepared by the instructor, and audio materials are used, with equal emphasis on both spoken and written Hindi. The language presented in the course is colloquial. The Hindi (Devanagari) script will be taught as part of the same class. No previous knowledge of Hindi is required. Students with some previous Hindi language background must take a placement examination.
Credit 5 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS BU: HUM EN: H
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L73 Hindi 112D Beginning Hindi II
Continuation of Beginning Hindi I. This course is devoted to the further development of basic skills -- listening, speaking, reading, and writing -- with a particular emphasis on the acquisition of speaking proficiency. Prerequisite: Grade of B- or better in L73 111D or placement by examination.
Credit 5 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS BU: HUM EN: H
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L73 Hindi 121 Hindi for Heritage Students I
Designed for the student with some background in Hindi. Emphasis on review of grammar, increased fluency, and vocabulary enrichment. Student may not take this class pass/fail or audit.
Credit 3 units. BU: HUM
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L73 Hindi 131 Beginning Urdu II
Beginning Urdu II is the continuation of the 130 Beginning Urdu course, devoted to the further development of basic skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - with a particular emphasis on the acquisition of speaking proficiency. Training in spoken Urdu emphasizes speaking and listening at normal speed with near native pronunciation and intonation. The course meets 3 hours per week. Those who have not taken the sequence of Urdu courses offered by the department may be able to join this course, if they have obtained prior knowledge of the language by some other means (see instructor for placement). The course is tailored to address students' interests not only in the language, but also in the culture it is rooted in. Along with texts for script and grammar, new and additional materials will be constantly introduced, especially as the students develop increased facility and proficiency in the language. The class sequence relies heavily on student interaction, partner activities and group work. Prerequisite: Urdu-I (130) or placement by examination.
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS BU: HUM EN: H
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L73 Hindi 150 First-Year Urdu I
This course covers all five skills -- reading, writing, listening, speaking, cultural competency -- for beginning students. Starting with the Nastaliq script and simple greetings, we will then cover the basics of Urdu grammar while building vocabulary. The course will be conducted in Urdu.
Credit 5 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS BU: HUM EN: H
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L73 Hindi 151 First-Year Urdu II
This course is a continuation of the first semester of First-Year Urdu I. It is devoted to the further development of basic skills -- listening, speaking, reading and writing -- with a particular emphasis on the acquisition of speaking proficiency. Training in spoken Urdu emphasizes speaking and listening at normal speed with near native pronunciation and intonation. Prerequisite: Grade of B- or better in L73 150 First-Year Urdu I or placement by examination.
Credit 5 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS BU: HUM
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L73 Hindi 201 Intermediate Hindi I
Continuation of Beginning Hindi II. This course is designed to further develop skills in speaking and reading comprehension. Emphasis is given especially to communicative skill development (i.e., the use of language in various sociocultural contexts). Prerequisite: Grade of B- or better in L73 112D or placement by examination.
Credit 5 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS BU: HUM EN: H
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L73 Hindi 202 Intermediate Hindi II
Continuation of Intermediate Hindi I. In this course, special emphasis is given especially to communicative skill development (i.e., the use of language in various sociocultural contexts). It is designed to further develop skills in speaking and reading comprehension. Students engage in multiple activities such as role-playing, debate, and discussion to enhance their spoken language skills. A standard text, web-based materials, a reader prepared by the instructor, and audio and visual materials are used. Prerequisite: Grade of B- or better in L73 201 or placement by examination.
Credit 5 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS BU: HUM EN: H
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L73 Hindi 210C Introduction to Islamic Civilization
A historical survey of Islamic civilization in global perspective. Chronological coverage of social, political, economic and cultural history will be balanced with focused attention to special topics, which will include: aspects of Islam as religion; science, medicine and technology in Islamic societies; art and architecture; philosophy and theology; interaction between Islamdom and Christendom; Islamic history in the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia as well as Africa; European colonialism; globalization of Islam and contemporary Islam.
Same as L75 JIMES 210C
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: HUM, LCD Arch: HUM Art: HUM BU: ETH, IS EN: H
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L73 Hindi 218 Intermediate Hindi I
Continuation of Beginning Hindi II. This course is designed to further develop skills in speaking and reading comprehension. Emphasis is given especially to communicative skill development, that is, use of language in various socio-cultural contexts. In general, one fourth of the time will be devoted to reading, one fourth to conversation, one fourth to grammar, and one fourth to drills of various kinds. Standard text, web-based materials, language lab, audio-video materials, and a course reader prepared by the instructor are used. PREREQ: Grade of B- or better in L73 112D Beginning Hindi II or placement by examination. Those who have not taken the sequence of Hindi courses offered by this department may be able to join this course if they have obtained prior knowledge of the language by some other means (see the instructor for placement). Students may not take this course pass/fail or audit
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS BU: HUM EN: H
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L73 Hindi 219 Hindi for Heritage Students
This course will focus on reading and writing for students who already speak Hindi. Starting with the Devanagari script, we will then cover the basics of Hindi grammar. After completing this course, students should take the Hindi placement test to determine their next course in Hindi.
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS BU: HUM EN: H
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L73 Hindi 232A Intermediate Urdu II
This course is a continuation of Intermediate Urdu I. Those who have not taken the sequence of Urdu courses offered by this department may be able to join this course if they have obtained prior knowledge of the language by some other means (see the instructor for placement exam). This course is designed to further develop skills in speaking and reading comprehension. Emphasis is given especially to communicative skill development (i.e., the use of language in various sociocultural contexts) and to introducing a wide range of constructions to develop comprehension skills. Standard text, web-based materials, language lab, audio-video materials, and a course reader prepared by the instructor are used.
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS BU: HUM EN: H
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L73 Hindi 250 Second-Year Urdu I
This course is the continuation of the First-Year Urdu II course, and it is devoted to the further development of basic skills -- listening, speaking, reading, and writing -- with a particular emphasis on the acquisition of speaking proficiency. Training in spoken Urdu emphasizes speaking and listening at normal speed with near-native pronunciation and intonation. Prerequisite: Grade of B- or better in L73 151 or placement by examination.
Credit 5 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS BU: HUM EN: H
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L73 Hindi 251 Second-Year Urdu II
This course is the continuation of the Second-Year Urdu I course, and it is devoted to the further development of basic skills -- listening, speaking, reading, and writing -- with a particular emphasis on the acquisition of speaking proficiency. Training in spoken Urdu emphasizes speaking and listening at normal speed with near-native pronunciation and intonation. Prerequisite: Grade of B- or better in L73 250 or placement by examination.
Credit 5 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS BU: HUM
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L73 Hindi 299 Undergraduate Independent Study
Prerequisites: Hindi 202 and permission of the instructor and the department chair.
Credit variable, maximum 6 units.
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L73 Hindi 301 Third-Level Hindi I
This course is designed to help students gain advanced proficiency in the oral and written use of Hindi through the reading and discussion of short stories, newspaper articles, and other selected materials. Students will engage in discussions and debates based on these readings as well as current topics to improve their spoken and conversational language skills. Group and project-based learning is encouraged to enhance students' critical thinking in Hindi. Prerequisite: Grade of B- or better in L72 202 or placement by examination.
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS BU: HUM EN: H
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L73 Hindi 302 Third-Level Hindi II
Continuation of Third-Level Hindi I. This course is designed to further enhance students' advanced proficiency in the oral and written use of the Hindi language. Students are exposed to a variety of readings such as short stories and plays by renowned authors, magazine and newspaper articles, and other selected readings and visuals. Students will engage in discussions and debates based on these readings to improve their spoken and conversational language skills. Group and project-based learning is encouraged to enhance students' critical thinking in Hindi. Prerequisite: Grade of B- or better in L73 301 or placement by examination.
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS BU: HUM EN: H
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L73 Hindi 305 Third-Level Urdu I
This course is a continuation of Second Year Urdu II. It has been designed to help students gain advanced proficiency in the oral and written use of Urdu through the reading and discussion of stories from Urdu books, newspaper articles, topics in advanced grammar, and other selected materials. Prerequisite: Grade of B- or better in L73 251 or L73 232A, or placement by examination.
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS BU: HUM EN: H
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L73 Hindi 306 Third-Level Urdu II
This course is a continuation of Third-Level Urdu I. It is designed to help students gain advanced proficiency in the oral and written use of Urdu through the reading and discussion of stories from Urdu books and newspaper articles, Topics in advanced grammar and Urdu poetry will also be included. Students will be expected to converse clearly across a wide variety of communicative tasks using diverse language strategies. Prerequisite: Grade of B- or better in L73 305 or placement by examination.
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS BU: HUM EN: H
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L73 Hindi 307 The Writing of the Indian Subcontinent
The Indian Subcontinent has in recent years yielded a number of writers, expatriate or otherwise, whose works articulate the postcolonial experience in the "foreign" English tongue. This course is designed to be an introductory survey of such writing, drawing on select Subcontinental writers. Covering both fiction and nonfiction by several authors including R.K. Narayan, Salman Rushdie, Anita Desai, Amitav Ghosh, Sara Suleri, Micheal Ondaatjie and Romesh Gunesekera, we discuss such issues as the nature of the colonial legacy, the status of the English language, problems of translation (linguistic and cultural), the politics of religion, the expatriate identity, and the constraints of gender roles.
Same as L14 E Lit 307
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: HUM, LCD Art: HUM BU: HUM
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L73 Hindi 3074 Hinduism & the Hindu Right
We are witnessing a global rise in rightwing politics, and India is no exception. In May 2019, Narendra Modi and his "Hindu Nationalist" party were elected to power for a second term. Observers in the United States and Europe may be stunned by what seems to be a new development, but observers in India have been following the rise of the Hindu Right since the early 1990s. In its wake, the Hindu Right has brought violence against minorities; curbs on free speech; and moves toward second-class citizenship for Indian Muslims. This course will track the history of the Hindu Right in India from its 19th-century roots to the present. The struggle to come to grips with the Hindu Right is of immediate political relevance. It also raises big questions about the history of religion and the politics of secularism.
Same as L22 History 3074
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: HUM, LCD Arch: HUM Art: HUM BU: BA, IS EN: H
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L73 Hindi 311 Sacred Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent
The built structure remains a principal visible record of the evolution of a civilization and its culture. Through this interdisciplinary course on culture, art, design, religion and society, students will be introduced to and gain a deeper insight into the rich diversity of South Asia through the study of the architecture of its significant sacred places. We will take a journey through the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist Temples; the Islamic Mosque; the Sikh Gurudwara; the Zoroastrian Fire Temple; the Jewish Synagogue; and the Christian Church, tracing the evolution of these places of worship from the Indus Valley Civilization to Pre-Colonial times. Through visuals, readings, and discussions, students will learn about the different architectural styles and motifs used in sacred buildings and how they came about. We will explore the inter-relationships between the design elements through the lens of political, social, religious, regional, artistic, and technological influences and understand the ways in which evolving design principles reflect these influences overtime. This course will be of interest to students of languages and cultures, architecture, archeology, art history, history, preservation, religion, and South Asian culture, among others. Please note: At the end of the semester, students will go on a field trip to experience the diverse sacred architecture in the St. Louis region. No prior knowledge of architecture or the history of this region is required.
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: HUM, LCD BU: IS EN: H
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L73 Hindi 3171 Religion and Culture in South and Southeast Asia
Although it is now common to differentiate between South and Southeast Asia, historically these regions have often been conceptualized as part of a single geographical area. Known as the "(East) Indies", this area is marked by a rich history of (earlier) Hindu and Buddhist influences, as well as (later) Islamic and Christian influences. The present course will take an in-depth look at the four aforementioned religious traditions, and examine how they have shaped local forms of culture in premodern and modern times. Students will be introduced to host of phenomena in South and Southeast Asian societies, including religious worship, education, law, traditional governance, colonial governance, art, architecture, economic production, kinship, gender, and sexuality. Countries to be studied in the course include India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea.
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: HUM, LCD, SC, SD BU: ETH, IS
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L73 Hindi 3292 Topics in Politics: Modern South Asian Politics
This course focuses on the recent political history and development of South Asia. It begins with a review of the British colonial period and the Independence movement. The remainder of the course examines different political issues in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Topics include political mobilization, land reform, law and politics, social movements, religious and caste politics, the rise of religious nationalism, and political control of the economy.
Same as L32 Pol Sci 3292
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: LCD, SSC Art: SSC BU: IS
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L73 Hindi 330 Topics in South Asian Literature and Culture
An introduction to major texts of South Asian literature, both traditional and modern, in their cultural context. Specific topics, texts and themes may vary from year to year. The course assumes no previous acquaintance with the material. All readings are in English or English translation.
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: HUM, LCD EN: H
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L73 Hindi 3392 Topics in South Asian Religions
The topic for this course varies. The topic for fall 2017 was Hinduism and the Hindu Right.
Same as L23 Re St 3392
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: HUM BU: IS EN: H
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L73 Hindi 353 Understanding Indian (Hindi/Urdu) Literature: Through Text and Images (Visual)
This course focuses on the films and cultural traditions of South Asia in general and of India in particular. Students will be introduced to a variety of contemporary literary genres through visuals. Readings and class discussions will be followed by film screenings from the popular Hindi cinema (known as the Bollywood industry in India) to demonstrate how images and visuals influence modern-day cultural traditions. Students will also get a chance to work on films based on literary texts by well-known writers of the subcontinent. These readings and films focus on various social, cultural, political and historical aspects of Indian society. Students will be encouraged to explore these issues in their written assignments as well as in their class discussions.
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: HUM, LCD BU: HUM, IS EN: H
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L73 Hindi 3670 Gurus, Saints, and Scientists: Religion in Modern South Asia
Many long-standing South Asian traditions have been subject to radical reinterpretation, and many new religious movements have arisen, as South Asians have grappled with how to accommodate their traditions of learning and practice to what they have perceived to be the conditions of modern life. In this course we consider some of the factors that have contributed to religious change in South Asia, including British colonialism, sedentarization and globalization, and new discourses of democracy and equality. We consider how new religious organizations were part and parcel with movements for social equality and political recognition; examine the intellectual contributions of major thinkers like Swami Vivekananda, Sayyid Ahmad Khan, and Mohandas Gandhi; and explore how Hindu, Islamic, and other South Asian traditions were recast in the molds of natural science, social science, and world religion.
Same as L23 Re St 3670
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: HUM, LCD BU: ETH EN: H
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L73 Hindi 36CA Heroes and Saints in India: Religion, Myth, History
This course provides an introduction to the history of modern India and Pakistan through the voices of the Indian subcontinent's major thinkers. We will spend time in the company of saints, from the "great-souled" Mahatma Gandhi to the Sufi scholar Ashraf 'Ali Thanawi, and we will travel alongside the heroes of peasant politics, women's rights, and struggles for national and social freedom and equality. We will immerse ourselves in the rich narrative heritage of India -- as it has been challenged, reworked, and harnessed for present and future needs -- from the 19th century through the present. Lecture and discussion format; prior knowledge of India or Pakistan not required.
Same as L22 History 36CA
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: HUM, LCD BU: ETH, IS EN: H
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L73 Hindi 38C8 Religion and Politics in South Asia: Writing-Intensive Seminar
The relationship between religion, community and nation is a topic of central concern and contestation in the study of South Asian history. This course will explore alternative positions and debates on such topics as: changing religious identities; understandings of the proper relationship between religion, community, and nation in India and Pakistan; and the violence of Partition (the division of India and Pakistan in 1947). The course will treat India, Pakistan and other South Asian regions in the colonial and postcolonial periods.
Same as L22 History 38C8
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: HUM, LCD, WI BU: IS EN: H
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L73 Hindi 3921 Secular & Religious: A Global History
Recent years have seen a dramatic rethinking of the past in nearly every corner of the world as scholars revisit fundamental questions about the importance of religion for individuals, societies and politics. Is religion as a personal orientation in decline? Is Europe becoming more secular? Is secularism a European invention? Many scholars now argue that "religion" is a European term that doesn't apply in Asian societies. This course brings together cutting-edge historical scholarship on Europe and Asia in pursuit of a truly global understanding. Countries covered will vary but may include Britain, France, Turkey, China, Japan, India and Pakistan.
Same as L22 History 3921
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: HUM, LCD, SD BU: HUM, IS EN: H
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L73 Hindi 399 Independent Study
Prerequisite: permission of instructor and the department.
Credit variable, maximum 6 units.
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L73 Hindi 39SC Imperialism and Sexuality: India, South Asia and the World: Writing-Intensive Seminar
What is the connection between the appropriation of other people's resources and the obsession with sex? Why is "race" essential to the sexual imperatives of imperialism? How has the nexus between "race," sexuality, and imperial entitlement reproduced itself despite the end of formal colonialism? By studying a variety of colonial documents, memoirs produced by colonized subjects, novels, films and scholarship on imperialism, we will seek to understand the history of imperialism's sexual desires, and its continuation in our world today.
Same as L77 WGSS 39SC
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: HUM, LCD, WI Arch: HUM Art: HUM BU: HUM, IS EN: H
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L73 Hindi 499 Independent Study
Prerequisite: permission of instructor and the department.
Credit variable, maximum 6 units.
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