Course Description
Introduction to the cultures of South Asia. The topical area covers a vast geographical expanse, a large number of countries, cultures, ethnic groups, languages, religions, and an enormous body of anthropological literature. This course will focus on a select few cross-culturally relevant issues, like ecology, conservation, gender, tourism, human rights and indigenous peoples, to allow for a broad-based anthropological understanding of the region.
Athena Title
Cultures of South Asia
Prerequisite
ANTH 1102 or ANTH 2120H
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The objective of this course is to provide an introduction to the cultures of South Asia. After taking this course, students will have a broad-based anthropological understanding of the region.
Topical Outline
1. The idea of South Asia 2. The colonial past/transformations 3. Resistance, emerging nationalisms and modernity 4. Regional influence of Hinduism & Buddhism 5. Globalization and change: family in transition, tourism, popular culture 6. Ecology and conservation 7. Violence: warfare, genocide, human rights 8. Gender: sex tourism/trade, HIV/AIDS, reproductive issues 9. Postmodernity: indigenous populations, transnational migration and diasporas 10. Selected ethnographies from the region This course will cover India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives, and Afghanistan.
Syllabus