Course Description
Focus is on Gandhi's life, work, and teachings examining his historical context; central religious and ethical ideas; campaigns toward nonviolent social transformation and Indian independence; his roles as religious thinker, social reformer, and political strategist; the cross-cultural reach of his work and the continued relevance of his legacy.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be held to a higher standard of academic
rigor and evaluation than undergraduate students. In addition to
completing all of the course assignments and examinations
required for undergraduate students, the course expectations for
graduate students will include additional weekly reading
assignments (MA course reader), more extensive exam essay
questions (requiring synthesis and critique of material drawn
from assigned reading and lecture content), a 15-18 page
research paper and a class presentation (20-25 min.) drawn from
that research. The course-related research topic may be
selected by the student pending approval from the professor. A
preliminary bibliography demonstrating evidence of both primary
and secondary source material intended to support the proposed
research must accompany the topic selection submitted for
approval.
Athena Title
Gandhi and Nonviolence
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
General Education Objectives: 1)Communicate Effectively through Speech: to strengthen skills in oral expression, analysis, style, and interaction through small group and class discussion. 2)Critical Thinking: To foster critical thinking by engaging in activities such as classroom discussion and debate, essay examinations, and oral presentations. 3)Moral Reasoning: To assist in the continued development of moral and ethical reasoning and reflection by encouraging creative thinking regarding individual and community concerns and needs, the challenging of prejudices and stereotypes, and examining rational and ethical bases of constructive social interactions. Course Specific Objectives: 4)Historical: To provide students with an understanding of the socio-political climate of colonial India, the nature of the challenges/obstacles present in society, and the social, cultural and religious influences that shaped Gandhi's approach in the struggle for independence. 5) Critical reading of assigned course material: a) to critically consider perspectives from selected historical, political and philosophical literature written by and about Mahatma Gandhi; b) to gain an understanding of the events and influences that were important to Gandhi’s own process of personal development (autobiography); the development of his method and theory on nonviolence; and the social and political issues he engaged. 6)Gandhian philosophy: To familiarize students with the core religious and ethical ideas in Gandhian thought; the sources and applications for religious concepts utilized by Gandhi, such as non-violence, fasting, and ‘detached action’; Gandhi’s perspective on satyagraha (truth-force), and sarvodaya (well-being of all) in the struggle for social transformation and political independence. 7)Nonviolent conflict resolution: To critically examine Gandhi’s method and theory on conflict resolution, the effectiveness of his work, and whether these methods may be applicable to other circumstances. 8)Cross-cultural relevance: To encourage students to envision themselves as participants in the global community; explore the cross-cultural reach of Gandhi’s work and the sustained relevance of his legacy for society today; and identify some of the important historical figures/movements influenced by Gandhi in theory and practice.
Topical Outline
Sources and scholarship on Gandhi Context and Historical background; Colonialism in India; Religious and cultural diversity; religious pluralism Hindu social structure; Society and the Individual; Hindu socio-religious expectations and gender [Life of Gandhi] Gandhi’s Childhood in Gujarat; Family; Religion; Caste; Values; Prohibitions Marriage; Arranged marriage practice in India; Childhood marriage; Gandhi’s family life and marriage Gandhi’s Education; Law School in England; Significant associates/influences in England; His explorations of religion and culture in Britain; vegetarianism Gandhi in South Africa; Discrimination and social injustice; significant associates; Problems, practice and resolutions; strategic formulations Gandhi in Champaran, India; Agriculturalist’s predicament; Grievances/Indigo Planter’s Association; Gandhi’s analysis Gandhi’s reflections on events of pre-independent India: Boycotts, Protests, Prison; Partition 1947 Teachings on svadharma (personal duty/discipline); self-sufficiency and the role of the individual Gandhi and Religion; Concept of non-violence in Indian religions: Ahimsa (nonviolence); Ethical basis for non-violent action Satyagraha (truth force); non-violence in action: theory& method techniques/application; resistance demonstrations, problems and resolutions Sarvodaya (progress for all); Women and sarvodaya; Dalits “Untouchables” (Harijans); Social service; Campaigns Gandhi's vision of modern India; Gandhi’s legacy North American (historical) contexts; Nonviolence and social movements; Extensions- conflict resolution: theories, practice, examples