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Course Offerings

Course Details

Fall 2012-2013
* ANT 217 / SAS 217 (SA)   na, npdf

Introduction to South Asian Cultures

Isabelle R. Clark-Deces

This course introduces core themes in culture and society in South Asia, with an anthropological focus. Topics include the religious traditions of South Asia (in particular, Hinduism, Islam); varied expressions of kinship, gender, and everyday life; and the influence of global forces on local practices. Emphasis will be on the modern period, with selective historical context highlighting recent forces of nationalism, communalism, and "modernity." A variety of films will be shown throughout the course.

Sample reading list:
Sarah Lamb, Aging and the Indian Diaspora. Cosmopolitan Families...
Mukulika Banerjee, Muslim Portraits. Everyday Lives in India
Atreyee Sen Shiv Sena, Women Violence and Communalism in a Bombay Slum
Sondra L. Hausner, Wandering with Sadhus Ascetics in the Hindu Himalayas
Craig Jeffrey, Timepass: Youth, Class, and the Politics of Waiting in India
Reena Patel, Working the Night Shift Women in India's CallCenter Industry
See instructor for complete list

Reading/Writing assignments:
Approximately 100-150 pages of reading per week. One 8-page midterm essay discussing a particular theme that interests the student from readings to date, and one 12-page final paper bringing together different readings from the course (topic is open).

Requirements/Grading:
Paper in Lieu of Mid Term - 40%
Paper in lieu of Final - 40%
Class/Precept Participation - 20%

Other information:
Guest lecturers in this course will include Princeton faculty from various departments.

Schedule/Classroom assignment:

Class numberSectionTimeDaysRoomEnrollmentStatus
20716 L01 3:00 pm - 4:20 pm T Th   Aaron Burr Hall   209   Enrolled:11 Limit:24