Volume II, No. 1, Spring 2003

teaching resources

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ASA 358: Societies and Cultures of South Asia
(a course syllabus for undergraduates)

by Mohammed Badrul Alam

COURSE  DESCRIPTION:

South Asia has been a land of immense contrasts and diversities which include: Hindu monks, Muslim Sufi Saints, Snake-Charmers, Street side Astrologers. What is distinctive about this part of the world where more than two billion people live? The course concentrates on the social, religious, historical, cultural and political foundations of the major countries of South Asia and the process of modernization which is underway. It emphasizes the nature of change and continuity in individual countries of South Asia with its focus on India, the predominant power in the region.

PREREQUISITES: None

TEXTBOOKS: Students will be provided copies of short reading texts and other writings from textbooks, newspapers and magazines. Wherever appropriate, educational videos and slides may be shown and discussed in class as part of active learning curriculum.


COURSE GOALS:

  • To understand and appreciate the diverse social and cultural patterns of  South Asia

  • The ability to think constructively about the 'other', i.e., the capacity for responsible encounter with different  castes, cultures, races, classes, beliefs, and world view

  • To understand, analyze and evaluate the problems and challenges of  South Asian societies in contemporary times


TOPICS:

  • Introduction to South Asian Societies: Country Studies

  • Contours of Diversity in South Asia: Geography, People and  Language

  • South Asian History in a Nutshell: Indus Valley to the Nuclear Age

  • Role and Contributions of Mohandas K. Gandhi

  • Religious Diversity in  South Asia: Hinduism and Islam

  • Between Bullock Carts and Boeings: Urban/Village life in South Asian Societies

  • India s Caste System: Origin, Implications and its Future

  • Traditions of Arranged Marriages/ Love ('Dating') Marriages in South Asian Countries

  • Women s  Issues in  South Asia: Two Steps Forward and One Step back

  • For Whom the Bell Tolls, Nuclear  Proliferation in South Asia: Past, Present and Future

  • Electoral Politics in India: World s Largest Democracy

  • From Potato Chips to Computer Chips: South Asia in the Information Super Highway

  • Post-Taleban Afghanistan: Implications for Pakistan and India


COURSE OBJECTIVES:

  • My course attempts to do the following things:

  • Provide the student with a basic knowledge of  South Asian Civilization and its geography

  • Teach the students how to develop critical thinking skills including simulated exercises

  • Relate contemporary South Asian events and institutions and apply it to broader  parameters

  • Examine cultures and sub-cultures of South Asia

  • Analyze selected works on history, politics, culture and society and its underlying  ideas


EVALUATION METHODS:

You MUST buy a B-4 Notebook immediately. You must write about your impressions, questions, comments etc at the end of each class day.

One Paragraph Topic outline for the Research Paper is DUE ON April 22

Research paper should be seven (7) pages , double-spaced,  PLUS  one (1)-page bibliography. The research paper  may cover any topic mentioned in the syllabus or should be discussed  in prior consultation with the instructor. Starting July 8, the students will present their preliminary research report orally to the entire class. Feedback will be provided to individual presenters after the presentation is made in the class.

Final written research paper is DUE ON July 17. Further details will be announced in the class.

South Asia-related Current Event Presentations in Class - 30%

Quizzes, Classroom Debates, Tests, Final exam - 30%

Research Paper and its Oral Presentation to the Class - 30%

Attendance and B-4 Notebook Writing - 10%


ATTENDANCE  POLICY:

The classroom  situation is an intricate aspect of the active learning experience. It provides the students with the opportunity to develop and sharpen listening, writing, and verbal skills as well as to demonstrate knowledge and competence and articulate critical thinking. One can not  contribute to one s  learning process without being in class. Each student is encouraged to participate in class discussion. MIC is not a correspondence college. Students are required to attend classes regularly and participate actively. Exceptions can only be made if there are compelling  reasons and situations. More than two absences will be viewed very seriously.


CONCLUDING  REMARKS:

Getting a solid education at MIC is your responsibility and has dramatic implications for the quality of life you will lead in the 21st century in Japan and abroad. Education is an investment that you make in yourself. It is up to you to complete assignments on time and during class. I hope that you will ask questions and challenge ideas pertaining to South Asia. If you need any assistance for any problem(s), I will listen and offer suggestions and feedback. Decisions made are your decisions. Work diligently, attend class regularly, participate and you will succeed.

WELCOME TO THE SOUTH ASIA COURSE.

Mohammed Badrul Alam is Professor of Area Studies and Political Science at Miyazaki International College, Miyazaki, Japan.  He is also a member of the board of editors of Project South Asia, a digital library of teaching resources for colleges and universities.

Copyright  2003 Teaching South Asia (ISSN 1529-8558) and Mohammed Badrul Alam.  All rights reserved.  No part of this article may be reprinted in any form without written permission from Teaching South Asia or Mohammed Badrul Alam.