Course Overview

This course is an introduction to the vast social changes occurring in the South Asian subcontinent. In the first half of the course, our focus will be placed on India and Pakistan – two of the most populated countries in the world – though issues involving other countries will be addressed as appropriate. We begin with a brief overview of the subcontinent, looking at the major ‘Great Traditions’ as well as other internal and external social forces that have had a great impact on these societies, culminating in Independence from Britain. We then focus on post-independence paths of development in India and Pakistan, looking in particular at patterns of industrialization, economic planning, political crises, challenges, and institution building.

Building on this, we turn our attention to major issues in the arena of development and social change including demands for literacy and women’s rights (i.e., empowering the previously socially disempowered); the struggle to alleviate poverty and promote sustainability while ensuring livable cities; and political institution building challenges, particularly in light of religious/ethnic conflict and associated human rights concerns. There are fewer assigned readings in the second half of the course as it will focus a great deal on student participation and sharing your research with the class.

FOR ALL STUDENTS: As you know, all Spring term 2020 courses will be delivered remotely for the entire term. Access to remote materials for this course will be via the Syllabus page, week-by-week, and in CANVAS.

In the event of a campus emergency that disrupts academic activities, course requirements, deadlines, and grading percentages are subject to change. Information about changes in this course will be communicated as soon as possible by email and on Canvas. Students are urged to log onto Canvas and read any announcements and/or access alternative assignments.

Course Objectives:

  1. To gain an awareness of the historical background of the subcontinent and the influence of history on
    contemporary society;
  2. To understand the sociocultural similarities yet significant diversity within this culture area;
  3. To learn about the political and economic realities and challenges of this region;
  4. To understand the rapid social changes the region is experiencing;
  5. To brainstorm on possible regional solutions to challenges confronting the region.

This class fulfills the Block C INTL class requirement for South Asia and, in Spring 2020, for the Middle East as well.  It may also be used as an elective for the Block B in  Comparative International Development, Diplomacy and International Relations, International Business, Law and Human Rights, Media/Journalism and Communications, Migration/Displacement and Refugees, as well as others with permission of your advisor.
However, we have noticed that it sometimes does not correctly appear on the Degree Report.  For that reason, be sure to check your degree report regularly, and consult with an advisor immediately if it does not appear to meet the requirement that you intend for it to meet.