Introductory Topics in South Asian Literature and Culture (260-0-20)

Topic

Urban Modernity in South Asia

Instructors

David Boyk
847/467-0936
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge Hall, Office 4-425
Office Hours: varies by quarter, please contact instructor

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-410: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

AY 25-26 When Gandhi said that "India does not live in its towns but in its villages," he was agreeing with the conventional wisdom of his contemporaries, both Indian and British. In this course, we will disregard this view and focus instead on South Asia's mesmerizing, contentious cities.

We will spend time with a variety of texts from over tha last two centuries, including fiction, poetry, memoirs, blog posts, and films. Secondary works by scholars from across the humanities will help us get below the surface and to consider a variety of ways to think about cities, art, and society. Approaching these texts as documents of ways of thinking and living, while remaining alert to their aesthetic qualities, will help us think about what makes modernity modern and what makes cities urban.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- evaluate the relationship between texts and their cultural and historical contexts;
- make cogent and persuasive arguments, orally and in writing, incorporating careful analysis of primary and secondary materials;
- critically evaluate scholarly work relating to South Asian history and culture;
- work with classmates to produce knowledge collaboratively.

Teaching Method

lecture / seminar

Evaluation Method

Papers, presentations, participation

Class Materials (Required)

None

Class Attributes

Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area