South Asian Cinemas (265-0-20)

Topic

Kings, Courtesans and Khan Artists

Instructors

Daniel Majchrowicz
847/467-5829
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge Hall, Office 4-423
Office Hours: varies by quarter, please contact instructor

Meeting Info

Harris Hall L28: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

AY 26-27 India is home to the second largest population of Muslims on earth (slightly outnumbering both of its neighbors, Pakistan and Bangladesh). It's also host to the world's largest film industry, best known as Bollywood, in which Muslims have historically played an outsized role. Little wonder, then, that Bollywood films regularly feature Muslim characters, social spaces, and cultural references that are readily marked or coded as "Islamic." But in spite of a large coterie of Muslims working within the industry - as actors, song writers, or producers - the representation of Muslims in Indian films has consistently raised complex issues around ideas of identity and belonging in a nation where they constitute a clear and conspicuous minority. We will read these films against the historical backdrop of the search for national identity and inclusivity in post-colonial India. Students will be given the opportunity not only to learn about Indian (particularly Bombay) cinema, but also to explore how cinematic representations intersect with issues of identity and belonging in the modern nation-state.

Evaluation Method

pop quizzes, in class exams, writing assignments

Class Materials (Required)

Students must rent 1-2 films online that are not available on canvas.

Class Attributes

Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
SoC Humanities and Fine Arts Distro
SoC Individual and Social Behavior Distro