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Minor Concentration South Asian Studies (18 credits)

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Note: This is the 2019–2020 eCalendar. Update the year in your browser's URL bar for the most recent version of this page, or .

Offered by: History and Classical Studies     Degree: Bachelor of Arts and Science

Program Requirements

The B.A.: Minor Concentration in South Asian Studies offers breadth and depth on the history, literature, languages, politics, religions, cultures, and societies of South Asia. The minor concentration is divided into two streams, "Culture and Civilization" and "Languages." An interdisciplinary curriculum is collaboratively offered by the Department of Anthropology, English, History and Classical Studies, Political Science, and Sociology, the Institute of Islamic Studies, and the School of Religious Studies, and is complemented by language instruction in Persian, Sanskrit, Tibetan, and Urdu-Hindi.

Complementary Courses (18 credits)

18 credits from one of the following streams:

Stream 1: Culture and Civilization

Note: As course content may change according to the offering unit's yearly curriculum, all classes listed must be approved in consultation with the South Asian Studies adviser as relevant to the Minor Concentration. Students should refer to the eCalendar to confirm any prerequisites for the following courses.

Introductory Curriculum

6 credits from the following:

  • ANTH 327 Anthropology of South Asia (3 credits)

    Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Anthropology : An introduction to anthropological research in India and greater South Asia. Topics include politics, caste, class, religion, gender and sexuality, development and globalization.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

  • ANTH 361 Archaeology of South Asia (3 credits)

    Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Anthropology : This course explores the archaeology of South Asia from prehistoric through early historic times focusing on the region covered by India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. We will investigate the shifting materiality of social landscapes, political, ritual and ecological practices. The course interrogates a number of anthropological themes including human evolution, social organization, food production, craft production, trade and exchange, the transition(s) to urbanism, the development of socio-political inequalities and institutions, regional and supra-regional polities and religious traditions. We will address some of the historiographical and epistemological problems with using archaeological data to produce narratives of South Asia’s past.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Johansen, Peter; Whalen, Verity (Fall)

  • ENGL 297 Special Topics of Literary Study (3 credits)

    Offered by: English (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    English (Arts) : Special topics of literary study. Topic varies by year.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .

  • HIST 209 Introduction to South Asian History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Charts the making of South Asian civilization, 2500 BCE- 1707 CE, through a selection of key themes and major trends. Focus on the transformation of local kinship ties into regional kingdoms and empires, the evolution of religion and the legacy of the expansion of Islam and consequent rise of Turkish, Afghan and Mughal empires in this area.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

  • ISLA 330 Islamic Mysticism: Sufism (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : The varieties of "mystical" thought in Islam, primarily as seen in Sufism, its historical development and its place in Islamic culture. Analytical study of major authors, their writings and their central problems.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Khan, Mohamad (Winter)

    • Prerequisite(s): ISLA 200 or permission of instructor.

  • POLI 322 Political Change in South Asia (3 credits)

    Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Political Science : Political change in South Asia in late colonial and post-colonial periods. Issues covered include social and cultural history; colonial rule, nationalism and state formation; democratic and authoritarian tendencies; economic policies and consequences; challenges to patterns of dominance and national boundaries; prospects for democracy, prosperity and equality.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: A basic course in Comparative Politics or a course on the region or written permission of the instructor

    • Note: The area in the field of Comparative Politics is Developing Areas.

  • RELG 252 Hinduism and Buddhism (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : The interaction of Hinduism and Buddhism in India with special reference to the law of Karma, caste, women, ritual, death, yoga, and liberation. Determination of interpretative principles for understanding the religious psychology of Hindus and Buddhists.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Braitstein, Lara E; Stainton, Hamsa (Fall)

    • Fall

  • RELG 254 Introduction to Yoga Traditions (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : This course is an historical and thematic investigation into yoga, including its classical formulations, esoteric practices, and contemporary developments and debates. It explores early yoga traditions as well as the development of modern yoga in India and “the West,†along with themes such as the body, asceticism, secularism, and cultural exchange.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Stainton, Hamsa (Winter)

    • Fall

Intermediate and Advanced Curriculum

12 credits from the following:

  • ANTH 308 Political Anthropology 01 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Anthropology : The study of political systems and political processes. Conflict and its resolution. The emphasis of the course will be on local-level politics and non-industrial societies.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Fox, Graham (Fall)

  • ANTH 510 Advanced Problems in Anthropology of Religion (3 credits)

    Offered by: Anthropology (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Anthropology : This research seminar helps students to develop indepth knowledge in contemporary problems in the anthropology of religion. Topics may include secularism; religious freedom; gender, sexuality and religion; politics of religious law.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Norget, Kristin (Fall)

    • Prerequisite(s): ANTH 209 or another instructor-approved introduction to the anthropology of religion and either ANTH 352 or ANTH 355.

    • Restriction(s): U3 students or graduate students only or with permission of instructor.

  • ENGL 336 The 20th Century Novel 2 (3 credits)

    Offered by: English (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    English (Arts) : A study of 20th century novels.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .

    • Winter

  • ENGL 404 Studies in 19th Century Literature 1 (3 credits)

    Offered by: English (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    English (Arts) : A study of 19th century works.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Bland Jr, Sterling (Fall)

    • For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .

    • Winter

  • ENGL 408 The 20th Century (3 credits)

    Offered by: English (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    English (Arts) : A study of 20th century works.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .

    • Winter

  • HIST 341 Themes in South Asian History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Exploration of a theme in the history of South Asia.

    Terms: Fall 2019, Summer 2020

    Instructors: Basu, Subho (Fall) Desai, Urvi (Summer)

    • Prerequisite: HIST 209 recommended.

    • Themes may vary from year to year.

  • HIST 435 Topics in South Asian History (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : In-depth discussion and research on a topic in the history of South Asia.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Basu, Subho (Fall)

  • HIST 481 History of Bangladesh and Pakistan (3 credits)

    Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    History : Examines social and political histories of Pakistan and Bangladesh from 1947 to present with attention to the roles of Islam, ethnicity and nationalism.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Prerequisite(s): HIST 341 or permission of instructor.

  • ISLA 305 Topics in Islamic History (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Subject matter will vary year to year, according to the instructor. Topic will be made available in Minerva.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

  • ISLA 420 Indo-Islamic Civilization: Medieval (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : The rise of Islam in South Asia in the 8th Century and its subsequent expansion; evolution of Indo-Islamic civilization and its apogee during Mughal rule up to 1707. Themes include state and religion; ruling institutions; political theory, Sufism and the process of conversion, as well as the formation of a composite culture.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Keshavmurthy, Prashant (Fall)

    • Winter

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 200 or permission of instructor.

  • ISLA 421 Islamic Culture - Indian Subcontinent (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Survey of Islamic culture (faith systems, literature, music, art) on the Indian subcontinent from the early modern period to the present, with a focus on conflict and relations between Muslims and non-Muslims, and between majority and minority Muslim groups.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

  • ISLA 489 Special Topics 6 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Selected topics in Islamic and Middle East studies. Subject matter will vary year to year, according to the instructor. Topic will be made available in Minerva.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Fall and/or Winter

    • Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.

  • ISLA 555 Urdu Poetry (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Interpretation of Urdu poetry for students with intermediate to advanced-level knowledge of Urdu-Hindi language. Includes advanced grammar topics, cultural and historical background, and interpretation and analysis.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Prerequisite(s): ISLA 552D1/D2 or permission of the instructor.

  • ISLA 581 Special Topics 1 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Selected topics in Islamic studies.

    Terms: Fall 2019, Winter 2020

    Instructors: Ragep, Faiz; Jawlakh, Hala; Khan, Mohamad (Fall) Gohar, Shokry; Gurbuzel, Sumeyra Aslihan; Hartman, Michelle Laura (Winter)

    • Fall and/or Winter

    • Note: Subject matter will vary year to year, according to the instructor. Topic will be announced at the beginning of the term.

  • POLI 423 Politics of Ethno-Nationalism (3 credits)

    Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Political Science : Theories of ethno-nationalism examined in light of experience in Asia, Middle East and Africa. Topics include formation and mobilization of national, ethnic and religious identities in colonial and post-colonial societies; impact of ethno-nationalism on pluralism, democracy, class and gender relations; means to preserve tolerance in multicultural societies.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Subramanian, Narendra (Fall)

    • Prerequisites: one 300 or 400-level course in comparative politics; and one 300 or 400-level course on developing areas (any discipline.) The same course can fulfill both requirements

    • Note: The area in the field of Comparative Politics is Developing Areas.

  • POLI 435 Identity and Inequality (3 credits)

    Offered by: Political Science (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Political Science : Inequality is often particularly durable between groups whose boundaries are based on assumed ancestry - e.g., the major ethnic categories in former European settler colonies, castes in South Asia. This course explores ongoing changes in the relationship between identity and social, economic and political inequality in some of these contexts.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Subramanian, Narendra (Fall)

    • Prerequisite: 300 level course in comparative politics or related social science course.

  • RELG 344 Mahayana Buddhism (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : Investigation of Mahayana schools of thought based on reading of key sutras and commentarial literature.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

  • RELG 348 Classical Hinduism (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : Surveys classical Hinduism through Sanskrit learning traditions. Topics include: Vedic literature, fables, ethics, statecraft, erotics, liberation, and epic literature.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Pinkney, Andrea Marion (Fall)

    • All texts are read in English translation; no prior knowledge is assumed.

  • RELG 350 Bhakti Hinduism (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : Foundation of theism in the Upanisads, Epics, Gita and puranas; image worship and temple religion in the Agamas; Vaisnavism, Saivism, Saktism, and competition with Buddhism and Jainism; the relation of Bhakti and Tantra; interaction of Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Fall

    • Prerequisite: RELG 252 or permission of the instructor

  • RELG 353 Gandhi: His Life and Thought (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : A study of the life and thought of Gandhi.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Winter

  • RELG 366 Rivers, Religion, and Environment in South Asia (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : This class explores the significance of major South Asian river systems, including Ganges, Indus, Brahmaputra, and Yamuna, in classical and contemporary terms. In Hindu scriptures, rivers may be incarnate, emplaced goddesses; in contemporary South Asia, rivers are central to Hindu pilgrimage while facing environmental pressures from pollution, overuse, flooding, and drought. Finally, rivers of the Indian subcontinent cross and delineate international boundaries, creating friction between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. As key lifelines shared in multi-religious South Asia, are rivers vulnerable wards of the state—or valuable ‘citizens’ who must be recruited to do their part?

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Pinkney, Andrea Marion (Winter)

    • Prerequisite(s): RELG 252 or Permission of Instructor

  • RELG 369 Tibetan Buddhism (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : Buddhism has been central to Tibetan culture and identity since the 7th century CE. This course introduces key aspects of the history and practices of Tibetan Buddhism, including: early history, political and sectarian developments, the spread of Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet, and the myth of "Shangri-La".

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Winter

    • Prerequisite(s): RELG 252 or RELG 253

    • This course is expected to be offered every 3 years

    • Due to the intensive nature of this course, the standard add/drop and withdrawal deadlines do not apply. Add/drop is the second lecture day and withdrawal is the fifth lecture day.

  • RELG 372 Hindu Goddesses (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : The mythology, theology, soteriology, history, ritual, and texts of the goddess-centred (Sakta) branches of Hinduism.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Stainton, Hamsa (Winter)

  • RELG 378 Pilgrimage and Religious Tourism in South Asia (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : An exploration of the relationship of pilgrimage and tourism in contemporary South Asia. Beginning with the classical foundations of Hindu pilgrimage in Indic civilization, the coursework puts pilgrimage in South Asia in critical perspective by exploring new motivations for religious travel in Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Buddhist contexts.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

  • RELG 388 Introduction to Sikhism (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : An introduction to the historical and religious context in which the Sikh religion developed, its principal doctrines, practices and institutions and its evolution from its origins to the present, both inside and outside India.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Prerequisite(s): RELG 252 or the permission of the instructor.

    • Restriction(s): Not open to students who have taken RELG 254.

    • 1.Fall

  • RELG 444 Indian Ocean Religious Networks (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : This seminar class explores cultural exchanges among maritime networks of Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims in South Asia and Southeast Asia, in classical, pre-modern, and contemporary terms. Key themes to be considered include: sovereignty, society, and religion, within the context of historically evolving cultural relations around the Bay of Bengal. Taking an inter-religious approach to understanding maritime cultural interactions, class readings and discussion include: foundational theories of “Indianization,†reflection on “localization,†the “Sanskrit cosmpolis,†and emerging theoretical contributions based on current archaeological, epigraphic, and art historical discoveries in India, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Deptl. approval: Nov.17, 2015.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Prerequisite(s): RELG 252 or permission of instructor

  • RELG 453 Vajrayana Buddhism (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : A study of the history, philosophy and practices of Vajrayana Buddhism.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

  • RELG 454 Modern Hindu Thought (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : A study of the developments in religious thought with special reference to such thinkers as Ram Mohan Roy, Dayananda Saraswati, Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, Gandhi, Tilak, Aurobindo, and Radhakrishnan.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

  • RELG 544 Ethnography as Method in Religious Studies (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : Ethnography as method informs disciplines from Area Studies and anthropology to linguistics and religious studies. Students will acquire a critical perspective on emic/etic subjectivity in Religious Studies, and a framework to apply ethnography in their research. Coursework covers classic ethnographies, new interventions, and ethnographies of particular relevance for religious traditions in a given year.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Prerequisite(s): A minimum of six credits in 300 level RELG courses and/or permission of the instructor.

  • RELG 545 Ramayana: Multiple Lives (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : Focus on the Rama story in South Asia. Exploration of the multiple versions of the narrative from classical Sanskrit textual versions, to rural vernacular retellings, to contemporary TV versions, and examination of the various religious, social, cultural and political significations of the narrative in these contexts.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Winter

    • Prerequisite: RELG 252 Hinduism & Buddhism

  • RELG 546 Indian Philosophy (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : Introduction to the orthodox systems of Hindu Philosophy leading up to Vedanta i.e., Nyaya, Vaisesika, Sankhya, Yoga and Mimamsa, which will include discussion of such topics as: grounds for belief and disbelief in God, the nature of revelation, means of knowledge, etc.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Prerequisites: 6 credits in Indian religions, philosophy of religion, philosophy, or permission of the instructor

  • RELG 547 Special Topics in Hinduism (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : A research-oriented seminar dealing with topics in Hindu studies.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Stainton, Hamsa (Fall)

    • Fall and Winter

    • Prerequisites: 6 credits in Indian religions, philosophy of religion, philosophy, or permission of the instructor

  • RELG 548 Indian Buddhist Philosophy (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : The rise of buddhist schools of philosophy, especially the Theravada and Sauntrantika, as an attempt to systematize the canonical teachings and defend Buddhism against its critics.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

  • RELG 551 Special Topics in Buddhism (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : A research-oriented seminar dealing with topics in Buddhist studies.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Bauer, Mikaël (Winter)

    • Fall and Winter

    • Prerequisite: RELG 344 or Permission of instructor.

  • RELG 552 Advaita Vedanta (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : The relation of Nyaya-Vaisesika and Mimamsa to Kevaladvaita with concentration on Sankara's Brahmasutrabhasya, Pada 1 and 2.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Prerequisites: 6 credits in Indian religions

  • RELG 554 Religions of South Asia (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : This course familiarises students with major issues in the interpretation of South Asian religions with concern for historical-, regional-, and socio-political studies. Students will become conversant with the work of key contributors in the study of South Asian religions in terms of methodologies, major works, and the reception and audience of their writings.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Prerequisite(s): 6 credits in Asian religions or permission of the instructor.

  • RELG 556 Issues in Buddhist Studies (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : A graduate seminar taught by the Numata Visiting Professor on critical issues in contemporary Buddhist Studies. Emphasis will be placed on the intensive application of different methods - philological, philosophical or social scientific - to some area of modern Buddhist research.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Rhodes, Robert (Fall)

    • Fall

    • Prerequisite: permission of instructor

  • RELG 558 Indian Tantric Traditions (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : Study of esoteric Tantric culture (philosophy, ritual, pilgrimage, art, and iconography) with focus on either Hindu or Buddhist Tantric traditions.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Prerequisites: Any two 300-level courses in Hinduism or Buddhism.

  • RELG 559 Caste and Dalits: Historical and Political Perspectives (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : This seminar addresses religion, caste, and the Dalit community (formerly known as "untouchables" in India through a range of historical and ritual contexts. Topics include representation in the Hindu textual tradition, colonialism, conversion, caste-based violence, caste and nationalism, non-Brahmin political assertion, and the contemporary reservation system.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Winter

    • Prerequisites: RELG 252 and one 300 level course or higher in South Asian Religions

  • RELG 560 Buddhist Poetry (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : Since the time of Buddha, poetry has been used by Buddhist to express devotion, to compose philosophical treatises, and to communicate insight into the experience of awakening. The seminar's content will vary, treating the history, poetics, esthetics, roles and genres of Buddhist poetry in India, Tibet, China and Japan.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Braitstein, Lara E (Fall)

    • Prerequisite (s): RELG 252 or RELG 253 or RELG 344 or permission of the instructor

    • This course is expected to be offered every 3 years

    • Readings will be English translations of the original texts

  • SOCI 370 Sociology: Gender and Development (3 credits)

    Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Sociology (Arts) : Exploration of the main development theories and discussion of how gender is placed within them, analysis of the practical application of development projects and discussion of how they affect gender dynamics, and examination of power relations between development agencies and developing countries. Examples from Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America are used.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Roychowdhury, Poulami (Fall)

  • SOCI 550 Developing Societies (3 credits)

    Offered by: Sociology (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Sociology (Arts) : Comparison of alternative explanations of underdevelopment: the impact of social stratification, relations of domination and subordination between countries, state interference with the market. Alternative strategies of change: revolution, structural adjustment, community development and cooperatives. Students will write and present a research paper, and participate extensively in class discussion.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Roychowdhury, Poulami (Winter)

Additions may be made during a particular calendar year depending on the central focus of the courses, subject to adviser approval.

Maximum of 6 relevant transfer credits may be accepted from approved exchange programs subject to adviser and University approval.

Students may apply up to 6 credits in South Asian language study, with approval from the adviser.

Stream 2: Language

Either 18 credits in one of the following languages: Persian, Sanskrit, Tibetan, or Urdu-Hindi, from the courses listed below.

Or 18 credits of combined language study from courses listed below, consisting of 6 credits of one of Persian, Sanskrit, Tibetan, or Urdu-Hindi and 12 credits of another South Asian language from the courses listed below.

Note: Students should refere to the eCalendar to confirm any prerequisites for the following courses.

PERSIAN

  • ISLA 541D1 Introductory Persian (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : This course starts with an intensive focus on Persian alphabet and corresponding sounds and rules to combine them in writing and in pronunciation, followed by basic vocabulary and grammatical structures needed to communicate in simple dialogues, to read simple texts, and to write simple paragraphs. Colloquial Persian is also introduced through simple dialogues. The dialogues, example sentences, reading texts, and photo captions are all presented through Persian culture and literature. The objective is to introduce basic principles of Persian grammar and a range of vocabulary to facilitate reading and writing simple texts in Persian. Taught in Persian and English.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Shabani-Jadidi, Pouneh (Fall)

    • Fall and Winter

    • 3 hours

    • Prerequisite: Placement Test or permission of instructor

    • Students must register for both ISLA 541D1 and ISLA 541D2.

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 541D1 and ISLA 541D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

  • ISLA 541D2 Introductory Persian (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : This course starts with an intensive focus on Persian alphabet and corresponding sounds and rules to combine them in writing and in pronunciation, followed by basic vocabulary and grammatical structures needed to communicate in simple dialogues, to read simple texts, and to write simple paragraphs. Colloquial Persian is also introduced through simple dialogues. The dialogues, example sentences, reading texts, and photo captions are all presented through Persian culture and literature. The objective is to introduce basic principles of Persian grammar and a range of vocabulary to facilitate reading and writing simple texts in Persian. Taught in Persian and English.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Shabani-Jadidi, Pouneh (Winter)

    • Winter

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 541D1

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 541D1 and ISLA 541D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

  • ISLA 542D1 Lower Intermediate Persian (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : This course contains various genres of texts. Since Persian language and Persian literature are closely tied, different modern and classical prose and poetry are presented throughout the course. In addition, morphological, semantic and syntactic complexities of the Persian language will be addressed. The objective is to cover a wide variety of classical and modern Persian texts both in prose and poetry to facilitate reading, writing, understanding and speaking about a variety of literary, historical, cultural and journalistic topics in Persian. This course is mainly in Persian.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Shabani-Jadidi, Pouneh (Fall)

    • Fall and Winter

    • 3 hours

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 541D1/D2 or equivalent, Placement Test, or permission of instructor.

    • Students must register for both ISLA 542D1 and ISLA 542D2.

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 542D1 and ISLA 542D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

  • ISLA 542D2 Lower Intermediate Persian (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : This course contains various genres of texts. Since Persian language and Persian literature are closely tied, different modern and classical prose and poetry are presented throughout the course. In addition, morphological, semantic and syntactic complexities of the Persian language will be addressed. The objective is to cover a wide variety of classical and modern Persian texts both in prose and poetry to facilitate reading, writing, understanding and speaking about a variety of literary, historical, cultural and journalistic topics in Persian. This course is mainly in Persian.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Shabani-Jadidi, Pouneh (Winter)

    • Winter

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 542D1

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 542D1 and ISLA 542D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

  • ISLA 543 Upper Intermediate Persian 1 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : This course is mainly on media Persian, especially news excerpts from newspapers printed in Iran. In addition to the news terminology, other complex expressions used throughout the news articles are discussed. The objective is to present a vast scope of vocabulary and news terminology, as well as different ways of paraphrasing to facilitate reading and translating complex texts from Persian to English and English to Persian. In addition to the media texts, there are weekly translation workshops in class on a variety of literary genres. This course is solely in Persian.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Shabani-Jadidi, Pouneh (Fall)

    • Fall

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 542D1/D2, Placement Test, or permission of instructor.

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 642 or ISLA 643D1/D2.

    • Note: Language of instruction is Persian.

  • ISLA 544 Upper Intermediate Persian 2 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : This course addresses a variety of text genres, including but not limited to newspapers, classical literature prose, and modern literature prose. In addition, there are in-class translation workshops once a week, where an unseen text is translated from English to Persian or Persian to English.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Shabani-Jadidi, Pouneh (Winter)

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 543 or ISLA 642, Placement Test, or permission of instructor.

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 643 or ISLA 643D1/2.

    • Note: Language of instruction is Persian.

  • ISLA 545 Advanced Persian 1 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Advanced level of Persian language study.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Winter

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 544 or ISLA 643, Placement Test, or permission of instructor.

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 644 or ISLA 644D1/2.

    • Note: Language of instruction is Persian.

  • ISLA 546 Advanced Persian 2 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Advanced level of Persian language study.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 545 or ISLA 644, Placement Test, or permission of instructor.

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 644D1/2 or ISLA 645.

    • Note: Language of instruction is Persian.

SANSKRIT

TIBETAN

  • RELG 264 Introductory Tibetan 1 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : An introduction to the language of Classical Tibetan, specifically Tibetan script and basic grammar.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Fall

  • RELG 265 Introductory Tibetan 2 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : A continuation of the introduction to the language of Classical Tibetan, specifically Tibetan script and basic grammar.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

  • RELG 364 Intermediate Tibetan 1 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : Advanced Tibetan grammar, and translation of selected Tibetan texts.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Braitstein, Lara E (Fall)

    • Fall

    • Prerequisite: RELG 265 or permission of the instructor.

  • RELG 365 Intermediate Tibetan 2 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : Continuation of advanced Tibetan grammar and translation of selected Tibetan texts.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Winter

    • Prerequisite: RELG 364 or permission of the instructor.

  • RELG 464 Advanced Tibetan 1 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : Translation of specially selected Tibetan texts.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Braitstein, Lara E (Fall)

    • Fall

    • Prerequisite: RELG 365 or permission of instructor.

  • RELG 465 Advanced Tibetan 2 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : Continuation of translation of specially selected Tibetan texts.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2019-2020 academic year.

    • Winter

    • Prerequisite: RELG 464 or permission of the instructor.

URDU-HINDI

  • ISLA 551D1 Introductory Urdu-Hindi (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Introduction to Urdu-Hindi language including pronunciation and reading and writing of either Urdu or Hindi script, speaking and comprehension of basic sentences, commands, statements in the present tense.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Khan, Mohamad; Kumar, Ashutosh; Ijaz, Aqsa (Fall)

    • Fall and Winter

    • 3 hours

    • Students must register for both ISLA 551D1 and ISLA 551D2.

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 551D1 and ISLA 551D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

  • ISLA 551D2 Introductory Urdu-Hindi (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Introduction to Urdu-Hindi language including pronunciation and reading and writing of either Urdu or Hindi script, speaking and comprehension of basic sentences, commands, statements in the present tense.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Khan, Mohamad; Nawaz, Sumaira; Ijaz, Aqsa (Winter)

    • Winter

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 551D1

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 551D1 and ISLA 551D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

  • ISLA 552D1 Intermediate Urdu-Hindi (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Assuming a knowledge of basic grammar and vocabulary, this course continues with the study of more complex grammatical structures including the subjunctive, future, and past tenses. Reading and composition exercises in Urdu or Hindi scripts are designed to give intermediate competency in the language.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Khan, Mohamad (Fall)

  • ISLA 552D2 Intermediate Urdu-Hindi (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Assuming a knowledge of basic grammar and vocabulary, this course continues with the study of more complex grammatical structures including the subjunctive, future, and past tenses. Reading and composition exercises in Urdu or Hindi scripts are designed to give intermediate competency in the language.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Khan, Mohamad (Winter)

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 552D1

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 552D1 and ISLA 552D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

  • ISLA 553 Advanced Urdu-Hindi 1 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Builds upon Intermediate Urdu-Hindi to introduce students to advanced grammatical constructions through reading of longer texts in the Urdu or Hindi script, conversation, and video/audio cultural materials.

    Terms: Fall 2019

    Instructors: Khan, Mohamad; Sabri, Zahra (Fall)

  • ISLA 554 Advanced Urdu-Hindi 2 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Advanced study of grammatical constructions through reading long texts in the Urdu or Hindi script, conversation, and video/audio cultural materials.

    Terms: Winter 2020

    Instructors: Khan, Mohamad; Sabri, Zahra (Winter)

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 553 or permission of instructor.

Additions may be made during a particular calendar year depending on the central focus of the courses, subject to adviser approval.

Maximum of 6 relevant transfer credits may be accepted from approved exchange programs subject to adviser and University approval.

Bachelor of Arts & Science—2019-2020 (last updated Aug. 20, 2019) (disclaimer)
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