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Introduction

These inter-disciplinary and inter-departmental programs study traditional and modern South Asia. The history and culture of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are presented in courses offered by departments in the Faculty of Arts and Science.

Traditional South Asia is presented as a living culture, a viable way of life for millions for over 3,000 years, and a source of inspiration to other parts of Asia for 2,000 years. Modern studies emphasize the history and development of South Asia’s political, cultural, and social institutions, the nature of the economy, and the significance of ideas and ideology in the modern dynamics of continuity and change.

Programs of study may stress either the ancient or the modern aspects of South Asia or may explore those elements which fuse traditional religion and culture with contemporary patterns of politics and society.

Students are advised to consult the Chair of South Asian Studies Program and with one or more professors teaching in the area of the student’s particular interest. Titles of courses on South Asia are listed below.

SOUTH ASIAN STUDIES PROGRAMS

Enrolment in the South Asian Studies programs is open to students who have completed four courses; no minimum GPA required.

SOUTH ASIAN STUDIES (B.A.)
Consult Centre for South Asian Studies, Rm. 2057, Sidney Smith Hall, 978-4294.

Specialist program (Hon.B.A.):
(10 full courses or their equivalent: including at least four 300+ series courses with at least one full course at the 400-level)
1. Two courses in Sanskrit from EAS 282Y, 382Y, 480Y, 482Y; or in Punjabi from LIN 265Y, 365Y; or in Bengali from SAS 201Y, 301Y; or demonstrate intermediate (2nd Year level) proficiency in another South Asian language by examination administered by the Centre for South Asian Studies
2. One course in South Asian History: HIS 282Y
3. One course in South Asian social science topics from: ANT 362Y; ECO 232H; POL 201Y, 417Y, 445Y or other social science course approved by the Chair of the SAS program
4. One course in South Asian religion or philosophy from: EAS 260Y, 330Y, 360Y; NEW 306H; NMC 185Y; RLG 100Y, 205Y, 206Y, 207H, 209H, 280Y, 360H, 361H, 362H, 363H, or other course in religion or philosophy approved by the Chair of the SAS program
5. Five additional courses from Group A (below); or seven additional courses from Group A, in the case of a student satisfying the language requirement (see 1. above) by examination rather than by A&S courses

Major program (B.A.):
(6 full courses or their equivalent: including two 300+ series courses)
1. HIS 282Y
2. Five additional courses from Group A (below)

Minor program (B.A.):
(4 full courses or their equivalent)
Four approved courses from Group A (below)

Group A: EAS 260Y, 282Y, 330Y, 360Y, 382Y, 385Y, 386H, 387H, 480Y, 482Y, ECO 232H, ENG 253Y, 472Y, HIS 101Y, 282Y, 364H, 381H, 382H, 386Y, 394H, 480Y, 481H, 491H, HUM 101Y, LIN 265Y, 365Y, MUS 200H, NEW 306H, 308H, 368H, 425Y, NMC 185Y, POL 201Y, 417Y, 445Y, RLG 100Y, 205Y, 206Y, 207H, 209H, 280Y, 360H, 361H, 362H, 363H, SAS 201Y, 301Y; or other courses with the approval of the Chair of the SAS program