Faculty of Arts & Science 2011-2012 Calendar

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South Asian Studies

The South Asian Studies program examines the history, culture, and politics of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Traditionally 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 class and ideology in the modern dynamics of continuity and change.

South Asian Studies Programs

Consult program administrator: 416-946-8832, ai.asianstudies@utoronto.ca

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4.0 courses.

(4 full courses or their equivalent)

1. SAS114Y1
2. SAS216H1
3. SAS318H1
4. SAS413H1
5. SAS414H1
6. One FCE from the following: SAS211Y1, SAS212Y1, SAS217H1, SAS311H1, SAS415H1, ASI200Y1, RLG205Y1, HIS282Y1, ANT352Y1, JPA410H1, JPA420H1

South Asian Studies Courses

The 199Y1 and 199H1 seminars are designed to provide the opportunity to work closely with an instructor in a class of no more than twenty-four students. These interactive seminars are intended to stimulate the students’ curiosity and provide an opportunity to get to know a member of the professorial staff in a seminar environment during the first year of study. Details here.

An interdisciplinary introduction to South Asian Studies emphasizing inquiry and critical analysis, drawing attention to the specificities of individual nations as well as the factors (historical, political, economic and cultural) that define South Asia as a region. Some attention will be paid to the South Asian Diaspora.

Intensive introduction to phonology, grammar, syntax of the modern Bengali language; emphasis on basic writing and reading.

Intensive introduction to phonology, grammar, syntax of the modern Hindi language; emphasis on basic writing and reading.

Intended for students with little or no knowledge of written Tamil. Intensive introduction to phonology and grammar; syntax of the modern Tamil language; emphasis on basic writing and reading.

A critical overview of South Asia, considering historical and social factors that account for both distinctiveness and connections among nations and communities. Special attention to the major role played by postcolonial histories in establishing the separate trajectories of each nation while preserving the significance of the region as a whole.

An interdisciplinary approach that explains the complexity and multiplicity of Tamil culture. An historical approach to the evolution of Tamil culture over the last twenty centuries. Issues of region, space, politics, and religion will aid in an understanding of contemporary Tamil culture, both in South Asia and the diaspora.

This course analyzes the impact of colonialism in South Asia and the various ways in which tradition intersect with and reshape colonialism in postcolonial South Asia. The course will examine the role of religion, education, ethnicity, gender, and caste. Some attention will be paid to postcolonial and indigenous theory.

This course is envisaged as an interactive, participatory seminar. It will provide an opportunity to complement theoretical understanding about South Asia acquired in other courses through hands-on research and experiential learning. The course will enable students to link studying South Asia and Canada to career trajectories in the field of development and research.

2011 Topic: Public Culture and Media in South AsiaThis upper-level seminar will introduce students to the interdisciplinary study of popular culture and mass-mediated cultural forms in South Asia. Through readings about popular protest, festivals, cinema, print, television, and music this course provides methodological tools to interpret the politics of representation and the formation of alternative modernities in the Indian subcontinent and among the diaspora. The course will furthermore familiarize students with a range of theoretical lenses for conceptualizing the different meanings of the public from a modern South Asian perspective.

Topics will vary from year to year, depending on the visiting professor teaching the course.