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Minor Concentration South Asian Studies (18 credits)

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

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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

  • 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

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

  • 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

  • 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

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

    • 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

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

    • 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

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

    • 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

  • 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Prerequisite(s): ISLA 352D1/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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

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

  • RELG 288 Introduction to Sikhism (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : An introduction to the historical and religious contexts relevant to understanding Sikh religious traditions, including its principal doctrines, practices and institutions and its evolution from its origins in South Asia to the present, with particular attention to Sikh-Canadian transnational connections.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken RELG 388.

  • 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

  • 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

  • RELG 378 Pilgrimage, Heritage, and Tourism (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : Explores the history of pilgrimage and emergence of religious tourism in global contexts. Introduces the religious heritage of Montreal and its history as a Roman Catholic pilgrimage centre (St. Joseph’s Oratory) and adopts thematic approaches to pilgrimage and tourism in interreligious perspectives (Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Jewish).

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Class work includes a local field visit

  • 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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 Vajrayana (Tantric) Buddhism, approached predominantly through the genre of life writing/sacred biography.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Prerequisites: 6 credits in Indian religions

  • 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

  • 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

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 241D1 Introductory Persian (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Introduction to the Persian language, beginning with pronouncing, reading and writing the Persian script, and moving to vocabulary and grammatical structures needed to communicate in simple dialogues, read simple texts, and write simple paragraphs.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: Placement test or permission of the instructor

    • Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 541 D1/D2.

    • Students must register for both ISLA 241D1 and ISLA 241D2.

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 241D1 and ISLA 241D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.

  • ISLA 241D2 Introductory Persian (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : See ISLA 241D1 for course description.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 241D1

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 241D1 and ISLA 241D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.

  • ISLA 342D1 Lower Intermediate Persian (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Speech, comprehension, and reading and writing of more complex grammatical structures, embedded within a variety of short authentic Persian texts.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 241D1/D2 or ISLA 541 D1/D2, placement test, or permission of the instructor.

    • Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 542D1/D2.

    • Students must register for both ISLA 342D1 and ISLA 342D2.

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 342D1 and ISLA 342D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

    • Students are expected to have knowledge of basic Persian grammar and vocabulary.

  • ISLA 342D2 Lower Intermediate Persian (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : See ISLA 342D1 for course description.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

  • ISLA 443D1 Upper Intermediate Persian (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Introduction to authentic texts about Persian culture, history, geography, politics, arts, and other topics relevant to Iran, as well as canonical poems of various modern and classical poets, and selected Persian proverbs and their meanings and connotations.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Fall

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 342D1/D2 or ISLA 542D1/D2 or placement test or permission of the instructor.

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 543 and ISLA 544.

    • Note: Language of instruction is Persian.

    • Students must register for both ISLA 443D1 and ISLA 443D2

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 443D1 and ISLA 443D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

  • ISLA 443D2 Upper Intermediate Persian (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : See ISLA 443D1 for course description.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 443D1

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 443D1 and ISLA 443D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

  • 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

  • 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 545 or placement test or permission of the instructor.

    • Note: Language of instruction is Persian.

SANSKRIT

  • RELG 257D1 Introductory Sanskrit (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : To develop basic language and reading skills.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

  • RELG 257D2 Introductory Sanskrit (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : See RELG 257D1 for course description.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: RELG 257D1

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both RELG 257D1 and RELG 257D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

  • RELG 357D1 Sanskrit 2 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : Advanced grammar and vocabulary with readings in epic and similar texts.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: RELG 257 or permission of the instructor

    • Students must register for both RELG 357D1 and RELG 357D2.

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both RELG 357D1 and RELG 357D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

  • RELG 357D2 Sanskrit 2 (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : See RELG 357D1 for course description.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: RELG 357D1

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both RELG 357D1 and RELG 357D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

  • RELG 457D1 Advanced Sanskrit (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : Critical reading of selected Sanskrit texts.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

  • RELG 457D2 Advanced Sanskrit (3 credits)

    Offered by: Religious Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Religious Studies : See RELG 457D1 for course description.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: RELG 457D1

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both RELG 457D1 and RELG 457D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms

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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • 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 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Winter

    • Prerequisite: RELG 464 or permission of the instructor.

URDU-HINDI

  • ISLA 251D1 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 Urduor Hindi script, speaking and comprehension of basic sentences, commands, statements in the present tense.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Restrictions: Not open to students who have taken ISLA551D1/D2.

    • Students must register for both ISLA251D1 and ISLA 251D2.

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 251D1 and ISLA 251D2are successfully completed in consecutive terms.

  • ISLA 251D2 Introductory Urdu-Hindi (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : See ISLA 251D1 for course description.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 251D1

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 251D1 and ISLA 251D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.

  • ISLA 352D1 Intermediate Urdu-Hindi (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : Speech, comprehension, and reading and writing of more complex grammatical structures, including the subjunctive, future, and past tenses.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 251D1/D2 or ISLA 551D1/D2 or placement test or permission of the instructor.

    • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken ISLA 552D1/D2.

    • Students must register for both ISLA352D1 and ISLA 352D2.

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 352D1 and ISLA 352D2 are successfully completed inconsecutive terms.

    • Students are expected to have knowledge of basic Urdu-Hindi grammar and vocabulary.

  • ISLA 352D2 Intermediate Urdu-Hindi (3 credits)

    Offered by: Islamic Studies (Faculty of Arts)

    Overview

    Islamic Studies : See ISLA 352D1 for course description.

    Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 352D1

    • No credit will be given for this course unless both ISLA 352D1 and ISLA 352D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.

    • Students are expected to have knowledge of basic Urdu-Hindi grammar and vocabulary.

  • 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

  • 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: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    • Prerequisite: ISLA 553 or permission of the 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.

Faculty of Arts—2024-2025 (last updated Apr. 3, 2024) (disclaimer)
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