FALL 2007 HONORS COURSES

HONR239E Women's Roles in Historical and Contemporary India
Tu/Th. 12:30-1:45 PM
Amita Sarin

Discussion about the status of women dominates the public discourse on India in the West, and yet the subject is incompletely understood. Notorious for misogynous practices such as “bride burnings” and female infanticide, India is paradoxically home to an ancient tradition of goddess worship and also has an impressive population of professional women and female leaders. It is essential to explore the interplay of gender, region, religion, caste and class to fully comprehend the cultural values in contemporary India, the world’s largest democracy and an emerging global power.

This seminar explores the complexity of the status and history of women in India through lectures, art, folklore, films, scholarship, and student-led panels. We will discuss the exceptionally strong family system and how women have been represented, worshiped, lauded and exploited through the ages. Students will have the opportunity to examine societal problems, debate practices such as arranged marriages and dating and study women in religion, myth, history and contemporary India, bringing personal narratives to the table when appropriate.

Evaluation will be based on research papers as well as oral presentations and class debates.

Tentative Course Texts Include: Kinsley, David, Hindu Goddesses; Forbes, Geraldine, Women in Modern India; and the films—Bride and Prejudice; Namesake; and Water.

CORE: Social or Political History [SH] and Human Cultural Diversity [D]