HISA

HISA 1501: Introductory Seminar in South Asia

Introduction to the study of history intended for first- or second-year students. Seminars involve reading, discussion, and writing about different historical topics and periods, and emphasize the enhancement of critical and communication skills. Several seminars are offered each term. Not more than two Introductory Seminars may be counted toward the major in history.

HISA 2001: History and Civilization of Classical India

Studies the major elements of South Asian civilization, from the Stone Age to 1200, including the Indus Valley, Vedic literatures, Buddhism, Jainism, Epic traditions, the caste system, Mauryan and Guptan Empires, and devotional Hinduism.

HISA 2002: History and Civilization of Medieval India

Studies the social, political, economic and cultural history of South Asia from 1200 to 1800, from the Turkic invasions through the major Islamic dynasties, especially the Mughal Empire, to the establishment of English hegemony in the maritime provinces.

HISA 2003: History of Modern India

Surveys 200 years of Indian history from the mid-18th century to the present, focusing on the imperial/colonial encounter with the British Raj before Independence, and the social and political permutations of freedom in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka since.

HISA 3002: India From Akbar to Victoria

Studies the society and politics in the Mughal Empire, the Empire's decline and the rise of successor states, the English as a regional power and their expansion, and social, economic and political change under British paramountcy, including the 1857 Revolt.

HISA 3003: Twentieth-Century South Asia

Surveys 100 years of Indian history, defining the qualities of the world's first major anti-colonial movement of nationalism and the changes and cultural continuities of India's democratic policy in the decades since 1947.

HISA 3004: India's Partition: Literature, Culture, Politics

India's Partition and its far-reaching consequences may be productively studied from several different perspectives. This course juxtaposes select novels, films, contemporary writings, and some secondary sources to reflect on a few of the big questions thrown up by this event. These include the place of minorities in the subcontinent and the changing nature of center-state relations in the subcontinent after 1947.

HISA 3111: Social and Political Movements in Twentieth-Century India

Considers the relationships between land, people, and politics in modern South Asia.

HISA 3121: History of Women in South Asia

Surveys the evolving definitions and roles of women in the major social and cultural traditions of South Asia, i.e., India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

HISA 4501: Seminar in South Asia

The major seminar is a small class (not more than 15 students) intended primarily but not exclusively for history majors who have completed two or more courses relevant to the topic of the seminar. The work of the seminar results primarily in the preparation of a substantial (ca. 25 pages in standard format) research paper. Some restrictions and prerequisites apply to enrollment. See a history advisor or the director of undergraduate studies.

HISA 4511: Colloquium in South Asia

The major colloquium is a small class (not more than 15 students) intended primarily but not exclusively for history majors who have completed two or more courses relevant to the topic of the colloquium. Colloquia are most frequently offered in areas of history where access to source materials or linguistic demands make seminars especially difficult. Students in colloquia prepare about 25 pages of written work distributed among various assignments. Some restrictions and prerequisites apply to enrollment. See a history advisor or the director of undergraduate studies.

HISA 4591: Topics in South Asian History

Topics courses are small, discussion-oriented classes available to any student with sufficient background and interest in a particular field of historical study. Offered irregularly, they are open to majors or non-majors on an equal basis.

HISA 4993: Independent Study in South Asia

In exceptional circumstances and with the permission of a faculty member any student may undertake a rigorous program of independent study designed to explore a subject not currently being taught or to expand upon regular offerings. Independent Study projects may not be used to replace regularly scheduled classes. Enrollment is open to majors or non-majors.

HISA 5021: Historiography of Early Modern South Asia

Analyzes historical sources and historians of political systems in Muslim India until the rise of British power.

HISA 5101: Economic History of India

Studies regional economic systems prior to European penetration; the establishment and growth of European trading companies in the 17th and 18th centuries; commercialization of agriculture; the emergence of a unified Indian economy in the 19th century; and industrialization and economic development in the 20th.

HISA 7111: Peasant Movements in Modern India

Considers agrarian relationships and the economic conflict in those relations that give rise to peasant movements in the 19th and 20th centuries. Discussions are based on texts concerned with peasant societies.

HISA 8061: Social History of Modern India

Research and writing utilizing gazetteers, settlement reports, censuses, and other sources.

HISA 8111: Peasant Movements in Modern Indian History

A workshop seminar on peasant movements in modern India, Bengla Desh, and Pakistan utilizing original documents.

HISA 9021: Readings on Twentieth-century South Asia

This tutorial is designed to help graduate students take qualifying exams on the field of twentieth-century South Asian history. Some themes we study include changes in the domains of religion and law in late colonial India, on the events and consequences of the partition of India, and on the possibilities of a comparative history of post-colonial South Asia.

HISA 9022: Tutorial in Modern South Asian History

In this tutorial we will read and discuss a wide range of texts about South Asia's rich and contentious past. Major topics include change and continuity under colonial rule; law and colonialism; debates over nationalism and the Partition of the subcontinent; and developments in post-colonial South Asia.