South Asian Studies Minor

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE:
Mark Graham (Religious Studies), Chair
Sarah Mirza (History)
Elizabeth Schiltz (Philosophy)

The interdepartmental minor in South Asian Studies focuses on developing an understanding of the diverse but related historical and cultural traditions of South Asia (a region that is comprised primarily of, but not necessarily limited to, the nations of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Myanmar), both in their “home” locations and in their global and diasporic situations. The South Asian Studies minor recognizes the diversity of cultural and national traditions that exist across this region, but at the same time helps foster an understanding of the common cultural and historical concerns that make “South Asia” a coherent focus of study. Given the complexity of histories and traditions in this region of the world, the minor requires multidisciplinary study, and the integration of offcampus study in a South Asian country as part of the curriculum.

Minor in South Asian Studies

Consists of six courses:

Six elective South Asian Studies courses from at least two departments

Special Notes

Off-Campus Study: The minor in South Asian Studies requires the completion of an approved off-campus study program in a South Asian country. Acceptable programs can be either Wooster-endorsed semester-long programs in a South Asian country (e.g., India or Nepal), or South Asia-focused “Wooster In” programs led by Wooster faculty members (e.g., Exploring India at Home and Abroad Through the Arts; Global Social Entrepreneurship, focused on India).
A maximum of three courses completed for transfer credit during an approved off-campus study program in South Asia may, with the South Asian Studies curriculum committee’s approval, be counted toward completion of the minor.
College of Wooster courses not listed below (e.g., new interdepartmental or special topics courses) may also be approved for the minor, if such courses are focused on South Asia. For example, in 2012-2013, the following course was offered: Multicultural India (IDPT 19907). Though not listed below as part of the regular course offerings, such courses with South Asia-related focus could be applied to the minor.
Only grades of C- or better are accepted for the minor.