South Asian Studies Minor

FACULTY:
Christina Welsch (History), Chair
Mark Graham (Religious Studies)
Erum Haider (Political Science)
Shirley Huston-Findley (Theater and Dance)
Bhakti Mamtora (Religious Studies)
Kara Morrow (Art History)
Sarah Mirza (Religious Studies)
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 encourages the integration of off-campus 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 encourages 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 Trek” programs led by Wooster faculty members (e.g., 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.
Only grades of C- or better are accepted for the minor.

Cross-listed Courses Accepted for South Asian Studies Credit

Art History

ARTH 22100. Islamic Art [AH, C, GE, R]

History

HIST 22400. India in Global Context [D, GE, HSS, SJ]

HIST 27519. History of South Asia: Mughals to Modi [C, HSS]

Philosophy

PHIL 23000. East/West Comparative Philosophy [AH, C, GE, W]

PHIL 23100. Indian Philosophy & Its Roots [AH, C, W]

Political Science

PSCI 24732.  Comparative Identity Politics: India & Pakistan

Religious Studies

RELS 11002. Comparative Religious Traditions: South Asia [AH, C, R]

RELS 21800. Hinduism [AH, C,R]

RELS 22000. Buddhism [AH, C,R]

RELS 22200. Islam [AH, C,R]

RELS 23000. The Life & Thought of Mahatma Gandhi [C, R, W]

RELS 26740. Buddhist Visual & Material Cultures [R]

RELS 26742. Buddhist Travelers Across Asia [R]

RELS 26747. Yoga Then and Now [R]

RELS 26749.  Race, Religion, & Power in South Asia [R]

RELS 26944. Gender, Body and the Buddha [R]

RELS 26945. Performing Gender in South Asia [R]

RELS 26947. Death & Afterlives [R]

RELS 26950. Practicing Happiness: Perspectives from India [R]

Theatre and Dance

THTD 26401. South Asian Drama [AH, GE]

THTD 29906. Asian Theatre