Course Syllabus

Boats in the Karnaphuli river, Chittagong, Bangladesh.

Syllabus

Fall /2015

 

Instructor Contact

 

Course Information

Course Description

The South Asian region is a distinct geographical entity; for 5000 years it has been one of the main centers of civilization continually enriching societies beyond its borders and in turn being enriched from outside. This survey of history covers the part of the world that now includes the nation states of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. It offers an introduction to the history and culture of the people inhabiting this region from prehistory to the present times.

 The central focus of this course is the historical process of social change, including cultural, social, economic and political aspects.  We will focus on major innovations in society, culture, religion, politics, in each period of time that most clearly indicate how change occurred in social conditions that ordinary South Asians experienced in everyday life. The focus of this course is to develop an understanding and appreciation for the divergent people and cultures of South Asia, as well as to acquaint the students to the craft of history by providing a basic understanding of primary and secondary sources, chronological and spatial thinking, historical interpretation and content and comparative analysis.

Course Objectives

Main objectives of this course is to 

• introduce students to the very long history of social and cultural change and continuity in South Asia; 
• help students in understanding the important historical events of the region;

• and to improve their skills in several areas including historiographical knowledge, critical thinking, and analytical writing.

Required Text

• Sugata Bose and Ayesha Jalal, Modern South Asia: History, Culture, Political Economy, Routledge, 2011, ISBN: 0415779421
• Khushwant Singh, Train to Pakistan, Grove Press, 1994, ISBN: 0802132219
• Hermann Heese, Siddhartha, Penguin Classics, 2002, ISBN: 0142437182

Supplemental Texts

• Mary Lynn Rampolla, A Pocket Guide to Writing in History, Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2006, ISBN: 9780312446734 
• Ainslie T. Embree, Sources of Indian Tradition, From the Beginning to 1800, Second Edition (Vol 1), Columbia University Press, New York, 1988. (Sections from this book will be posted on web courses/canvas)

Course Requirements

This course may count as a GEP Humanities requirement and a Diversity requirement towards some majors. It may also count for Asian studies minor.

 Evaluation and Grading

 

 

 

Attendance Policy

Regular and punctual classroom attendance and consistent adherence to the schedule of assigned readings is expected from students to keep up with the pace of the lectures and discussions. If you must miss a class, please notify me in advance. Any unexcused absence after the first two will reduce your final grade by one third of a letter grade. Two late arrivals count as one absence. Being unprepared for class discussion will also count as an unexcused absence.

 

Participation in class discussions

Please be aware that this course is based on your active participation. Students are expected to come prepared for the class by having read the weekly readings and engage in meaningful class discussions. Students are always encouraged to ask questions in the lectures and during my office hours, and to go beyond the minimum course requirements as their imagination and intellect lead them. This course relies on student participation, if you do not like reading or engaging in class discussion, you are probably in the wrong course. 

 In general, the class participation grade will be assigned according to the following criteria:

A – Consistently attentive to class discussion; consistent and enthusiastic participation in discussions throughout semester, and submitting online assignments on time.

B – Consistently attentive to class discussion; occasional and/or inconsistent participation, and timely submission of online assignments

C – Mostly attentive to class discussion; infrequent or negligible participation in discussions, and delayed submission of online assignments.

D & F – Consistently inattentive to discussions; lack of participation in discussions and/or disruptive behavior, and no submission of online assignments.

In-Class  Presentations:

Twice during the semester each student will help lead class discussion by working on any topic on social, cultural, political, religious, military, contemporary, history of South Asia and will make a 10 minute presentation. I will assess the contributions of each student individually according to the substance of the presentation, the cohesiveness of the argument or ideas presented, and the quality of oral delivery. More information regarding the in-class presentations will be forthcoming. ( Week Five and Ten )

 

Missed Assignments/Make-Ups/Extra Credit

Each essay assignment is due at 5 p.m. on its due date. Each day late equals a penalty of 1 entire letter grade. If you have a documented excuse that lets you to turn the paper in late, please approach me as soon as possible and we will negotiate a deal. Medical and family emergencies as well as religious holidays will be accommodated; students are expected to inform the instructor as soon as possible if assignment submission will be affected.  Extensions will not be granted except for documented medical, family, and/or religious reasons.

 

Notes on writing assignments

A successful essay will be proofread, revised, and edited for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and style. For all of your assignments, use a formal writing style (no slang, abbreviations, or colloquialisms). All assignments will be assessed according to the clarity of the argument, substantial evidence supporting claims presented, and a clear introduction and conclusion. Spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style  will be considered. Please use Chicago style:

 The Chicago Manual of Style. 16th Edition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2003. Here is a quick guide - http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html 

Mid-term

The course calendar lists the days on which midterms will be held. These tests will be based on the primary and secondary sources listed in the reading list. I will post the study-guide a week in advance. Bring your own copies of the blue book to class. ( Week Seven and Eleven )

 

Classroom Behavior

 In this class, we will all treat each other with respect.  Civil discussion of differing viewpoints is an essential part of the study of history. In this course we will be discussing cultures and civilizations that are bound to be different than your own. However no student will be allowed to disrespect any culture, religion, philosophical thought, customs and mores, of any society. Students are expected to be civil during class discussions. Any student found guilty of using offensive language or text will be punished by a deduction of 20% from the final grade.

 Appropriate classroom behavior also includes arriving on time and remaining for the entire class; let me know before class if you will need to leave early.  Do not sleep, surf Internet, check email, send instant/text message, play games, have private conversations, etc. during class. Use of cell phones is strictly prohibited inside the classroom. Unless it is a family emergency, if a student is caught texting/answering a call, he/she will have the device confiscated. The student can retrieve it later from the Registrar’s Office. Any lapse will be penalized by a grade reduction.

If any student is down with flu/fever/cold please refrain from attending class. 

Academic Honesty

Plagiarism and cheating of any kind on an examination, quiz, or assignment will result at least in an "F" for that assignment (and may, depending on the severity of the case, lead to an "F" for the entire course) and may be subject to appropriate referral to the Office of Student Conduct for further action. See the UCF Golden Rule for further information. I will assume for this course that you will adhere to the academic creed of this University and will maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. In other words, don't cheat by giving answers to others or taking them from anyone else. I will also adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity, so please do not ask me to change (or expect me to change) your grade illegitimately or to bend or break rules for one person that will not apply to everyone.

Disability Statement

The University of Central Florida is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities. This syllabus is available in alternate formats upon request. Students with disabilities who need accommodations in this course must contact the professor at the beginning of the semester to discuss needed accommodations. No accommodations will be provided until the student has met with the professor to request accommodations. Students who need accommodations must be registered with Student Disability Services, Student Resource Center Room 132, phone (407) 823-2371, TTY/TDD only phone (407) 823-2116, before requesting accommodations from the professor.

Copyright

This course may contain copyright protected materials such as audio or video clips, images, text materials, etc. These items are being used with regard to the Fair Use doctrine in order to enhance the learning environment. Please do not copy, duplicate, download or distribute these items. The use of these materials is strictly reserved for this online classroom environment and your use only. All copyright materials are credited to the copyright holder.

Third-Party Software and FERPA

During this course you might have the opportunity to use public online services and/or software applications sometimes called third-party software such as a blog or wiki. While some of these could be required assignments, you need not make any personally identifying information on a public site. Do not post or provide any private information about yourself or your classmates. Where appropriate you may use a pseudonym or nickname. Some written assignments posted publicly may require personal reflection/comments, but the assignments will not require you to disclose any personally identity-sensitive   information. If you have any concerns about this, please contact your instructor.

Financial Aid Requirement 

As of Fall 2014, all faculty are required to document students’ academic activity at the beginning of each course. In order to document that you began this course, please complete the following academic activity by the end of the first week of classes or as soon as possible after adding the course, but no later than 12:00 PM, August 27th. Failure to do so may result in a delay in the disbursement of your financial aid. You must  complete the syllabus quiz before the end of the first week.

 

Note: This syllabus statement is tentative; the instructor is free to change the schedule/readings / submission deadline for assignments. 

 

Class Calendar

(Readings can be changed or supplemented by additional articles during the semester)

Week One (August 25-27):  South Asian history: an introduction 

 Readings

 Bose: 1-7

 Additional resources:

http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/timelines/southasia_timeline.htm (Links to an external site.)

http://www.ushistory.org/civ/8.asp (Links to an external site.) 

Internet Indian History Sourcebook: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/india/indiasbook.html (Links to an external site.)

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/india/indiasbook.html#Indus Valley Cultures

 Video resource: The Story of India (2009) Episode One

Week Two (September 1-3): Inventing Ancient Civilization

 Readings:

 Bose: 8-17

 Additional Resources:

 Indus Civilization: http://www.harappa.com/indus/indus1.html (Links to an external site.)

 The Vedic Age: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/india/indiasbook.html#The Vedic Age

September 3- No class - Campus closes at noon for Football Game. 

September 7- Labor Day

 Week Three (September 8-10): Religions of South Asia – Hinduism

 Readings:

 Embree: 7-21, 24-39

 Additional Resources:

 Hymns from the Rig Veda: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/india/indiasbook.html#The Vedic Age

September 9: History Major Ice Cream Social, MIRC, 4:00-6:00 PM.

 

 Week Four (September 15-17): Changing Medieval Territories  

 Readings:

 Bose: 18-27

 Film: Jodha Akbar (2008)

September 15: Grad Fair, Pegasus Ballroom, 4:30-7:30 PM

 

 Week Five (September 22-24): Class Presentations

September 24- Getting into Grad School Workshop- 4:00-6:00 PM Grad Student Center, CNH 126

 

 Week Six (September 29-October 1): Early Modern Regions

 Readings:

 Bose: 28-53

RICHES Oral History Workshop: Grad Student Center, CNH 126, 5:30-7:30 PM

 Week Seven (October 6-8):  Religions of South Asia -Buddhism

 Buddhism: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/india/indiasbook.html#The Vedic Age

Readings:

Embree: 93-152

Film: The Buddha (2010)

October 8: Mid-term on class readings and R.K. Narayana's 'Ramayana'. 

 Week Eight (October 13-15): Making Modern Societies

 Readings:

 Bose: 39-88

 Video resource: The Story of India (Episode 5)

 Week Nine ( October 20-22): Making Modern Societies II 

Video - TBA

October 19: History department Shofner Lecture, MIRC 5:30-7:30 PM ( Extra credit opportunity ) 

 Week Ten (October 27-29): In-class presentations

October 28: Preparing and Presenting at Conferences, Location: TBD, 4:00-6:00PM

 Week Eleven (November 3-5):  Religions of South Asia - Jainism

 Readings:

 Embree: 49-92

Additional readings:

 Jainism: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/india/indiasbook.html#The Vedic Age

 Video resource: The Story of India (2009) Episode Two

 November 5: Mid term on class readings and Khushwant Singh’s Train to Pakistan

Week Twelve (November 10-12): Origins of Nationality

Readings:

Bose: 89-158

Film: 1947 Earth (1998)

November 11: Veterans Day 

Week Thirteen (November 17-19):  Religions of South Asia - Sikhism

Readings:

Embree: 493-510

November 17: Tentative History Major Resume/CV workshop 

November 19: Campus closure at 3:00 PM for Football Game.

 Week Fourteen (November 24): National Environments

Bose: 169-183

November 26: Thanksgiving 

Week Fifteen (December 1-3): Post-Colonial South Asia

Bose: 184-204

Film: TBA

December 7: Last day of classes 

Final Exam December 10: 10:00 AM-12:50 PM