Courses: Department of South & Southeast Asian Studies

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Spring 2008 Course Descriptions

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Course	Description
S,SEASN R5B Under Western Eyes TIWON, S C	In this course, the student will read selections from the large body of scholarly texts that have been written about Southeast Asia. Expository and argumentative essays by premier scholars such as Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, Margaret Mead, Clifford Geertz, and Benedict Anderson will be examined. Discussions will cover a broad range of theoretical issues including power, gender, and space. This course satisfies the second half of the Reading and Composition requirement. Prerequisites: 5A or course equivalent to 1A.
S,SEASN 39G Freshman/Sophomore Seminar HART, K	"Think Gender" in Indian Short Stories In this seminar, students will read fifteen short stories from various languages of India translated into English. The stories will describe the relationships between men and women and how the society looks at the roles of men and women in Indian culture. The students will be expected to read the stories and to discuss and critique them in class. They will also be expected to write two five-page research papers. This seminar may be used to satisfy the Arts and Literature or Social and Behavioral Sciences requirement in Letters and Science. Kausalya Hart (M.A., Annamalai University, 1962) is the author of Tamil for Beginners, Tamil Madu, and Tamil Tiraippadam (advanced Tamil textbooks). She has prepared numerous Tamil language teaching aids (including a collection of Tamil movie videos), and a dictionary for modern Tamil. Her current research involves the preparation of a dictionary of Tamil inscriptions. Her interests include Tamil literature, grammar, and inscriptions.
S,SEASN C52 Introduction to the Study of Buddhism KELLNER, B	Introduction to the Study of Buddhism. A historical survey of the Buddhist tradition that focuses on the development of Buddhist doctrines, practices, and communities in South Asia, with its three main paths of Sravakayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana or Tantrism. Included will be selective outlooks on Buddhism in other regions (Tibet, Southeast Asia, East Asia) and on Buddhism in the modern world, both in its traditional environments in Asia and in the West. The course follows Buddhist communities from their origin as a group of world-renouncing ascetics through the development of large state-supported monastic communities. It traces Buddhist thought from its early expression as a set of practical teachings focusing on the attainment of liberation, to its systematic elaboration into comprehensive religio-philosophical theories. In discussing Buddhist practice, the course will highlight its broad variety, including the study and exegesis of scriptures, various forms of ritual and meditation, worship and prayer, as well as the rational justification of Buddhist teachings through argument and critical analysis. Prerequisites: None.
S,SEASN 120 Section 2 Topics in South and Southeast Asian Studies Edwards, P S	Buddhist Movements in Theravadan Southeast Asia, 1800-2000 Often represented as a static religion trapped in tradition, Buddhism has inspired and informed a surprisingly diverse range of religious, textual, and political movements in modern Southeast Asia. These have ranged from millenarian movements to scriptural reform movements, anti-colonial activism, monastic boycotts of repressive regimes, and Buddhist missionary diplomacy. This interdisciplinary course will examine these diverse histories of Buddhism by focusing on the beliefs and influences of particular personalities and sites that shaped, led and framed such movements. We will examine the role of sacral power and moral authority in framing such movements, the role of Buddhism in society, and the intersection of Buddhism with other belief systems such as animism, the linkage between religion and nationalism, the role of monks and monastic institutions as vectors of ideas and beliefs across geo-political boundaries, and the emergence of pan-denominational movements such as the Cao Dai. We will examine how colonial and postcolonial scholarship, states and political parties have variously attempted to marshal, circumscribe, and proscribe Buddhist movements, monuments and moments. Our primary focus will be Burma/Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. We will also consider the influence of a range of external factors including European philology; Sinhalese Buddhism; India’s swaraj movement, and communist ideology.
S,SEASN 149 Section 1 tudies in South and Southeast Asian Languages Sunkari, H	Elementary Telugu course is a continuation of 1A. This is a 4 hours per week course. This focus of this course will be on systematic grammer, essential vocaulary and conversations. The goal is to achieve basic reading, writing and conversational competance as well as exposure to Telugu culture and traditions through language learning. Students will be able to read short stories by the end of this course with some facility. Prerequisite: Elementary Telugu 1A or consent of the instructor.
S,SEASN 250 Section 1 Seminar in South and Southeast Asian Studies HADLER, J A	SOUTHEAST ASIA: HISTORIOGRAPHY AND THEORY This graduate seminar will be an introduction to debates and current research on the histories, cultures, and literatures of Southeast Asia. We will discuss historiographical efforts to conceptualize and teach about the region as a bounded field of study. Attention will be paid to the different approaches that Southeast Asian, European, American, and Japanese scholarship have taken to Southeast Asian Studies. We will analyze the place of religion, of race, of colonialism, of "the Chinese" and other minorities, of gender, and of pre-colonial "tradition" in Southeast Asianist discourse. Readings will include works by Taufik Abdullah, Barbara Andaya, Benedict Anderson, Clifford Geertz, Ray Ileto, Michael Laffan, Sheldon Pollock, Vicente Rafael, William Roff, James Scott, Kenji Tsuchiya, Oliver Wolters, and others.
S,SEASN 250 Section 2 Seminar in South and Southeast Asian Studies FARUQUI, M D	This graduate level course will examine the history of Islam and Muslims in medieval India (circa. 1200-1750).
S,SEASN 250 Section 3 Seminar in South and Southeast Asian Studies EDWARDS, P S	Migrating Identities: Chinese and Indian Diaspora in Modern Southeast Asia This course offers a fresh exploration of the socio-cultural, political and intellectual itineraries and impact of Asian diaspora in colonized and postcolonial Southeast Asia. Through a range of secondary sources and such primary texts as travelogues, novels, memoirs, and news media, we will examine the changing patterns of migration and identification in the 19th century, under colonialism, and thereafter. We will discuss the socio-cultural history and shifting local and state definitions of the “NanYang” Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia. We will also consider the place of Indians from British and French empire in British Burma and French Indochina, and the intellectual impact of such figures as M.K. Gandhi and Sun Yat Sen on Southeast Asian nationalist movements. Topics will include the impact of colonial and postcolonial regime policy on these migrant communities; representations and narratives about Chinese and Indians in nationalist and communist movements; practices and discourses surrounding intermarriage; and the political backdrop and socio-economic tensions framing episodes of mob and state-sanctioned violence against Chinese and Indian peoples and interests. Our primary geographic focus will be Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, Laos and Vietnam, but we will also consider examples from the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.
S,SEASN 300 Methods and Problems in Teaching South and Southeast Asian Studies THE STAFF	The aim of this course is to gain an understanding of the basic principles of teaching university level reading and writing. The class will include lectures and special presentations. The main emphasis, however, will be on class discussions, which will provide a forum to ask questions, test out ideas, and gain feedback. Throughout the course, we will address issues particular to teaching South Asian literature at the lower division reading and composition level (R & C). These issues will include teaching translated texts and teaching students of various backgrounds the social and historical contexts of South and Southeast Asian literature (and the resources available to do so). We will also do some practical exercises, such as the teaching of a Tagore novella as well as creating a syllabus. In addition, this course will deal with such practical matters as how to structure class time, how to lead a discussion, how to use internet/library resources, how to create writing assignments and teach writing, and how to grade.
S ASIAN R5B Section 1-6 India Writer's Eye VARIOUS STAFF	Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week. Reading and composition in connection with eastern and western representations of India, and other Asian cultures, in great works of modern literature. Satisfies the second half of the reading and composition requirement.
S ASIAN 108 Psychology and Traditional India GOLDMAN, R P	Lectures and discussion of psychological and psychoanalytic approaches to some of the characteristic cultural and social aspects of ancient and traditional India. Readings in translation and important secondary works on the psychology of Indian culture, and selected works from the psychoanalytic literature.
S ASIAN C114 Tibetan Buddhism KELLNER, B	Tibetan Buddhism This course is an introduction to some of the major themes in Tibetan Buddhist thought and practice. Beginning with a close study of Patrul Rinpocheâ€™s classic nineteenth century guide to Tibetan Buddhism, the first month of the course will focus on the doctrinal foundations of the tradition. This will be followed by consideration of a recent anthropological monograph on a Tibetan Buddhist village in Nepal. From there, the course will follow a chronological overview of the historical development of Tibetan Buddhism from the seventh century to the present day. Themes considered during the second half of the course include ethics, ritual, art, sacred geography, and biographical literature. Readings will consist of primary texts in translation supplemented by secondary literature on the study of religion and Tibetan Buddhism. Prerequisites: None. Crosslisted with Buddstd C114
S ASIAN C123 Religion in Medieval India DALMIA/FARUQUI	This course is designed to provide a chronological and thematic approach to the study of religion in medieval India. It will cover the period from 600 to 1600 A.D.--a time of significant developments in both Hinduism and Islam on the subcontinent. Besides witnessing tremendous religious ferment in the South and the emergence of popular devotional movements within Hinduism in the North, the period also observed new mystical and regional articulations of Islam. Also listed as Religious Studies C164.
S ASIAN 215B Readings in Indian Buddhist Texts VON ROSPATT, A	This graduate seminar focuses on reading a wide spectrum of Indian Buddhist texts in the Sanskrit (or Pali) original introducing the students to different genres, and different aspects of Indian Buddhism. The students taking the course for 2 units (rather than 4) will be expected to prepare thoroughly every week for the reading of Buddhist texts in the original. They will also be expected to read all related secondary literature that is assigned to supplement the study of the primary source material. In contrast to the students taking the course for 4 units, they will not be expected to write a term paper or to prepare special presentations for class.
SEASIAN 10B Introduction to the Civilization of Southeast Asia HADLER, J A	PEOPLES AND CULTURES OF ISLAND SOUTHEAST ASIA This course is an introduction to the cultures, histories, and literatures of Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and East Timor, nations that comprise an area known traditionally as the Malay World. Grounding ourselves in the classical kingdoms of Southeast Asia through the coming of Islam and the early modern era, we will pay particular attention to the nineteenth and twentieth centuries: the entrenchment of European and American imperialism, the rise of Southeast Asian nationalism, and developments in modern Southeast Asia up through the aftermath of the Marcos, Soeharto, and Mahathir regimes. We will analyze the role that history, and especially "classical" history, plays in modern Southeast Asia. We will discuss the role of religion, of Islam and Roman Catholicism, in private and political life, situating insular Southeast Asia both within a global and a regional Southeast Asian context. These themes will be introduced, as much as possible, through works of fiction and primary source materials in translation. The course has a research component-methods for conducting original research and use of library collections will lead to a focused research paper. Readings will include fiction by Jose Rizal, Pramoedya Ananta Toer, Jessica Hagedorn, Ibrahim Jubaira, Shirley Lim, Mangunwijaya, Muhammad Radjab, and Carlos Bulosan, and scholarly writings by Benedict Anderson, Harry Benda, Clifford Geertz and others.
SEASIAN C164 The Indonesian Connection: Dutch Literature About the Indies in English Translation DEWULF, J	In postcolonial thought on European claims to cultural supremacy, the case of the "Dutch East-Indies" (the future Indonesia) still arouses questions like: What made the Dutch colonial policy different from that of other European powers? What were the main characteristics of the "Dutch East-Indies"? How did a small country like the Netherlands manage to rule a territory that was fifty-two times its own in scale? And how can we explain that 350 years of Dutch domination left so few traces in contemporary Indonesia? Also listed as Dutch C164.
Bangla 1B Introductory Bengali PAUL, A	In Bangla 1B, students are immersed in Bangla culture from the beginning of the course. Language acquisition is achieved within the rich cultural context of Bangla literature, music, art, cuisine, public affairs and cinema. Classroom activities include, but are not limited to, writing, conversing, discussing, interviewing, recording, and interpreting voice and video texts and messages in Bangla. Grading is based on regular class attendance, participation in class activities, timely submission of homework assignments and class tests. At the end of the semester, students will learn to express themselves in Bangla with accuracy and with as much creativity as possible.
Hin-Urd 1B Section 1 & 2 Introductory Hindi HUETTEMANN, A L	Devanagari writing system. Survey of grammar. Graded exercises and readings leading to mastery of grammatical structures and essential vocabulary and achievement of basic reading and writing competence. Emphasis will be on developing communicative skills in both spoken and written language within a cultural framework.
Hin-Urd 2B Introductory Urdu AHMAD, A	This is a beginner’s level course. The aim of this course is to help students acquire knowledge of the basic grammar of Urdu and to enable the student to acquire the major language skills- listening speaking reading and writing. Standard text, web based materials, materials prepared by the instructor as well as audio materials are used, with equal emphasis on both spoken and written Urdu. Training in spoken Urdu emphasizes speaking and listening at normal speed with near native pronunciation and intonation.
Hin-Urd 100B Intermediate Hindi HUETTEMANN, A L	This course acquaints students with representative readings from Hindi texts on pivotal cultural issues from a wide variety of sources, to enable them to acquire cultural competence in the language. Systematic training in advanced grammar and syntax, reinforced by exercises in composition, both oral and written. Special attention will be given to developing communication skills in both spoken and written language.
Hin-Urd 101B Readings in Modern Hindi JAIN, U R	This course introduces students to a variety of contemporary literary styles. Weekly readings and discussions will be on short stories, poems, and dramatic sketches from representative authors. Short written assignments on themes suggested by the readings will be required. Special attention will be given to matters of style and idiom. In 101B students will also work on films based on well-known literary texts, such as those of Premchand. There will be advanced exercises in composition and students will acquire language skills sufficient to approach literary texts on their own.
Hin-Urd 103B Intermediate Urdu AHMAD, A	This course is a continuation of first year introductory Urdu. Those who have not taken the sequence of Urdu courses offered by this department may be able to join this course, if they have obtained prior knowledge of the language by some other means (see the instructor for placement). This course is designed to further develop skills in speaking and reading comprehension. Emphasis is given specially to the communicative skill development. That is the use of language in various socio-cultural contexts. Standard text, Web based materials, and materials prepared by the instructor as well as audio materials are used.
Hin-Urd 104B Advanced Urdu AHMAD, A	Advanced Urdu, a course is designed to develop students’ skills in speaking and writing Urdu as well as to provide an exposure to Urdu literature. Skill in understanding and using idiomatic expressions and proverbs in Urdu is developed using selected texts: short stories, novels, drama, movies etc. Attempts will be made to let the students acquire near native competence both in language structure and language use. Those who have not taken the sequence of Urdu courses offered by this department may be able to join this course, if they have obtained prior knowledge of the language by some other means (see the instructor for placement). Standard text materials as well as materials prepared by the instructor will be provided as supplementary reading materials.
Hin-Urd 221 Hindi Literature DALMIA, V	The course will focus on readings in modern Hindi fiction, drama and critical essays, occasionally also on the medieval devotional literature in Hindi. Topics will vary from year to year. Students will be expected to write a 20-25 page research paper. Prerequisites: Two years of Hindi or equivalent. Credit option: Course may be repeated for credit.
Khmer 1B Introductory Khmer IENG, R	Modern Khmer (Cambodian) is an important Austroasiatic language that is spoken by millions of people in Cambodia and across mainland Southeast Asia from Vietnam to India and Burma to Malaysia. A continuation of Khmer 1A focused on building foundations in spoken Cambodian, developing mastery of the Khmer writing system, and establishing competence in reading elementary texts. Includes more advanced studies of grammar and readings in short literary works. Continued study of the texts used in Khmer 1A.
Khmer 100B Intermediate Khmer IENG, R	This course will increase student fluency in reading a variety of texts and enhance the student's ability to converse in the standard dialect of the language, which is spoken by educated Cambodians. Selected readings in Khmer will advance the student's understanding of Cambodian culture, history, literature, social, and political institutions. The language of contemporary journalism will also be considered. Conversation exercises are designed to provide students with a familiarity of the vocabulary sets and usages that are appropriate for various social settings, such as interaction with Buddhist clergy and conversation between speakers of relatively higher and lower social rank. Sanskrit and Pali influences on Khmer and the orthography and vocabulary of Old Khmer are considered. Dialect variation in modern Khmer is considered and special attention is paid to the spoken and written jargons that are associated with various recent regimes and ideological contexts.
Khmer 101B Traditional Khmer Texts IENG, R	Designed as a sequel to 101 A, this course aims to provide students with advanced competency in Khmer for research purposes through a focus on culture and ethnology. Readings combine background essays and discussions of Khmer culture (in English and Khmer) with a range of Khmer language readings. Texts and themes will vary annually, but might include explorations of studies of Khmer rural and river culture based around such key themes as gender, Buddhism, forests, animism, the city, traditional healing and medicine, and fish and prohok, or rice. Students will also develop advanced proficiency in Khmer writing and interviewing skills through classroom activities and assignments.
Malay/I 1B Introductory Indonesian LUNDE, N K	Survey of grammar, graded exercises, and readings drawn from Indonesian texts, leading to a mastery of basic language patterns, essential vocabulary, and to achievement of basic reading, writing, and conversational competence. Emphasis on developing communicative skills.
Malay/I 100B Intermediate Indonesian LUNDE, N K	Readings in Indonesian texts, including newspapers, journals, and literature exploring a variety of styles. Systematic study of grammatical and lexical problems arising from these readings. Advanced exercises in composition, oral and written communicative skills, and cultural competence. Prerequisites: 1A-1B.
Malay/I 210B Malay Letters and Oral Tradition TIWON, S C	Various aspects of Malay language and literature, history and development of the language, classical literature, drama, oral literature, modern literature of Indonesia and Malaysia, and dialect studies. Applies various theoretical approaches to the study of the language and literature.
Punjabi 1B Introductory Punjabi UBHI, U K	Gurmukhi script. Survey of grammar. Graded exercises, leading to a mastery of basic language patterns, essential vocabulary, and achievement of basic reading and writing skills. Prerequisites: 1A.
Punjabi 100B Intermediate Punjabi UBHI, U K	Readings in Punjabi texts exploring a variety of issues. Emphasis on developing written communicative skills and cultural competence. Systematic study of grammatical and lexical problems arising from readings. Prerequisites: 100A.
Sanskr 100B Elementary Sanskrit GOLDMAN, S J	Elements of Sanskrit grammar and practice in reading Sanskrit texts.
Sanskr 101B Intermediate Sanskrit GOLDMAN, S J	Readings from the Sanskrit epics and puranas; introduction to the kavya style of classical Sanskrit poetry; readings in the sastras.
Sanskr 200B Sanskrit Literature GOLDMAN, R P	Advanced readings in Sanskrit literature, including Sanskrit ornate poetry, with emphasis on the canons of poetic analysis of the Indian aesthetic tradition. Course may be repeated for credit.
Sanskr 206 Middle Indic GETHIN, R	Introduction to Middle Indic. An intensive study of texts in one or more of the Prakrit dialects, Pali, or Apabhramsa.
Tagalg 1B Sections 1 & 2 Introductory Tagalog PENA, I L	Introductory Tagalog is a beginner's course in the language, with emphasis on developing (a) grammatical accuracy in writing (b) stress, intonation and vocabulary usage in speaking (c) comprehension through dialog variations (d) strategies in reading simple narrative texts (e) cultural skills in the use of Tagalog in social interactions encountered in daily life and the academic setting.
Tagalg 100B Intermediate Tagalog PENA, I L	This course is designed for intermediate-level students of Tagalog, i.e. with functional proficiency in the language. Emphasis is on further development of proficiency in speaking, writing, reading and comprehension skills, as well as cultural knowledge through carefully selected materials such as folktales, news articles, film, short essays and reflective journals.
Tamil 1B Introductory Tamil HART, K	The grammar of modern Tamil will be covered followed by readings in simple texts. Practice will also be given in spoken Tamil.
Tamil 101B Readings in Tamil HART, K	101B is devoted to viewing films based on a variety of themes (social, village, mythological, classical Tamil) and to reading scripts and oral written exercises. Students will acquire language skills sufficient to approach literary texts on their own. Prerequisites: 1-year of Tamil or consent of instructor.
Tamil 210B Seminar in Tamil Literature THE STAFF	Readings in advanced Tamil. Texts to be determined by the needs of the students. Prerequisites: 100B. Credit option: Course may be repeated for credit with consent of instructor.
Thai 1B Introduction to Thai KEPNER, S F	Five hours of lecture per week. Continuation of 1A. Students who speak Thai and have a limited reading ability may be eligible for this course with the consent of the instructor. Materials include a textbook, supplemental materials, and Thai films. Prerequisites: 1A.
Thai 100B Intermediate Thai KEPNER, S F	Five hours of lecture per week. Materials include textbook, supplemental materials, short essays, and short fiction in Thai. Prerequisites: 100A or consent of instructor for students who have not passed 100A.
Vietnms 1B Sections 1 & 2 Introductory Vietnamese TRAN, B H	Five hours of lecture and one to two hours of discussion per week. An introduction to modern spoken and written Vietnamese, including intensive drill on basic phonology and grammar. By the end of the second semester the student should be able to function successfully in ordinary Vietnamese conversation and read simple texts of moderate difficulty. Prerequisites: 1A or equivalent or consent of instructor.
Vietnms 1B Section 3 introductory Vietnamese TRAN, H	The primary goal of the course is to provide students with a firm foundation for learning Vietnamese, through intensive practicing of the four language skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing. By the end of the course, students should have mastered the basic features of the writing and sound systems of the language, in addition to conversational skills on everyday topic practiced through interactive activities.
Vietnms 100B Intermediate Vietnamese TRAN, B H	Five hours of lecture and one to two hours of discussion per week. A second-year course in Vietnamese vocabulary and syntax with intensive drills on short colloquial expressions and auditory recognition of speech patterns. First semester course stresses phraseology, sentence building, rules of composition and development of students' communicative skills. By the end of the second semester students will learn to speak and write simple compositions and will have a cursory introduction to Vietnamese literature and sample readings from contemporary Vietnamese writers. Prerequisites: 100A or consent of instructor is a prerequisite for 100B.
Vietnms 100B Section 2 Intermediate Vietnamese TRAN, H	To improve student’s reading and communicative skill by repeated drills on selective colloquial expressions, common patterns of sentence structures. By the end of the semester, students will be able to produce complex sentences, converse a popular topic with confidence and be introduced to simple contemporary writings (press articles, short story, poem).
Vietnms 101B Advanced Vietnamese NGUYEN, C N	This course is designed for students who have already achieved an intermediate degree of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing modern Vietnamese. Objective: to move students toward a greater level of fluency in each of these key areas and provide an introduction to the literature and culture of Vietnam by reading Vietnamese language texts. Readings will vary from semester to semester and will include novels, short stories, poetry, and essays from the classical, colonial, post-colonial, and contemporary periods. Topics to be addressed in class are the nature of the Sino-Vietnamese classical tradition; cultural legacies of French colonialism; the regional character of literary and cultural production; the emergence of a distinctive Vietnamese modernity, and the history of Vietnamese gender norms and relations. Regular attendance and participation in classroom activities is mandatory and no English will be spoken in class. Course may be repeated for credit with consent of instructor.