ANTHROPOLOGY OF INDIA

Anthropology 3636

Summer Quarter 1999 Instructor: Sharon Kemp

TTh 1400-1540 Office: 211 Cina, Hours: 1-2 TTh

Cina 214 Ph: 6110, Email: Skemp @d.umn.ub

The course examines the peoples and cultures of India from a dual perspective: 1. A look at the Great Tradition of India including, religion, caste, and gender, within the historical context of the Indian sub-continent, and 2. A more particularistic focus on various Little Traditions as found in village life and other sub-cultures, within the context of regional difference. The relative importance of caste, kinship and religion to the unity and diversity of modern-day India are stressed, with attention to present-day challenges the country faces.

Anth 1604 (Cultural Anthropology) and 40 cr., or consent of the instructor.

To be familiar with the development of Indian culture as it provides the context for life in India today, its pre-history, the effects of subsequent invasions and colonizations, and the role of religion in the development of a uniquely Indian world view.

To understand an alternative social structure that is essentially hierarchical and group-based through the examination of selected ethnographies.

India and South Asia, James H. K. Norton

Behind Mud Walls:1930-1968, William and Charlotte Wiser (Ed. With Wadley’s chapter)

Consuming Modernity: Public Culture in a South Asian World, Carol Breckenridge, Ed.

Selected class handouts.

India Abroad is a weekly newspaper published in North America. It covers news from India, as well as news about the Indian community in Canada and the United States. The copies are in my office and available for your use.

The final grade is based on the following:

MIDTERM 25% 75 pts. A = 276 - 300 pts.

IN-CLASS BOOK REVIEW 25% 75 pts. B = 249 - 275

PAPER/PRESENTATION 25% 75 pts. C = 213 - 248

FINAL EXAM 25% 75 pts. D = 186 - 212

100% 300 pts. F = -185

SPECIAL FACILITIES AND/OR ARRANGEMENTS

Individuals who have any disability, either permanent or temporary, which might affect their ability to perform in this class are encouraged to inform the instructor at the start of the quarter. Adaptations of methods, materials or testing may be made as required.

COURSE OUTLINE AND READING SCHEDULE

(This schedule may be revised based on the length of time required to cover the topics.)

I 9/8-10 Introduction to India ISA pp. 3-51 Its Land and People ISA 1,2,11,22,23

II 9/15-17 History, Political and ISA 3,4,5,6,16,17

Economic Background

III 9/22-24 Religion, Caste and ISA 7,21; Eck; Rohinton

Gender ISA 8,9,10,13,14,15

Mitter

IV 9/29 Indian Dinner at Kemp’s Dandekar