Fall 2023

Bengali 101A: Intermediate Bengali

Students are expected to be able to read, with the aid of a dictionary, modern Bengali literature, and speak at a “high-intermediate” level by the end of the year. There will be viewing of Bengali videos at a mutually agreed upon time and in class…

Burmese 1A: Introductory Burmese

The first semester (1A) focuses primarily on Colloquial (or Spoken) Burmese, with some excursions into the Literary Style, usually reserved for written communication. Students learn to speak in simulated conversations: as a shopkeeper in Bogyoke Market, a pilgrim on the way to Shwe Dagon, or…

Filipino 1A Section 1: Introductory Filipino

Filipino 1A is the first semester in the Introductory Filipino two-semester series (Filipino 1A and 1B). This is a beginners’ class with emphasis on the four basic skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course uses the functional approach in learning a language. At the…

Filipino 1A Section 2: Introductory Filipino

A systematic introduction to the grammar, sentence patterns, and essential vocabulary of modern standard Filipino. Emphasis is placed on extensive practice in idiomatic Filipino conversation, with additional practice in reading and writing Filipino.

Filipino 1A Section 3: Introductory Filipino

Filipino 1A. Introductory Filipino. Five hours a Week. Prerequisites – none. Do you know the words nanay (mother), tatay (father), sinigang (sour soup), and kawawa (poor you)? Would you like to better communicate with your grandparents who speak Filipino? You may be a heritage learner,…

Filipino 1A, Section 4: Introductory Filipino

Filipino 1A. Introductory Filipino. Five hours a Week. Prerequisites – none. Do you know the words nanay (mother), tatay (father), sinigang (sour soup), and kawawa (poor you)? Would you like to better communicate with your grandparents who speak Filipino? You may be a heritage learner,…

Filipino 1B Section 1: Introductory Filipino

This is the continuation of the beginners’ class with emphasis on the four basic skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course uses the functional approach in learning a language. The students focus on basic conversational skills in Filipino. A review of basic grammar rules…

Filipino 1B Section 1: Introductory Filipino

This is the continuation of the beginners’ class with emphasis on the four basic skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course uses the functional approach in learning a language. The students focus on basic conversational skills in Filipino. A review of basic grammar rules…

Filipino 100A Section 1: Intermediate Filipino

This is an intermediate class with emphasis on the four basic skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course uses the functional-situational approach in learning a language.The students will learn four necessary skills in the effective use of Filipino: paglalahad (defining and explaining); paglalarawan (describing…

Filipino 100A Section 2: Intermediate Filipino

The goal of this course is to enable students to increase their proficiency in Filipino to at least the intermediate-high level of the national ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. While speaking and listening comprehension will be stressed, training in reading and writing Filipino will be an integral…

Filipino 101A: Advanced Filipino

Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites. Two years of Filipino/Tagalog or consent of instructor. The class focuses on developing the following: reading skills for texts containing abstract vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and complex sentences; listening skills for authentic texts; and writing skills in exposition and…

Hindi 1A: Introductory Hindi

In Introductory Hindi, you will learn to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). You will learn to communicate simply and discuss routine tasks requiring  simple and direct…

Hindi 100A: Intermediate Hindi

In Hindi 100A, you will learn to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. You will learn to deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where Hindi is spoken….

Hindi 101A: Readings in Modern Hindi

This course is designed for students who have already acquired upper-intermediate or higher level of Hindi. Its objective is to move students toward a greater level of proficiency in all language skills and introduce them to a variety of contemporary literary genres. Weekly readings, class…

Indonesian 1A: Introductory Indonesian

Indonesian 1A introduces students to elementary Indonesian conversation and develops reading and writing commensurate with the students’ abilities. This class provides  students with the skills to express words and phrases such as greeting people, leave taking, talking about oneself or family, indicating time, asking and…

Indonesian 100A Section 1: Intermediate Indonesian

This course provides readings in Indonesian textbooks, newspapers, journals, and literature. This class provides students with the skills needed to use Indonesian adequately in familiar situations and to communicate general messages. Students will be expected to be more skilled to speak Indonesian with sufficient structural…

Indonesian 100A Section 2: Intermediate Indonesian

This course provides readings in Indonesian textbooks, newspapers, journals, and literature. This class provides students with the skills needed to use Indonesian adequately in familiar situations and to communicate general messages. Students will be expected to be more skilled to speak Indonesian with sufficient structural…

Khmer 100A: Intermediate Khmer

This class is for students who can already speak and understand “survival” or “home Khmer.” No previous knowledge of written Khmer is required for the course. Students will learn the basics of reading and writing as well as formal speaking. Topics covered include folk tales,…

Khmer 1A: Introductory Khmer

This class is for students with no previous speaking ability in Khmer, and is the first part of a two-semester sequence, along with Khmer 1B. Students will learn “survival” speaking, reading, and writing skills in Khmer, and also become familiar with and learn how to…

Khmer 101A: Advanced Khmer

This class is for students who are already familiar with the basics of written Khmer, and can express themselves in informal and some formal spoken Khmer. Students should be able to write basic narratives about their lives and describe various aspects of Khmer culture, and…

Punjabi 1A: Introductory Punjabi

In this introductory year, students will be introduced to Gurmukhi script, and a survey of Punjabi grammar. Graded exercises are designed to lead to a mastery of basic language patterns, essential vocabulary, and the achievement of basic reading and writing skills.

Punjabi 100A: Intermediate Punjabi

These two semesters focus on reading, writing and speaking Punjabi more fluently in formal and informal contexts. Selected readings vary every semester. These form the starting point to stimulate students’ own writings which include a long interview with a Punjabi elder from the wider community….

Sanskrit 100A: Elementary Sanskrit

Sanskrit 100A, followed by 100B, introduces students to Sanskrit grammar, with the goal of developing the skills necessary to speak and read basic, simple Sanskrit texts. Sanskrit 100A covers lessons 1–12 of the Devavāṇīpraveśikā [Robert P. Goldman and Sally J. Sutherland Goldman, 2019], including, the…

Sanskrit 101A: Intermediate Sanskrit: Epic and Puranic Sanskrit

Introduces students to the itihasa/puranic traditions and related commentarial style of Sanskrit. An extended passage from Valmiki’s Ramayana, Vyasa’s Mahabharata, or one of the Mahapuranas is normally read with commentary, if available. The development of strong reading skills is the focus of the class. Additionally,…

South Asian 1A: Introduction to the Civilization of Early India

This course offers a broad historical, political, ethnographical and and cultural survey of the civilizations of the Indian subcontinent from the earliest period known to archaeology to the advent of Islam as a major cultural and political force around the 13th century CE. Lectures, readings,…

Sanskrit 200A: Sanskrit Literature

Advanced readings in Sanskrit literature, including Sanskrit ornate poetry with emphasis on the canons of poetic analysis of the Indian aesthetic tradition.

South Asian R5A Section 1: Great Books of India

Reading and composition based on 10 classic works of Indian literature ranging from the ancient Sanskrit epics to modern novels by Indian and western authors. Weekly composition on texts and topics read and discussed in class. Satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition…

South Asian R5A Section 2: Great Books of India

Reading and composition based on 10 classic works of Indian literature ranging from the ancient Sanskrit epics to modern novels by Indian and western authors. Weekly composition on texts and topics read and discussed in class. Satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition…

South Asian R5A Section 4: Great Books of India

Reading and composition based on 10 classic works of Indian literature ranging from the ancient Sanskrit epics to modern novels by Indian and western authors. Weekly composition on texts and topics read and discussed in class. Satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition…

South Asian R5A Section 3: Great Books of India

Reading and composition based on 10 classic works of Indian literature ranging from the ancient Sanskrit epics to modern novels by Indian and western authors. Weekly composition on texts and topics read and discussed in class. Satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition…

South Asian R5A Section 5

South Asian R5A Section 6

South Asian C154: Death, Dreams, and Visions in Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhists view the moment of death as a rare opportunity for transformation. This course examines how Tibetans have used death and dying in the path to enlightenment. Readings will address how Tibetan funerary rituals work to assist the dying toward this end, and how…

South Asian C224: Readings in Tibetan Buddhist Texts

This seminar provides an introduction to a broad range of Tibetan Buddhist texts, including chronicles and histories, biographical literature, doctrinal treatises, canonical texts, ritual manuals, pilgrimage guides, and liturgical texts. It is intended for graduate students interested in premodern Tibet from any perspective. Students are…

Southeast Asian R5A Section 1: Self, Representation, and Nation

This course is devoted to a study of selected literary texts set in various regions of Southeast Asia. The readings will include works by foreign authors who lived and traveled in Southeast Asia and translations of works by Southeast Asian writers. These texts will be…

Southeast Asian R5A Section 2: Self, Representation, and Nation

This course is devoted to a study of selected literary texts set in various regions of Southeast Asia. The readings will include works by foreign authors who lived and traveled in Southeast Asia and translations of works by Southeast Asian writers. These texts will be…

Southeast Asian R5A Section 3: Self, Representation, and Nation

Southeast Asian R5A Section 4: Self, Representation, and Nation

Southeast Asian R5A Section 5: Self, Representation, and Nation

Southeast Asian R5A Section 6: Self, Representation, and Nation

Southeast Asian 10A: Power, Performance and Identity in Mainland Southeast Asia

This Gateway Course to the Major in Southeast Asian Studies introduces the culture and history of Cambodia, Laos, Burma/Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam with an emphasis on Southeast Asian voices. Our themes for 2020 are identity, power, and performance. From royal courts and temples to modern…

Southeast Asian 167: Contemporary Popular Cultures of the Philippines

This course is an overview of Philippine culture from the mid-twentieth century until present, with an emphasis on film, pop music, television, popular journalism, and food cultures. It examines the evolution of Philippine culture in light of broadcast and digital media.

South and Southeast Asian 24: Freshman Seminar: Readings in Indian Philosophical Thought

The Freshman Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small seminar setting. Freshman seminars are offered in all campus departments and topics vary from department to department and semester…

South and Southeast Asian 39 Section 1: Filipino Spirituality: Influences of Catholicism, Islam, and Indigenous Beliefs in Philippine Art and Literature

Have you ever wondered why the homes of Filipino families in the United States display religious statues or celebrate Christmas and Lent in a different way from other Christians? Have you read Filipino poems, stories, songs, and festivals that focus on or mention Babaylan spritual…

South and Southeast Asian 39 Sec 2: Philippine Film

Have you ever watched a foreign language film? This seminar course focuses on Philippine films, most of which are in the Filipino languagewith English subtitles. The course is divided into three main topics: 1) popular culture, film genres and formulas; 2) history, class dynamics, race,…

South and Southeast Asian C52: Introduction to the Study of Buddhism

This introduction to the study of Buddhism will consider materials drawn from various Buddhist traditions of Asia, from ancient times down to the present day. However, the course is not intended to be a comprehensive or systematic survey; rather than aiming at breadth, the course…

South and Southeast Asian Studies C220: Seminar in Buddhism and Buddhist Texts

Content varies with student interests. The course will normally focus on classical Buddhist texts that exist in multiple recensions and languages, including Chinese, Sanskrit, and Tibetan.

South and Southeast Asian 250 Sec 1: Islam in South Asia, 700-1750

“Drawing on a broad cross-section of theoretical and methodological perspectives this graduate seminar will interrogate key historiographical debates that have shaped our understanding of the Muslim experience in S. Asia between 700 and 1750 AD. We will begin by engaging Shahab Ahmed’s “What is Islam?”…

South and Southeast Asian 250 Sec 3: Nationalism in Southeast Asia

This graduate seminar examines the emergence and rearticulations of nationalisms in Southeast Asia. It begins with the anti-colonial nationalisms of the late nineteenth/early twentieth century and ends with the various contested nationalisms of the present. We will cover a mix of canonical and new books…

Tamil 1A: Introductory Tamil

This course focuses on progressive acquisition of language skills to communicate effectively in  Tamil. It facilitates development of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing competence along  with basic grammar. By the end of the course, students will be able to Communicate at a basic level of…

Tamil 101A: Readings in Tamil

This course introduces students to a variety of literary styles. 101 A will consist of weekly readings and discussions of short stories, poems and dramatic sketches from representative authors. Short written assignments on themes suggested by the readings are required. Special attention is paid to…

Thai 1A: Introductory Thai

This course is designed for students who have little or no knowledge of the Thai language. The focus of Thai 1A is to build vocabulary and develop the ability to speak with correct pronunciation through basic conversation in day-to-day settings. Students will be introduced to…

Telugu 1A: Elementary Telugu

Vietnamese 1A Section 1: Introductory Vietnamese

An introduction to modern spoken and written Vietnamese, designed for novice learner without any experience with the language. The first semester emphasizes phonetic concepts, syllable formations and tonal distinctions along with simple sentence structures in everyday topics. Class activities focus on reading and writing skills,…

Urdu 1A: Introductory Urdu

The course concentrates on developing skills in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension. Evaluation is based on attendance, written homework assignments, quizzes, dictations, and examinations. Conventional teaching materials may be supplemented by popular songs and clips from contemporary Indian cinema.

Urdu 100A: Intermediate Urdu

Introduces various types of written and spoken Urdu; vocabulary building, idioms, and problems of syntax; and conversation. Reading of selected fiction and nonfiction in modern Urdu, including fables, short stories, and poetry. Exercises in grammar, conversation, and composition.

Urdu 101A: Advanced Urdu

Reading of Urdu prose and poetry in a variety of literary and scholarly styles; composition. Topics in advanced grammar; designed to improve proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students will be expected to converse in a clearly participatory fashion, initiate, sustain, and bring to…

Vietnamese 1A Section 2: Introductory Vietnamese

An introduction to modern spoken and written Vietnamese, designed for novice learner without any experience with the language. The first semester emphasizes phonetic concepts, syllable formations and tonal distinctions along with simple sentence structures in everyday topics. Class activities focus on reading and writing skills,…

Vietnamese 100A: Intermediate Vietnamese

An introduction to modern spoken and written Vietnamese, designed for novice learner without any experience with the language. The first semester emphasizes phonetic concepts, syllable formations and tonal distinctions along with simple sentence structures in everyday topics. Class activities focus on reading and writing skills,…

Vietnamese 101A: Advanced Vietnamese: Vietnamese Literature

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…