From ancient times, cultural, political and philosophical movements originating on the Indian subcontinent have had an immense influence on life in Southeast Asia. In this reading and composition course we will explore the history of Indian connections with Myanmar, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia.

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 used to make comparisons and observations with which to characterize coloniality, nationalism, and postcoloniality. This course satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement.

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 requirement.

Spring 2025: THE SOUTH INDIAN NOVEL: FORM AND CONTEXTS