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. These may be recorded in the students' own voices and form a contribution to the ongoing "Punjabi Voices" project. Review of grammar provided as needed in addition to the introduction of more complex grammatical structures.

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.

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 from time to time.

This is a beginner's course for learning Bengali language. The students learn the fundamentals of the language, including the alphabet and basic grammar. They acquire familiarity with common sentence structures, the ability to read and understand simple texts, and the ability to express their feelings.

This seminar will cover the horror story and film in contemporary literature of Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia to examine the role of the genre in memory-making and resistance to mainstream narratives of power within the discursive environment shaped by indigenous oral traditions and contemporary mass media.  Readings will include Beauty is a Wound (Cantik itu Luka) by Eka Kurniawan, Calonarang,  the short stories of Abdullah Harahap and others

This course prepares graduate students to teach R&C and gateway courses, consolidating skills and developing confidence in the classroom. The course will give students practical experience in creating and adapting materials for use in the classroom, while consolidating their understanding of the basic principles of teaching university-level reading and writing. This seminar is discussion based and is centered on student participation and in-class presentations by participants.

The course will focus on Hindi literature from the pre-modern and the modern periods. Topics will vary from year to year.

Topics and readings vary.

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

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 required to do all of the readings in the original classical Tibetan.