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 a survey of South Asia from the 10th century to the present. Close attention will be paid to the geography and ethnography of the region, its political and economic history, the religious, philosophical, literary, and artistic movements that have shaped it and contributed to its development as a unique, diverse, and fascinating civilization.

Readings and lectures focus on Thailand, Vietnam and Burma; Cambodian and Laotian materials as available. After brief attention to the influence of oral tradition, classical poetry, and dance drama, emphasis will be on modern novels, short stories, film, and television in their cultural/historical context.

Second semester Vietnamese for beginners. A continued introduction to modern spoken and written Vietnamese, based on intensive drill of phonology and grammar structures for everyday topics. By the end of the second semester, students should be able to function successfully in ordinary Vietnamese conversation and read simple texts of moderate difficulty.

Fourth semester Intermediate Vietnamese with emphasis on Reading and Writing. A second-year course in Vietnamese vocabulary and syntax with intensive drills on short colloquial expressions and auditory recognition of speech patterns. Students will research authentic text in academic and cultural topics. By the end of the course 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.

This course provides an introduction to the literature and culture of Vietnam through a close reading of Vietnamese language texts. Readings will vary from semester to semester and will include novels, short stories, poetry, and essays from the classical, colonial, and contemporary periods. Regular attendance and participation in classroom activities is mandatory and no English will be spoken in class.

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.

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.