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2 Topics in Asia and Far East: Colonialism and Nationalism in South Asia 1 of 10 Rutgers University History 21: 510: 449: 62 Colonialism and Nationalism in South Asia Spring 2013 Professor: Dr. Amita Satyal Office Hours: Wed, 3:50-4:50 PM, and by appointment amsatyal@andromeda.rutgers.edu Class Times: W, 6:00-9:00 pm Classroom: 447 Conklin Office: 317 Conklin A WARM WELCOME TO ALL STUDENTS! COURSE DESCRIPTION This course examines key themes, concepts, and questions addressing the emergence of colonialism and nationalism in South Asia, or the Indian subcontinent, focussing on colonial and postcolonial India. The time period covered is from the 17 th century to the present. This is because the English East India Company first gained a footing in Mughal India about the 17 th century. It was over the 18 th, 19 th, and the 20 th centuries, however, that the colonial, imperial, and the national began to intersect at multiple levels culminating in the Indian subcontinent s transition to independence accompanied with two major partitions that were more than territorial realignments. Taken together, these historical developments, spanning three centuries, produced enduring legacies that fundamentally reordered society and politics in the subcontinent, and continue to do so at present. Even so, contemporary polities and people in the region engage with a shared past in strikingly different ways through distinctive cultural and political strategies as well as innovations that become particularly poignant in the paradoxical, globalizing world

3 Topics in Asia and Far East: Colonialism and Nationalism in South Asia 2 of 10 context. Thematically, the course pays special attention to power and agency in order to highlight the two categories as historically constructed and articulated. In addition, the course examines vital themes of religion, environment, caste, gender, freedom, and violence in the Indian subcontinent. In this course, students will learn to creatively and critically reflect upon historical materials as well as explore directions for research in South Asian/Indian history. In addition, students will be able to consistently practice their reading, analytical and writing skills in short assignments, weekly responses to readings, and on papers. At the same time, students would be able to bring their observations and ideas to class throughout the semester. Prior knowledge of South Asian/Indian history will be an asset, but is neither required nor assumed for the course. COURSE READINGS All readings in the course are available online at course website on and are meant for the sole use of students registered in this class for class-related purposes. Course materials are proprietary and copyrighted; in accessing and downloading these materials, students will automatically undertake to use course materials for authorized class-related purposes alone. Students are required to consult weekly assigned readings in full before they come to class, and bring all relevant course materials with them to class. Students accessing readings directly from computers (or any such devices) in class must ensure that they use such devices for class-related purposes alone, failing which they will be asked to put away their computers for the rest of the semester in this course. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES* *Some requirements vary for undergraduate and graduate students - see pages 2-8 for more details. Attendance; Class Preparedness & Participation [ Participation in Class Discussion -- in the case of graduate students]; Short Assignments; Papers; Weekly Responses to Assigned Readings -- graduate students only. (I) Attendance Attendance is required. Attendance means being present both physically and mentally during class session. Any student who misses four or more sessions through any combination of excused and unexcused absences may not earn credit in this class. Such students should withdraw to avoid getting an F. If a student misses more than one class before and after the drop date, their final grade is lowered by a third of a grade (e.g., from B+ to B). If a student misses more than two classes, their final grade is lowered by one full grade. If a student misses more than three classes, their final grade is lowered by two full grades.

4 Topics in Asia and Far East: Colonialism and Nationalism in South Asia 3 of 10 Make-ups for missed classes are not allowed. Sign-in attendance sheet will be available for the first five minutes of each class. Students are responsible for signing the sheet during that time. No attendance will be given thereafter. Absences due to documented illness, injury, or family emergency may be excused if reported on at the earliest along with a mandatory signed note from your doctor or your dean of college. Planned absences such as absences from religious observance and participation in athletic meetings must be reported on at least one week in advance. Such requests will be reviewed as per university policy. (II-A) Class Preparedness and Participation -- Undergraduate Students Preparation for class and participation in class discussion are not optional. Be prepared for unannounced tests of class preparedness. Overall, class grade is a test of: Quality of preparedness for class; Quality of participation in class discussion as well as sincere efforts to participate in class discussion & attempt questions asked of the class; Initiative in bringing observations, questions from course materials to class and/or office hours; Quality of class presentations and participation in group discussions. More details will be given in class. (II-B) Participation in Class Discussion -- Graduate Students Participation in class discussion is not optional. Overall, class grade (in the case of graduate students) is a test of: Quality of participation in class discussion as well as sincere efforts to participate in class discussion & attempt questions asked of the class; Initiative in bringing observations, questions from course materials to class and/or office hours; Quality of class presentations and participation in group discussions. More details will be given in class. All students, please note: Given the significance of participation in class discussion to the overall grade and learning in this course, students must bring any special circumstances affecting their participation in discussions to the Professor s attention immediately. This would help the Professor make the classroom as inclusive as is possible. (III) Short Assignments Short assignments will be a combination of in-class assignments and take-home essays, all ten points each. Syllabus covered on each in-class assignment is the current week s reading, and format will vary between short answers and longer essays; may include maps; some inclass assignments may be pre-assigned. Take-home essays will be graded as essays (see Grading Policy under Course Documents on blackboard for details), and will be submitted via Assignments on blackboard; Formatting as

5 Topics in Asia and Far East: Colonialism and Nationalism in South Asia 4 of 10 follows: must be 2 pages long, typed, double space, 12 point Times New Roman font, 1 inch margins all sides, student name in the header, text aligned to the left (do not justify margins); Academic Integrity Honor Pledge duly filled out must appear at the end on a separate page (pledge given right below). Other details to be given in class. Makeups are not permitted on short assignments missed. Short assignments submitted late are not accepted. All assignments are required to have Academic Integrity Honor Pledge, duly filled out. In-class assignments being handwritten, must be easily legible to the Professor in order to be read and graded *Academic Integrity Honor Pledge* *On my honor, I have neither received nor given any unauthorized assistance on this examination (assignment).* Print Name: Signature: Date: (IV) Papers Undergraduate Students: Two papers 6-8 pages each [i.e., at least 6 pages, at most 8 pages each] with bibliography at the end; paper topics to be posted on blackboard in advance; Do not use non-course materials on papers. Papers using unauthorized materials or not conforming to paper guidelines will have their grade lowered. Graduate Students, First Paper: 8 pages long; a page-long abstract to be submitted at least one week prior to the submission deadline. Abstract must include: paper topic and title, chief problem being addressed, main argument, conclusion, and bibliography of sources. Each of these will be refined as you make progress in writing the paper. Formatting as on take-home essay. Non-course source materials are allowed; sources and paper topic must be discussed in a meeting with the Professor sufficiently in advance of abstract submission. Graduate Students, Second Paper: pages long [i.e., at least 13 pages, at most 15 pages]. Students may be asked to draw upon their research using primary sources. Discussion with the Professor and abstract submission required as on the first paper. Other details will be given closer to the time. All students, please note: Carefully read paper format and other guidelines that will be posted to blackboard in advance; Papers must be submitted via Assignments at course website on blackboard. Further, in order to be graded, the university requires all assignments/exams to carry *Academic Integrity Honor Pledge* duly filled out at the end, on a separate page, if needed:

6 Topics in Asia and Far East: Colonialism and Nationalism in South Asia 5 of 10 Plagiarism, cheating will get an F on paper/course & other penalties (see page 6). Papers missing honor pledge or pledge partially filled out will not be graded. Papers (and any written assignments) submitted on will not be graded. Late papers will have their grades lowered unless discussed with the Professor in advance. No paper submissions are accepted more than 48 hours after the deadline without prior permission. Penalties -- in this category, and in the course, may vary from case to case -- are at the Professor s discretion. No late submissions will be accepted on the final. (V) Weekly Responses to Readings -- Graduate Students Only Weekly responses to readings are required of graduate students. Due every week no later than 11:00 AM on the day of class via ; Based upon assigned reading for the week; 1.5 space, one page long, 12 point Times New Roman font, 1 inch margins all sides, align text to left (do not justify margins), student name in the header; *Academic Integrity Honor Pledge* duly filled out on the second page; Structure: Each weekly response will contain two paragraphs organized as follows: (a) Para 1: Central argument that contains (a) identify the larger historical problem being addressed; if this is a collection of articles/monographs, you will briefly elaborate themes and problems that bind the selection (b) short summary of the main argument. (b) Para 2: 4-5 questions for discussion pertaining to the most significant elements of the reading, e.g., given the larger historical problem being addressed, what are the most distinctive or problematic elements of the thesis? How does the reading add to our understanding of the contexts and complexities of the chief historical issues/processes/themes being addressed? How does the reading relate to the other materials that you have read so far in the course? What about the methodology, especially use of sources? In order to do this exercise well, you are strongly advised to take down notes while reading, including the relevant details and page numbers. Do not, however, get bogged down in details. If there are factual questions that remain unanswered at the end of the reading or terms that remain ambiguous, try doing an online search, or include those in the concluding part of your weekly responses for clarification in class; It is important to step back from the reading and reflect upon the larger picture before framing your questions and comments. Write down all other observations and bring to class discussion. Makeups are not permitted on missed weekly responses. Late weekly responses are not accepted, barring true, documented emergencies.

7 Topics in Asia and Far East: Colonialism and Nationalism in South Asia 6 of 10 OTHER COURSE POLICIES Cheating and Plagiarism Students are required to electronically sign and submit the *Plagiarism Agreement* under Academic Integrity on blackboard by Monday, January 28, Note: *Plagiarism Agreement* that students electronically sign via blackboard is IN ADDITION TO *Academic Integrity Honor Pledge* that students will sign on all assignments/exams;* Registration for this course assumes the student s agreement to sign this agreement and to abide by the university policy on academic integrity and code of student conduct. The university states that students are responsible for understanding the principles of academic integrity and abiding by them in all aspects of their work at the University; For details on the university policy on academic integrity and code of student conduct, please visit the following websites: and Some ways in which academic integrity could be violated: cheating, fabrication and plagiarism in academic work; copying on quizzes and exams; denying others access to information or material that also includes giving other students false or misleading information and altering someone else s computer files; and, knowingly or negligently facilitating violations of academic integrity even if the facilitating student does not benefit from the violation. Signing and submitting the Academic Integrity Agreement by Monday, January 28, 2013 is required to continue registration in this class. Plagiarism and cheating will get an F on the paper/course, besides other penalties that may apply as per university policy -- no exceptions. Classroom Rules When class is in session, please follow these: No private conversations; No cell phones, messaging equipment, pagers, and cameras; No going in and out of the classroom during class session. Students must also have the Professor s prior permission on to arrive late or to leave early. the Professor at least 5-6 hours before class stating clearly why you expect to be late or may need to leave class early. Be advised that not all grounds are valid; not all requests will, thus, be accepted. No conduct that is discriminatory in any form. Any non-compliance with classroom rules will count as unexcused absence for the day, besides adversely affecting the student s class grade. Students who engage in disruptive behavior may be asked to leave for the remainder of the class period, thereby, losing the day s attendance and earning significant cut(s) on class grade. Early exits and late arrivals -- unless permitted by the Professor beforehand via -- will cause loss of attendance and class grade.

8 Topics in Asia and Far East: Colonialism and Nationalism in South Asia 7 of 10 Students With Special Needs and Disability Students with disability please contact the Paul Robeson Campus Center Office of Student Life and Leadership, Services for Students with Disabilities to request academic accommodations, approvals and all related documentation. For further information see If Letter of Accommodation is granted, the student must provide the Professor with a copy of this letter and discuss implementing the listed accommodation(s). The Professor will make every effort to implement such accommodation(s) to the extent permitted by the university. Recording Lectures For students with special needs and disability, recording of lectures and capturing slide images will be allowed with the Professor s permission. Communication Students are responsible for staying informed of all the instructions, announcements, and unscheduled changes that will be sent out on . Students must, therefore, access every day -- keep an active address on file with sufficient inbox space free at all times; Sign s & provide subject keyword(s); Please follow basic etiquette on all course s. Bring all questions concerning grades, assignments, and papers in person during office hours. At any point in the semester, students may meet with the Professor either during office hour or by appointment either on Mondays, 2:00-2:30 pm or Wednesdays, 2:50-3:50 pm, whenever possible. for appointments well in time for the Professor to confirm meeting date/ time. Bounced, forgotten or missed s will not be accepted as valid excuses for any purpose. No voic messages, please. GRADING A student s final grade is based on their individual performance and fulfillment of all course requirements as specified on course syllabus. Grades are non-negotiable. SCORING RUBRIC - UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS* CATEGORY WEIGHT Attendance 5% Class Preparedness and Participation 15% Short Assignments 40% Papers 40% * See Grading Policy under Course Documents on blackboard for detailed essay grading guidelines.

9 Topics in Asia and Far East: Colonialism and Nationalism in South Asia 8 of 10 SCORING RUBRIC - GRADUATE STUDENTS* CATEGORY WEIGHT Participation in Class Discussion 15% Weekly Responses 25% Short Assignments 20% Papers 40% GRADING RUBRIC Letter Grade Percentage CGPA Value A B PLUS B C PLUS C D F Below 60 0 IMPORTANT SCHEDULES AND DEADLINES Papers: Paper 1: Wednesday, March 13, 9:30 PM. Paper 2: Wednesday, May 15, 9:30 PM (tentative). Short Assignments: Variable -- details in class. Weekly Responses (graduate students only): By 11:00 am on all Wednesdays via except March 13, which weekly response will be rescheduled. Details to be confirmed in class closer to the time.

10 Topics in Asia and Far East: Colonialism and Nationalism in South Asia 9 of 10 WEEKLY TOPIC SCHEDULE: OUTLINE This syllabus may be subject to unscheduled changes and revisions. Students will be informed via e- mail of any change as it occurs. Assigned readings for each week can be accessed on blackboard. January 23 January 30 February 6 February 13 February 20 February 27 March 6 Introduction: Why study South Asia? Historical Background and Overview Historiography: Colonial/postcolonial, Nationalism, Subalterns Historiography: Economy, Gender, Environment, Culture Colonialism: Ideological Formations and Shifts Colonial State: Power and Governance Science, Technology, and Medicine in Colonial India March 13 Kim s World ***NO CLASS MEETING*** Wed, March 13 March March 27 April 3 April 10 April 17 April 24 May 1 Wed, May 15 FIRST PAPER DUE via Assignments on blackboard, 9:30 pm. ***SPRING HOLIDAYS*** Colonial Political and Economic Structures Politics of Identity: Race, Caste, and Religion Gandhi and Mass Nationalism Into the 1940s: Partition, Displacement, and Violence Legacies of Colonialism and Nation Revisited Postcolonial South Asia: Dilemmas and Directions FINAL PAPER DUE via Assignments on blackboard by 9:30 P.M. The course ends! A final note: If you reached this far, please me to say that you read the syllabus!!

11 Topics in Asia and Far East: Colonialism and Nationalism in South Asia 10 of 10 Map of Indian subcontinent: India and its administrative divisions; countries constituting present-day South Asia. All course materials are meant for use by registered students for class-related purposes only.

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