In this course, we will investigate the history,  geography,  and civilizations of South Asia (India,  Pakistan,  Bangladesh,  Sri Lanka,  Nepal,  Bhutan,  and the Maldives) by focusing on important historical debates surrounding themes such as society,  religion,  nationalism,  colonialism, and family life.

We will seek to explore these themes through primary and secondary sources. Texts will include classical and recent writings,  films, and fiction.

The course hopes to provide a good understanding of South Asian history as a basis for more advanced study and as training in historical methods. Students will consider a range of historical controversies,  demonstrating the perpetual disagreements of historians but also the need to understand historical techniques and to develop skills of historical judgments. Since this is a survey course there are no prerequisites.