MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY HISTORY OF SOUTH ASIA

Introduction to advanced notions of the contemporary history of the Indian subcontinent and of the main historical and political events of South Asia.

The course is designed to provide students with the necessary tools to do scientific research in the field of history of South Asia. Therefore the students completing the semester are expected to possess the knowledge of the state of the art of this subject, particularly in the perspective of contemporary history, social and anthropological studies . It is also considered necessary that they achieve mastery on methodological and critical tools to develop their own personal view on the topic and to possibly plan further research projects.

None. However, a general knowledge of South Asia's society and culture is desirable.
Furthermore, students are expected to have a good working knowledge of English language (and possibly some basic notions of Hindi) in order to independently access texts and sources related to the subject.

The course aims to provide students with an overview of the history of contemporary India through a series of lessons focusing on key moments and periods of these last decades. An attempt will be made of singling out and analyzing the determining factors and peculiar characteristic of each chosen topic and/or historical period.
Main topics: Colonialism and Indian nationalist movements; Gandhi, Tagore, Bose, Savarkar and other political leaders and 'freedom fighters'; India after Independence, the period from Nehru to Indira; Crisis of the years 90-91 and opening of the markets: The Indian economic boom; Diaspora and gender studies in South Asia; the Environmental Issue: resources, sustainability and Forest Policy; Adivasi Studies: indigeneity and the tribal issue; the rise of Modi and crucial moments in BJP politics; geopolitical elements for South Asia: the strategic role of India in the South Asian quadrant

Articles and selections from books will be provided by the teacher during the course or in any case the materials of the course will be uploaded on the related Moodle Digital Learning Platform

written and oral.
The exam will consist of an oral discussion of ca. 30 minutes, during which the student is expected to show his ability in exposing and critically debating the topics treated during classes; hence, utmost importance will be given to the notes taken during classes, which will significantly complement the texts listed in the selected bibliography.
Alternatively, it will be possible to prepare a written essay (possibly preparatory to the final MA thesis) on a subject relevant to the course chosen in agreement with the teacher. The exam grade is measured in thirtieths (scale 0-30), the minimum grade is 18/30 and the maximum grade is 30/30. The maximum mark can be enriched with "cum laude" (30 with honors). The score is awarded on the basis of the candidate's overall preparation, on his/her ability and clarity of expression, on the awareness of the state of the art, on the ability to propose an investigation methodology, and on the coherence of the chosen topic with the general topic of the course. Regarding the grading scale (method through which grades will be assigned):

A. Scores in the range of 18-21 will be attributed in the presence of:
Sufficient knowledge and ability to understand applied in reference to the program;
Limited ability to gather and/or interpret information, formulating independent judgments;
Adequate communicative skills, especially concerning the use of specific language related to the description of textual and historical-literary phenomena;
B. Scores in the range of 22-25 will be attributed in the presence of:
Decent knowledge and ability to understand applied in reference to the program;
Decent ability to gather and/or interpret information, formulating independent judgments;
Decent communicative skills, especially concerning the use of specific language related to the description of textual and historical-literary phenomena;
C. Scores in the range of 26-30 will be attributed in the presence of:
Good or excellent knowledge and ability to understand applied in reference to the program;
Good or excellent ability to gather and/or interpret information, formulating independent judgments;
Fully appropriate communicative skills, especially concerning the use of specific language related to the description of textual and historical-literary phenomena;
D. Honors will be awarded in the presence of excellent knowledge and ability to understand applied in reference to the program, judgment skills, and excellent communicative abilities.

In the final slot of the moodle relating to the course, all the detailed instructions regarding the exam are available

written and oral

Conventional class; seminars; workshops; participation of guests scholars from foreign universities; screening of audio-video material.

Italian

Teaching Language: Italian.
Students are advised to attend classes regularly.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development