HIST 139 - Introduction to Indian Civilization

Credit(s): 3

INTRO TO INDIAN CIV
Introduce students to prominent themes that have shaped the rise of civilization in the Indian subcontinent, from c. 2500 B.C.E. to 1700 C.E. Focus on practices and institutions that have come to historically define Indian civilization and continue to be relevant in contemporary debates in India. Topics include: the Indus valley civilization, the Aryan (Vedic) society, the development of an agrarian economy, urbanization, and social stratification, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Indo-Islam, the Classical age, the state formation, the Indo-Islamic world, and the Mughal Empire. In addition to assigned secondary sources, several important primary sources pertaining to ancient India, and Valmiki’s Ramayana will play an important role in understanding the cultural and social dynamics. A related objective will be to draw attention to competing interpretations of India’s ancient past and the role of contemporary concerns in influencing our understanding and representation of the past.
Repeatable for Credit: N Allowed Units: 3 Multiple Term Enrollment: N Grading Basis: Student Option
University Breadth: History and Cultural Change (HIST & CLT) College of Arts and Sciences Breadth: A&S GROUP B: History and Cultural Change Requirement Designations: Multicultural Course Typically Offered: Spring

General Education Objectives: