Fall 2008

ANS 320 • Literature of South Asia

Course Description

This course will pursue some of the most dynamic issues addressed in world literature written in English by looking at texts with an origin in or connection to the Indian Sub-Continent (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, etc.). Aesthetically, students will discover in these texts breathtaking beauty, psychological complexity, the active transformations of the language, and the juxtaposition of rich cultural traditions and modern life. Conceptually, students will explore contemporary terms of engagement with world literature, including: history, culture, the post-colonial, diaspora and exile, hybrid cultures, and sub-alternity. We will begin with English versions of classical Indian texts and move into post-independence literature from a variety of locations and perspectives.

Grading Policy

Presentation on historical, cultural issue 10%; 3 reaction papers (2-3 pgs. each) 30%; Final paper (8-10 pgs.) 40% ; Classroom presence/performance 20%;

Texts

Narayan, R.K. The Ramayana. (A short prose version); West, Elizabeth, ed. Mirrorwork: 50 Years of Indian Writing (1947-1997); Anand, Mulk Raj. The Coolie; Roy, Arundhati. The God of Small Things; Rusdie, Salman. Midnight's Children or The Satanic Verses; Mistry, Rohinton. A Fine Balance; Desai, Anita. Feasting, Fasting; Naipaul, V.S. The Enigma of Arrival or A Bend in the River;

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