Spring 2004

GOV 347K • Governments and Politics of South Asia

Course Description

This course first compares the post-independence political histories of South Asian countries, particularly India and Pakistan. It then explores selected topics across countries: social and cultural dimensions of politics; structures of power; and political behavior. The underlying theme is to explain the development and durability of the particular political regimes - democratic or authoritarian - in each country.

Grading Policy

There will be substantial reading with a great deal of choice; knowledge obtained from the reading will be tested in the: mid-term and Part One of the final exam (Part Two will be essay questions 70% of the grade). Midterm - 30% Final Exam - 70%

Texts

Craig Baxter et al., "Government and Politics in South Asia, 5th ed." Boulder: Westview Press, 2001 Stuart Corbridge and John Harriss, "Reinventing India: Liberalization, Hindu Nationalism and Popular Democracy." London: Blackwell, 2000. Course packet Readings on reserve and online

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