South Asian Studies Concentration

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The South Asian Studies concentration is open to students majoring in any department or program who also wish to pursue the disciplined study of the history, politics, culture and religions of South Asia. The principal focus of most South Asian Studies concentrations will be India, but the region is understood to include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and neighboring territories.

Requirements

Six Courses, including:

HIS 171 - History of South Asia

Any five other courses, drawn from the list below or approved by the Director of the South Asian Studies concentration.

An international experience in South Asia. For most students, this will involve participation in Davidson’s Semester-in-India program. With the approval of the Director of South Asian Studies, students may substitute participation in another approved semester- or year-long or summertime academic program in the region. Alternatively, students may substitute an experience which will include an independent project supervised by a member of the South Asian Studies faculty, subject to the approval of the Director of South Asian Studies. In cases of financial or other exigency, the Director may approve some other means of satisfying the international experience requirement.

Notes

Normally, at least three of the courses must be at the 300-level or above, although the coordinator of the Concentration may approve alternatives.
No more than two courses may also be applied to a departmental major.
The six courses applied to the Concentration must come from at least three different departments or programs.
No more than three courses taken abroad, whether on Davidson’s Semester-in-India or on another program, may count towards the South Asian Studies concentration.

South Asian Studies courses offered at Davidson

South Asian Studies courses offered as part of the Davidson in India Program

SOU 310 - India: Past and Present
SOU 354 - Issues in Contemporary India
SOU 385 - Public Health in India
Other courses are offered each year on an occasional basis as part of Davidson’s study abroad program in Chennai. Typically, these course are offered at the 300-level.