Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - HIST 438W D100

Problems in the History of the British Empire (4)

India through Cinema: Bollywood and Beyond

Class Number: 3501

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Oct 6, 2023: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 11 – Dec 5, 2023: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units including 9 units of lower division history.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An investigation of advanced concepts and methodologies in the history of the British empire. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 438W may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

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This is a writing-intensive course that will study the history of postcolonial South Asia (with a focus on India, Pakistan and Bangladesh) through some of the most important regional cinema produced in the past eighty years since these countries gained independence from the British.

The South Asian subcontinent is synonymous with its rich history of cinema, which forms the most important common connection for its diverse populations, and its diaspora. The Indian Hindi-language film industry, or “Bollywood” has produced an international stereotype of “Indian culture” constructed of  extravagant song-and-dances, romantic melodrama, and lavish,  eye-catching sets. This course goes beyond the reductive clichés of “Bollywood” to mine the vast, impactful, and enthralling worlds of Bengali , Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi , Telegu and Urdu cinema and web series in order to develop a sense of the social, political and cultural history of postcolonial South Asia. A number of scholarly materials will be read in conjunction with cinema viewing. At the end of this course the student will develop a confident grasp of multiple aspects of South Asian society and its postcolonial milestones.

The main themes of the course will be :

  • The long shadow of the Partition of India and Pakistan
  • Caste , especially untouchability
  • Political corruption
  • Gender
  • Nationalism and identity politics
  • Sexuality and queerness
  • Religion and communal conflict

Grading

  • Participation 20%
  • Academic Journal 20%
  • 3 x film review essays 60%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Ramachandra Guha – India After Gandhi (any edition)

Sugata Bose and Ayesha Jalal – Modern South Asia (free e-book)


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.