Director: Assistant Professor Meera Sehgal
South Asian Studies Concentration (SAST)
South Asia, which contains nearly a quarter of the
world's people, refers to the countries comprising the South Asian
subcontinent: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka,
Maldives, and sometimes Afghanistan and Tibet. The concentration
consists of a program of study combining language training, off-campus
study, required core courses in various disciplines, and supporting
courses, including a designated capstone course. The purpose of the
concentration is to provide cross-cultural interdisciplinary
understanding of a complex civilization that is both ancient and
modern, and of great significance in the contemporary world.
Requirements for the Concentration:
A total of 42 credits, with at least 6 credits drawn from each of the three ASST distribution areas (Arts and Literature, Humanities, Social Sciences)
18 credits in core courses, drawn from at least two of the three ASST distribution areas
24 credits from supporting courses, drawn from at least two of the three ASST distribution areas, and including a designated South Asia-related capstone course
Courses taken on off-campus programs in South Asia may be applied to the concentration
Normally, at least one term of off-campus study in South Asia
The closest equivalent to one year of study of a South Asian language, obtained through one or more of the following: off-campus study; summer programs at colleges, universities, or institutes; independent study at Carleton
Core Courses: 18 credits from among the following; courses must be from at least two distribution areas
HIST 160: History of Classical India (Not offered in 2009-2010)
HIST 161: History of Modern India (Not offered in 2009-2010)
MUSC 248: Music of India (Not offered in 2009-2010)
RELG 150: Religions of South Asia
SOAN 255: Sociology, Culture, and Politics in South Asia (Not offered in 2009-2010)
Supporting Courses: 24 credits from among the following; courses must be from at least two distribution areas.
ECON 240 Microeconomics of Development
HIST 259 Women in South Asia: Histories, Narratives and Representation (Not offered in 2009-2010)
HIST 262 Post-colonial South Asia, 1947-present (Not offered in 2009-2010)
MUSC 180 or 280 Raga: Vocal or Instrumental Study of Hindustani Music
RELG 122 Introduction to Islam
RELG 250 Hindu Traditions (Not offered in 2009-2010)
RELG 251 Theravada Buddhism (Not offered in 2009-2010)
RELG 253 Tibetan Buddhism (Not offered in 2009-2010)
RELG 273 Indian Philosophy (Not offered in 2009-2010)
RELG 350 Emptiness (Not offered in 2009-2010)
Capstone Course: For 2009-2010, the designated capstone course is:
HIST 266 History of Islam