Prepared by Sania Biswas
**Proposal for New Undergraduate Course at CU Boulder, Ethnic Studies Department:** **Course Title: “India: Spirituality, Language, Family, Arts, and Culture”** **Proposal
**Introduction:**
This proposal seeks to introduce a comprehensive new undergraduate course in the Ethnic Studies Department at CU Boulder, titled “India: Spirituality, Language, Family, Arts, and Culture.” This course aims to offer students a deep dive into the diverse and rich cultural heritage of India, leveraging extensive field research, recorded interviews, art practices, and experiential learning models akin to Shantiniketan’s approach to education.
**Course Description:**
The proposed course will explore the multifaceted aspects of Indian culture, including spirituality, language, family dynamics, arts, and broader cultural practices. Utilizing a blend of traditional lectures, multimedia resources, guest speakers, and experiential learning, the course will encourage students to engage directly with the material in a meaningful way. This course will also include recorded materials from a Fulbright-Hays curriculum development project involving multiple cities in India.
**Course Objectives:**
- – To understand the foundational spiritual philosophies and practices within India.
- – To explore the linguistic diversity of India and its implications on cultural practices.
- – To examine the role of family and societal structures across different regions in India. –
- To appreciate and analyze the impact of Indian arts, including visual arts, music, and dance.
- – To foster a comprehensive understanding of India’s cultural diversity through direct engagement with multimedia resources and experiences.
**Weekly Structure:**
- **Monday-Wednesday:** Lectures and discussion sessions focusing on spirituality, language, and family.
- **Thursday:** Review of assigned readings and multimedia materials, preparing for experiential sessions.
- **Friday (Art Day):** Interactive workshops outdoor and guest lectures focusing on various art forms, occasional field trips to relevant exhibitions or cultural events.
**Assessment Methods:**
- **Personal Creative Projects:** Students will create projects that reflect their understanding and personal interaction with the course materials (30%).
- **Quizzes:** Based on readings, lectures, and videos (20%).
- **Group Projects:** Involving outdoor activities and practical applications of learned concepts (20%).
- **Final Examination:** Comprehensive test covering all topics discussed in the course (30%).
- **Grading Scale:**
- A: 90-100
- B: 80-89
- C: 70-79
- D: 60-69
- F: Below 60
**Materials and Resources:**
- Recorded videos from field trips in India.
- Interviews with practitioners and scholars of Indian culture.
- Collaborative ties with Indian cultural centers and universities for guest lectures. – Access to a curated list of readings and visual materials.
**Syllabus Outline:**
- **Introduction to Indian Cultures and Spirituality**
- Overview of Indian philosophical thought.
- Case studies from different spiritual practices.
- **Language and Society**
- Study of major Indian languages and their cultural implications.
- Language as a carrier of tradition and modernity.
- **Family Structures and Societal Roles**
- Exploration of traditional vs. modern family dynamics.
- Impact of societal changes on family roles.
- **Arts in Indian Culture**
- Study of classical and contemporary Indian arts.
- Hands-on art creation influenced by traditional Indian techniques.
**Cultural Immersion Project**
- Planning and executing a mini-exhibition or
- Developing a presentation on Indian cultural themes.
**Potential Course Title Suggestions:**
- “Exploring Indian Ethos: Spirituality, Language, and Arts”
- “Cultural Tapestry of India: An Interdisciplinary Approach”
- “India Unveiled: A Journey through its Spirituality, Arts, and SocialStructures”
This course promises to be a dynamic addition to the curriculum, offering students a well-rounded perspective on one of the world’s most diverse cultures. Through immersive learning experiences, we aim to equip students with a deeper appreciation and understanding of Indian cultural practices and their global relevance.
Example chapter:
### Chapter Example for the Proposed Course: “India: Spirituality, Language, Family, Arts, and Culture”
### Chapter: The Role of Festivals in Indian Culture
#### Overview
This chapter explores the vibrant festival culture of India, which is an integral part of the country’s social and spiritual fabric. Festivals in India are not only occasions for celebration but also play a crucial role in preserving the cultural and religious heritage. They serve as windows into the Indian ethos, showcasing the diversity and richness of Indian traditions.
#### Learning Objectives:
- Understand the significance of major Indian festivals.
- Explore the connections between festivals, Indian spirituality, and social structures. – Analyze how festivals influence and are influenced by the arts, family dynamics, and community relationships in India.
#### Key Concepts
- **Religious Syncretism:** The blending of different religious traditions and practices seen vividly during Indian festivals.
- **Community and Family Roles:** The role of community organization and family participation in festival preparations and celebrations.
- **Cultural Preservation:** How festivals help in maintaining cultural identity and transmitting traditions to future generations.
#### Content Outline
- **Introduction to Indian Festivals**
– Historical origins and evolution of festivals in India.
– The calendar of major festivals: Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, and regional festivals like Onam and Pongal.
- **Diwali: The Festival of Lights**
– Significance of Diwali in various religious contexts (Hindu, Jain, Sikh).
– The rituals associated with Diwali, including Rangoli, lighting of diyas, and fireworks. – Economic and social impact on Indian society.
- **Holi: The Festival of Colors**
– Mythological origins and cultural significance.
– Holi’s role in promoting social cohesion and the breaking down of societal barriers.
– Environmental and health considerations during Holi celebrations.
- **Eid: Reflection and Community**
– The significance of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha in the Muslim community. – Rituals and customs practiced during Eid.
– The concept of charity (Zakat) and its social implications.
- **Onam: Harvest Celebrations in Kerala**
– The legend of King Mahabali and its cultural significance.
– Onam as a showcase of Kerala’s dance, music, and culinary traditions.
– The role of Onam in promoting tourism and economic development in Kerala.
- **Impact of Festivals on Indian Arts**
– Festivals as patrons of arts: dance, music, and crafts.
– The making of arts and crafts specific to festivals like Diwali lamps, Holi colors, and Eid decorations.
– Case studies of artisans who specialize in festival-related crafts.
- **Festivals and Family Dynamics**
– Preparation for festivals as a family activity: a case study of a family preparing for Diwali. – Festivals as reunions: the role of festivals in bringing family members together. – Generational transmission of festival traditions and rituals.
- **Festivals as Social Commentaries**
– Festivals as platforms for social critique and change.
– The role of modern media and technology in transforming festival celebrations. – Discussion on the commercialization of festivals and its cultural implications.
#### Assignments and Activities
- **Field Assignment:** Attend a local Indian festival or visit an Indian community during a festival celebration to observe and document the festivities.
- **Research Paper:** Choose one Indian festival and write a detailed report on its significance, traditions, and the roles it plays in community bonding.
- **Group Presentation:** Create a presentation on the impact of a specific festival on Indian arts, showcasing examples like dance forms, music, and handicrafts associated with the festival.
#### Readings and Resources
- **Supplementary Videos:** A curated list of documentaries and interviews with festival organizers and participants across India.
- **Articles:** A collection of scholarly articles on the sociological and economic impacts of festivals in India.
Conclusion
This chapter concludes by emphasizing the integral role festivals play in the cultural continuity and social vitality of India. By engaging with the multifaceted aspects of Indian festivals, students gain a deeper appreciation of the cultural richness and diversity of India.