Major Requirement: History of Asia
This course explores the life and thought of Mohandas Gandhi. It traces his transformation from an insecure Hindu aping British culture to a self-confident Indian leading a nationalist revolt that captivated the world. This transformation is used to examine larger currents in Indian history, such as the nature of cultural imperialism, the emergence of Hindu nationalism, and the story of India’s independence movement. Attention is also directed at Gandhi’s views on Hindu-Muslim relations, the emergence of Pakistan, and plight of the socalled Untouchables. The origins, nature, and problems of his theory of non-violent resistance are also explored. The course concludes with a brief examination of what happened to Gandhi’s ideas after Indian independence. (Course offered in alternate years.)
Prerequisite: Sophomore Status