Audiovisual culture of South Asia 3600-7-IN4-KAAP(L)
The seminar aims to introduce participants to minority and non-mainstream audio-visual cultures in South Asia.
Together, we will look at forms of artistic expression of non-dominant, regional, and marginalized communities, including South Asian Muslims, tribes, Dalits, women, and transgender communities. We will analyze the functions that audiovisual forms of expression serve in the lives of these groups: how they preserve memory, transmit cultural norms, and express identity, resistance, and spirituality. We will also explore how these forms can challenge dominant narratives about nationality, religion, caste, gender, and modernity.
The classes combine short lectures with audiovisual materials (documentary films, performance recordings, ethnographic clips, music recordings, etc.) and discussion. In order to enable participants to critically interpret the materials, relevant concepts from anthropology, cultural studies, and postcolonial theory will also be introduced.
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
K_W01
has and detailed knowledge (including terminology, theory and methodology) in literary studies or linguistic studies or philosophy and religion studies or history
K_W02
has extended knowledge of particular problems pertaining to the cultures of the Orient (within the scope of culture and literature or language or philosophy and religion or history and socio-political issues) in a comparative perspective
K_W03
has extended knowledge of particular problems pertaining to the cultures of the Orient (within the scope of culture and literature or language or philosophy and religion or history and socio-political issues)
K_W03
Has advanced knowledge of selected issues concerning South Asian cultures (in the fields of culture and literature, language, philosophy and religion, or history and socio-political matters).
K_W04
Has expanded and in-depth knowledge of a selected Indian/South Asian language (Bengali, Hindi, Sanskrit, or Tamil)
K_W06
knows and understands advanced analysis and interpretation methods of various products of culture of South Asia, characteristic of chosen traditions., theories, research schools within the scope of linguistic or literary and cultural studies or philosophy and religious studies and history
K_W07
knows and understands the local academic tradition (methods of analysis, interpretation and evaluation) in the context of South Asia
K_W08
demonstrates good grasp of contemporary cultural life of South Asia
K_W09
has genuine knowledge of rules of communication, writing, reading in a chosen Indian/South Asian language (Sanskrit/Bengali/Hindi/Tamil)
K_W10
has wide and profound knowledge of the structures and social relations as well as socio-cultural behaviours of South Asia in the scope conditioning professional social and intercultural verbal communication
K_W11
knows and understands the rules of copy right and intellectual property management
K_U01
can search for, analyze, evaluate and use information from different sources and can form critical judgement on its basis
K_U02
can indicate sources of cultural differences between the countries of South Asia, also on the basis of source materials
K_U03
can acquire knowledge independently and enhance research skills as well as develop abilities to build a professional career
K_U06
can use the terminology from the domain of philosophy and religion of South Asia to analyze and interpret religious phenomena, ethical motives and human behaviours, as well as cultural differences
K_U07
can detect the relationship between the development of philosophical and religious ideas of South Asia and social, cultural and economic processes
K_U08
can read, analyze and interpret advanced literary texts and other works of culture (film, press, social writing) of South Asia and appropriately place them in their cultural context
K_U09
can compare and thoroughly analyze interrelations between chosen literary texts and other works of culture (film, press, social writing) of South Asia and the issues within the scope of tradition and modern times
K_U10
can carry out a critical analysis and interpretation of different products of the culture of South Asia in a way which is appropriate to a chosen tradition, theory and research school within the scope of linguistics, literary studies, culture and religion studies, philosophy or history, emmploying unique approaches that take into account the knowledge in the field of Oriental studies
K_U11
can analyze the most important phenomena in the area of history, socio-political, linguistic or cultural situation of Soutn Asia
K_U12
can evaluate, select and explain the most important products of contemporary culture in South Asia
K_K04
can set appropriate goals and ways to achieve them in the context of academic, professional and social activity.
K_K05
is open to new ideas and trends as well as cultural diversity
K_K06
has awareness of the differences stemming from cultural, religious and philosophical variety and their influence on shaping social and political attitudes as well as economic processes
K_K07
understands responsibility and ethical issues that come with imparting knowledge of South Asia
K_K08
understands and appreciates the value of tradition and cultural heritage of one’s own country and of South Asia
K_K09
can see the need to enrich one’s own tradition by adding positive philosophical, social and cultural values of South Asia, treats cultural synergy as an added value
K_K10
Is ready to actively engage in fostering mutual understanding and effective intercultural communication, cultural and economic collaboration, and relations both domestically and in South Asia
K_K11
Is ready to actively engage in the dissemination and promotion of the cultural heritage and the most important products of contemporary South Asian culture.
Assessment criteria
written final test
Practical placement
n/a
Bibliography
Essential reading:
Burckhardt Qureshi, Regula, Sufi Music of India and Pakistan: Sound, Context and Meaning in Qawwali, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 1987
Cegielski, Max, Pijani Bogiem, W.A.B. Warszawa 2007
Dalmia, Yashodhara, The Painted World of the Warlis : Art and Ritual of the Warli Tribes of Maharashtra, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi 1988
Elias, Jamal J., On Wings of Diesel: Trucks, Identity and Culture in Pakistan, Oneworld, London 2011
Morcom, Anna, Illicit Worlds of Indian Dance: Cultures of Exclusion, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2013
Saeed, Fauzia, Taboo! The Hidden Culture of a Red Light Area. Oxford University Press, Karachi 2008.
Saeed, Yousuf, Muslim Devotional Art in India, Routledge India, New Delhi 2020
Zaidi, Saima (red.), Mazaar, Bazaar: Design and Visual Culture in Pakistan, Oxford University Press, Karachi 2010
Films:
Jai Bhim Comrade, reż. Anand Patwardhan (2011)
Musique du Pakistan: musique religieuse et musique soufi, reż. Yves Billon (1989)
Musique du Baloutchistan, reż. Yves Billon (1989)
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: