This course is intended to provide a survey of the history, politics, government and foreign relations of the states of the Indian subcontinent. No background on the subject is assumed
Two short take-home tests based on the lectures and readings. (20 points each). A term paper of about 10-15 double-spaced pages on a topic dealing broadly or narrowly with some aspect of “Domestic Politics," “Society and Social Issues,” "Security and Foreign Relations," or "Economy and Development" (60 points). You may do a Final Exam in lieu of a term paper, but must make a 20 minute oral presentation on some topic of your choice even if you plan to do a final exam..
First Test Paper Due: Tuesday, October 12
Second Test Paper Due: Thursday, November 23
(Test paper due dates are subject to change.)
Final Paper Due (or exam in lieu of term paper): Friday, December 17, 10:30-12:30
James Norton, India and South Asia, Dushkin/McGraw-Hill, 2004
Steven Warshaw, India Emerges, Diablo Press, 1997 [Photocopy Handout}
Craig Baxter, Yogendra Malik, Charles Kennedy, and Robert Oberst, Government and Politics in South Asia, Westview Press, 2002. (BMKO)
Raju G. C. Thomas, Democracy, Security and Development in India, St. Martin’s Press, 1996. (Optional)
1. Historical Background: Warshaw, 15 -103; BMKO, 5-18; Norton, 13-42
2. India: Norton, 44-49, 109-170; BMKO, 19-159; Thomas, 25-50, 73-98
3. Pakistan: Norton, 81-87; BMKO, , 169-247
4. Afghanistan: Norton, 60-64, 171-193, 210-211
5. Sri Lanka: Norton, 88-91, 208-209; BMKO, 323-387
6. Bangladesh: Norton, 65-67, 194-196; BMKO, 249-321
7. Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives: Norton, 69-80; BMKO, 391-405
8. Regional Issues: Norton, 94-108; Thomas (handouts)
POSC 158 - POLITICS OF THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
[Study Questions. Use lectures and readings in your answers]
Historical Background [Warshaw 15-103, BMKO 5-18, Norton 13-42]
1. Summarize the religious and linguistic structure of the Indian subcontinent. Summarize Hinduism and the Code of Manu. How does Buddhism and Islam differ from Hinduism? What are some of the salient aspects of the Mauryan dynasty and the Age of the Guptas? How did Akbar's rule differ from Aurangzeb's rule during the period of the Moghul empire?
2. What is the historical significance of the Indian Mutiny of 1857-58? What were the features of British rule in the immediate aftermath of the mutiny? Describe the circumstances surrounding the birth of the Indian National Congress and the All-Indian Muslim League. What was the nature of the Hindu-Muslim struggle thereafter?
3. What were the objectives and the nature of Mohandas Gandhi's "satyagraha" movement? Do you agree with the INC's allegation that the British followed a policy of "divide and rule";? Analyze the politics and rationale for the creation of Pakistan.
India [BMKO 19-159, Thomas 25-50, 73-98, Norton 44-49, 109-170]
4. Describe the salient features of the Indian constitution and parliamentary system. Where is power and authority located in the Indian political system? Under what conditions may the President call for the dissolution of parliament? Describe some of the major political parties of India and summarize their political platforms. Which parties and prime ministers ruled India since independence and what was the parliamentary strength of these governments? How significant is the rise of Hindu nationalism in Indian politics? Discuss some of the Social issues and crises of India.
Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan [Norton, 60-67, 81-87, 171-196, 208-209; BMKO, 169-321]
5. Discuss the problems of constitution-building in Pakistan since its creation in 1947. What were the internal political events in Pakistan that led to the Bangladesh movement and the partition of the old Pakistan? Will transantional Islamic nationalism affect the politics of Pakistan and Bangladesh? How did the Taliban come to power in Afghanistan? Will it return bringing back the Al-Quaeda?
Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan [Norton,69-80, 88-91,; BMKO, 323-405]
6. Discuss the nature of government institutions, political parties and political processes in the cases of Sri Lanka and Nepal. To what extent is Buddhism relevant in Sri Lankan politics today?
Regional Economic and Conflict Issues [Norton, 94-108, Thomas (Handouts)]
7. Discuss the main social and economic developmental issues faced by the South Asian states. Will the new marketization and economic reforms lead to great economic prosperity or greater political instability? Do democratic systems slow down economic growth? What are some of the contemporary internal and external security problems of South Asia? Will the states of South Asia survive in the face of violent secessionist movements?
