HIAB01031U MIS, South Asian Societies (F27)

Volume 2026/2027
Education

Bacheloruddannelsen i asienstudier (Indien og Sydasien), 2026-ordningen 

Content

How do societies work in South Asia? What is the relationship between individuals and groups? This course examines the formation of contemporary societies in the South Asian region through a historically grounded exploration of material and ideological processes of change. In this class, we will focus on social distinctions, inequalities, identity-making, and conflicts that characterize the region. We take a deep dive into the ever-evolving structures of caste, class, religion, gender, and kinship, and their complex entanglements in urban and rural, and local and global contexts. Through a wideranging material including texts, images, objects, and films, the course addresses key debates vital in the study of societies in the region. The course combines lectures and workshops where students are expected to take part in the classroom discussions, presentations, and group work.          

Learning Outcome

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate:

 

Knowledge of and understanding of

• theories and concepts used in the study of societies in India and the South Asian region

• ​​the making of social structures in India and the South Asian region in the contemporary and historical context

• key debates in the study of society and knowledge production in India and South Asia.

 

Skills in

• identifying and discussing key features of Indian and South Asian society

• communicating orally based on knowledge of Indian and South Asian society

• communicating in writing at a scientific level with references to scientific texts and correct use of source references and bibliographies.

 

Competencies in

• assembling key sources of knowledge and critically evaluating information about Indian and South Asian society

• presenting knowledge of Indian and South Asian society orally and in writing in accordance with academic practice.

Available in the course room in Absalon.

Classroom lectures with active student participation including individual and group student presentations.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 0
  • Total
  • 0
Written
Oral
Collective
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 30 minutes including asessment
Home assignment, 6-10 standard pages
Type of assessment details
Free oral examination and free written home assignment.
The home assignment counts for 2/3 and the oral exam counts for 1/3 of the assessment. Both parts must be assessed at a passing level in order for the overall exam to be passed.
Group exam regulations: The oral exam can only be taken individually, but the written home assignment may be written in groups. If several students write together, each participant’s contribution must constitute a coherent whole that is identified and can be assessed independently. The jointly produced part must not exceed 50 %. The length of the home assignment when written in groups is: 9–15 standard pages (2 students) or 12–20 standard pages (3 students).
Exam language: English.
Aid
All aids allowed

For rules on generative artificial intelligence, see Study Information.

 

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Re-exam

Same as ordinary exam 

Criteria for exam assesment

See Learning Outcome