South Asian Studies

Learning Goals

By majoring in South Asian Studies, students should:

• Develop knowledge of the history of premodern and modern South Asia. 
• Develop knowledge of the arts, literature, religions, and philosophies of South Asia. 
• Develop knowledge of the geography, politics, economics, and societies of South Asia. 

Requirements for the Major

A minimum of 40 credits:

¹

A full list of the approved courses for the major appears at the end of the South Asian Studies Courses section.

²

In order to count toward the major, studio art or performance courses must be supplemented with analytical written work.

³

A course that is taught outside of Mount Holyoke College must be approved by the chair of the Asian Studies program to count as a 300-level course.

Additional Specifications

• Any course that devotes 50 percent or more of its substance to South Asian countries, peoples, or issues may count toward the major.
• Majors are strongly encouraged, but not required, to pursue study of a South Asian classical or modern language through the Five College Mentored Language Program, summer study, or study abroad. Students may count up to 4 credits toward the major for studying a South Asian language through the Five College Mentored Language Program.
• One course (4 credits) on South Asian diasporas may count toward the major.
• Students who declare a South Asian studies major automatically fulfill the College's "outside the major" requirement.

Courses Counting toward the Major

Most South Asian studies courses at Mount Holyoke are listed below, but students should also consult the catalog entries or websites of other departments, including art history, history, international relations, politics, and religion. South Asian Studies majors should also plan to use the rich resources of the Five College Consortium in selecting their courses (listings are available through the Five College Class Schedule or individual college websites).

Please consult the chair of the Asian studies program for guidelines regarding Asian languages not taught in the Five Colleges.