Regional Studies (Ethnography): South Asia (KSK_200)
About Study Course
Objective
INTRODUCTION
Anthropology is unique among the social sciences because it pays attention to small scale communities across the globe. Most anthropological studies while taking into account the local context of socio-cultural realities study a particular group or community from broader comparative perspectives. Anthropologists have paid special attention to South Asia due to its geopolitical and cultural significance. This course on South Asia focuses on Pakistan but also draws on, though briefly, the socio-cultural landscape of South Asia in general. The ethnography of Pakistan brings insight into how Pakistanis perceive about themselves and how foreign researchers have analysed the everyday life in the country.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
- How does Pakistani society look like?
- Equip students with the ability to critically engage with academic and media debates on society and culture in Pakistan in South Asian as well as global contexts.
-Finding out some research gaps in the existing literature on Pakistan from anthropological perspectives.
Prerequisites
There is no pre-requisite to enrol in this course; however, prior knowledge and an interest in Pakistan, South Asia, Islamic countries, and the anthropological studies of non-Western world will be helpful.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge of ethnography of South Asia to the amount described in lectures as well as knowledge of the readings included in the course
Further developed skills of analytical and critical thinking as well as discussion of relevant topics
Can identify the most relevant ethnographic issues of the area
Can analyse and discuss the problems raised in the readings
Can locate the local ethnographic issues in the context of wider anthropological issues
Can compare one's own culture with relevant topics in ethnography of South Asia
