rbarua@yorku.ca

This course explores major developments in colonial and postcolonial India through the 20^th century. It traces the impact of British colonial rule, the intensification of nationalist and anti-colonial mobilizations, the Partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947 and India’s postcolonial trajectories. Some of the themes addressed in this course include, administrative and political structures under colonialism; popular politics and nationalist protests; communal movements; gender and nationalism; urbanization, planning and governance; postcolonial nation building; and caste, religion and democratic politics.

*TENTATIVE*

Barbara D. Metcalf, and Thomas R. Metcalf. A concise history of modern India, 3^rd edition, (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006).

Digital copies available at Scott Library

*TENTATIVE Grade Breakdown*

Class Participation and Attendance: 20%

In-class quiz:  10%

Midterm exam: 20%

Written Assignment: 20%

Final exam (to be scheduled during the official exam period): 30%

This is a weekly, in-person class. Each session will consist of a lecture, class discussion and smaller group activities. Students are expected to come to class with the assigned readings completed and prepared to engage in class discussions.

Upon completion of the course students will:

• Develop an understanding of major developments, actors and concepts in 20^th century Indian history.
• Learn how to critically assess secondary literature.
• Learn how to read and interpret primary sources in order to engage with historiographical claims.
• Acquire skills in communication through oral and written assignments
• Gain skills in scholarly writing and in developing coherent lines of argument.