Understanding Contemporary India (L6057)

30 credits, Level 6

Spring teaching

This module uses an anthropological lens to explorethe processes of social, economic and politicaltransformation currently animating everyday life in India.

You will first review anthropological theories of caste, and explore experiences of caste from a Dalit perspective. You then turn to marriage, followed by a focus on gender and gender-based violence in urban India.

The module subsequently addresses the rise of the Indian middle classes and the role of consumption in society. It also examines India’s informal economy and the role of the state in everyday life. You’ll conclude by looking at how digital technologies are transforming Indian society.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 300 hours of work. This breaks down into about 33 hours of contact time and about 267 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2023/24. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to COVID-19, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses:

• Anthropology BA
• Anthropology and History BA
• Anthropology and International Development BA
• Anthropology with a Language BA
• Economics and International Development BA
• Geography and Anthropology BA
• Geography and International Development BA
• International Development BA
• International Development with a Language BA
• International Relations and Anthropology BA
• International Relations and Development BA
• Sociology and International Development BA