Joint with S ASIA 203: Love and War in Ancient India

(Literature of Ancient and Classical India in English Translation)

5 credits I&S/VLPA

This course explores the twin themes of war and love through some of the most influential works of the Indian tradition and world civilization in their cultural context.
We’ll start with one of the classical Sanskrit epics (Ramayana or Mahabharata) that are perennially updated in film and TV. Then we will watch one of the world-famous dramas of Kālidāsa named after its heroine, Shakuntala, followed by the sensuous Tamil epic "Tale of an Anklet". We'll end with tips for “defensive living” via humorous animal stories of Pancatantra. The works covered in the course were originally composed in Sanskrit or Tamil, but we will read them in accessible English translation. No exams, but in-class assignments, one fun creative mid-term and one final project of student's interest.