ANTH 309: Peoples and Cultures of India

ANTH 309-001: Peoples and Cultures of India
(Fall 2026)

01:30 PM to 02:45 PM T

Horizon Hall 2008 - Hybrid

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Section Information for Fall 2026

This course introduces students to modern life in globalizing India, focusing on its major cultural practices, social forms, and political identities. The course locates Indian cultures in the context of its colonial history and postcolonial present in order to understand the country in relation to the world and as a product of a variety of global processes. Using an anthropological lens, students will study topics such as colonialism, nationalism, environmentalism, racial and caste justice, gender equity, and popular culture in the Indian and global contexts. Drawing on primary historical sources, ethnographic accounts, films, and literature, we will discuss and analyze processes of social change and cultural conflict as we seek to understand India’s diversity, the relation between its modernities and traditions, and its place in the world.

This is a hybrid section with face-to-face meetings and asynchronous online coursework.

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Examination of South Asia, with emphasis on India. Includes general overview of prehistory and history; impact of colonialism; contemporary Indian culture, including the changing relations of caste and class, family organization, and the roles of women, religion, and ideology; and current trends in economic development and socioeconomic differences in different parts of the country. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Global Contexts, Global Understanding, Just Societies
Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.