International South Asian Studies Summer School
19 – 25 August, 2019,
Institute of Asian and Transcultural Studies, Vilnius University
While the world looks with anxiety to the economic and military growth of China, the
South Asia region is frequently left at the margins of public global attention. The region is poorly understood and its influence is not properly addressed. This summer school aims at bringing South Asia to the center of academic discussion highlighting why South Asia matters today. To start with, Hindi with its derivatives is the fourth most widely spoken language in the world. India is about to overcome China in terms of population and economic growth. Security situation in Asia highly depends on the political conflict between the two nuclear powers – India and Pakistan. Migration flows within and outside the region change not only regional but also global demographics. South Asian
population and governments have an important role in determining the global
environmental situation. Thus, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the
developments in South Asia today will significantly determine how the world is going to
look like tomorrow.
This summer school seeks to provide a platform for South Asia researchers and students to exchange knowledge on contemporary South Asia. It will have a double focus – on Hindi language, the most widespread language in the region, and on the contemporary social, cultural and political dynamics of South Asia. It will cover such topics as social media and political Hindi language, literary text translation, women and Adivasi literature, as well as Dalit and women’s movements, pop culture and film studies, performative traditions, sexuality and gender.
The summer school is organized by the Institute of Asian and Transcultural Studies at
Vilnius University, one of the most reputed Asian study centers in the Baltic states, in
partnership with Aarhus University (Denmark), Adam Mickiewicz University (Poland), Uppsala University (Sweden) and Sapienza University (Italy). The students will be guided by leading scholars from these universities who are interested in innovative and enthusiastic teaching. The approach in the summer school is interdisciplinary, merging Hindi studies, history, anthropology, cultural studies, performative and film studies and providing a wide perspective on the region. We invite students of Bachelor and Master levels to expand knowledge on South Asian social, cultural and political dynamics, to improve Hindi language skills and to get involved in the international network of students and researchers.
Applicants are requested to register by sending CV and motivation letter to
southasiansummerschool@fsf.vu.lt. Application deadline is 20 July 2019. Foreign students will be provided accommodation at the University hostel (price is included into the registration fee). Applicants are required to have good English language skills, Hindi is preferable but not required.
Acquired skills and competences:
• Critical understanding of the theories of cultural studies and sociocultural
anthropology relevant in the case of South Asian studies;
• Understanding of the challenges and tendencies of South Asian dynamics in the
global context;
• Comprehension of issues of gender, sexuality, caste, ethnicity, communalism and
nationalism in South Asian context;
• Deepened knowledge in Hindi language and basic translation skills via literary,
political and social media texts;
• Improved communication skills through academic discussions and group work.
For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.
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