India - Spring 2009
Discover the Beauty and the Culture of India
India is in South Asia and shares borders with Pakistan, China, and Nepal. The rugged Himalayan mountain range lies in the northern part of India while the southern tip consists of deserts, rain forests and relaxing beaches. India has a deep history dating back to 3200 BC when Hinduism was first founded. Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam all are practiced in India. Each of these religions give a different perspective to one’s philosophy of life.
Come, learn and experience the culture of India.
- See the breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal as the sun sets while the dhobi (clothes washers) washes clothes in the river behind this glorious monument built for a loving wife.
- Visit with a villager scavaging the hillside for sticks in the forest to use for a fire to make dinner.
- Gaze upon the “Snows”—the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan mountain range.
- Understand the importance of bathing in the Ganga (Ganges) River.
- Experience the generosity of the people who will graciously welcome you into their mud homes for a cup of Chai and a chance to talk with you.
- Visit and work at Mother Teresa’s organization in Calcutta working with the destsitute.
Jheldi Chhello!! (Let’s go!)
ESTIMATED COST: on campus tuition, room and board plus $2,200 travel (cost may be adjusted due to changes in currency exchange rates and air fares)
SEMESTER LEADERS: Kim and Bob Brenneman
ENROLLMENT: maximum 25 students
Course Credits (15 semester hours)
CCSOC 202 Cross-Cultural Understandings 3 SH
Students will gain a larger understanding of themselves and of their own culture through interaction on a daily basis with host country nationals, by living with host families, and by reflecting on their experiences and thoughts through a daily journal.
CCPSY 302 Cross-Cultural Psychology 3 SH
This course will focus on psychological diversity and how our cultural norms (language, ideals, values, technology) influence behavior. Differences as well as similarities will be studies across cultures. Students will gain a genuine appreciation for diversity with an understanding of their own “invisible” cultural values, ideals, and ethnocentricities.
CCHIN 101 Hindi Language 3 SH
Students will learn the fundamentals of the Hindi language including listening, speaking and writing skills. Emphasis will be on conversational abilities.
CCHUM 302 Indian History & Culture 3 SH
Explores the long historical and cultural changes of India dating back to the early Mogul emperors, British rule, Indian independence in 1947, and current governance. This course will take a look at how history, culture (including art, music, and language), and religions are intertwined in India.
CCREL 302 Religions of India 3 SH
Students will visit and study the many religions prevalent in India by visiting mosques, temples, churches, and other religious sites. In order to gain an even better understanding, interaction and discussion with those practicing different religions will be made available.