Exploring Indian & South Asian Cultures: New ASU Courses
This fall, ASU introduces new courses exploring South Asian culture: Modern & Contemporary Art, Bollywood, Indian Dances, & Religions. Taught by experts, promoting representation & inclusivity.
CULTURE | EDUCATION
10 April 2024
This fall semester, Arizona State University (ASU) is adding new courses to its curriculum. It will allow students to learn about South Asian culture through the courses: Modern and Contemporary Art of India and South Asia, the Bollywood Nation, the Dances of India, and the Religions of India.
These new classes at ASU will be taught by professors who have knowledge and experience in their fields. Nilanjana Bhattacharjya, the professor of Bollywood Nation, is trained in music and is involved in helping representation in Bollywood films. Rinku Das is the professor of Dances of India and owner of the Nrityajyoti Dance Academy. Das will be focusing on Kathak, a classical northern Indian dance, within the class.
The university is always broadening the scope of its academic inclusion to provide knowledge and representation for its students.
"For one of my degrees, I'm required to take a second language, and I'm not even taking any language that's being offered at ASU right now. I'm actually taking Hindi," stated Anish Verma, a senior studying political science, global studies, global health, and applied quantitative science.
The push for representation will be seen next semester when students can learn about all types of perspectives, cultures, and aspects of South Asia.
Image Source: asu