Fall 2003
TuTh: 1:00-2:15
Room: Rayzor 121
Conversation Groups: 1hr, TBA

gautami shah
office: 219 Rayzor
office hours: By appointment
phone: (713) 348 2987

Class organization: In addition to the regular Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday class meetings, small groups of 4-5 students each will meet for one hour of self-directed conversation.
Students will be assigned to conversation groups after the second or third week of the semester. The meeting time for each conversation group shall be determined by the group itself. Topics and guidelines will be provided for the conversation sessions.

Reading and other materials: Course materials and foci of the course vary each year depending on both, the needs and interests of the students in the class, as well as contemporary issues.
This semester we shall do a historical trace of South Asian poetry, literature and popular culture, starting with the epic works of Valmiki (Ramayan) and Vedvyaas (Mahabharat), going on to Kabir's dohas, Meerabai's bhajans, Ghalib's gazals, Ruswa's "Umrao Jaan" and the writings of Premchand.
Suggested Grammar Reference:
(i) McGregor, RS, "Oxford Hindi-English Dictionary", latest edition.
(ii)Anand, I.N., " The Modern English-Hindi Dictionary", latest edition.
(iii) Chaturvedi, M qnd B.N. Tiwari, " A Practical Hindi-English Dictionary", lateset edition;
(iv) Prof. Malaiya's Hindi Language Resources.

Films:
Mahabharat (Doordarshan Series)
Meera
Umrao Jaan
pyaasa

Grading: Course grades will be based on class participation, obligatory homework, quizzes,skits,2 midterms and 1 final project.

Disability Accommodations: Any student with a disability requiring accommodations in this course is requested to contact me during the first two weeks of classes to discuss his/her needs. All discussions will remain confidential. Additionally, students will also need to contact Disability Support Services in the Ley Student Center.