140103 UE Hindi Literature of the Indian Diaspora (2018W)

In the period of almost two decades now, the diasporic writing in Hindi has extensively developed. It concerns the questions regarding the definitions of 'home' and 'nation'. Nostalgia is often the concern of these writers as they pursue to locate themselves in new cultures. These writers write from their own experience of migration and their own questioning of their relatedness. A number of such writings are on fiction but memoirs, poetry and drama are also represented.
This course aims at development of overall proficiency in the language and knowledge of issues affecting the Hindi-speaking diaspora through exposure to selected Hindi literature and popular culture. We will read short stories, excerpts from novels, poems and news reports. We will also watch and analyse some films related to this topic. The writers selected for this class are Susam Bedi, Somavira, Sudarshan Priyadarshini , Usha Raje Saksena and others.
The class meetings are divided into close reading, discussion and formal lecturing. It is absolutely necessary that all students engage with the weekly reading in order to participate in the class discussions. Regular participation and a sound knowledge of Hindi are strictly demanded for the course. Final examination asks students to respond to questions pertaining to the class readings. The final grade will be calculated as follows: class attendance, reading text preparation and participation 20%, final written exam 25%, home works 20%, an essay of 2, 500 words (in Hindi) on a given topic before the end of the semester (25%) and a short presentation on given topic 10%