Admission requirements
MA Asian studies students (60 EC, 120 EC or research) will be given priority in enrollment if demand
exceeds the available places.
Description
Race, Color, and Caste in Asian Societies and in the World
Discrimination based on group identity, or due to appearance, or both, is a global phenomenon but manifests in particular ways in regions of the world. In this seminar, we will engage with the concept of identity in Asia by focuing on three crucial facets: race, color, and caste. The main theoretical thrust of the course will be on understanding cultural and historical politics of discrimination as well as modes of resistance to it. To do so, we will study key philosophical and political texts such as the writings of Franz Fanon, B. R. Ambedkar, and others to reflect on how discrimination and resitance have been theorized. Alongside, we will critically analyze a wide variety of textual and audio-visual sources to examine how these actions have shaped everyday life in Asia. Case studies will be drawn from several geographical locations. By the end of the seminar, students will gain exposure to theories and perspective from critical race studies, critical caste studies, cultural studies, decolonization, postcolonialism, global south gender perspectives, diaspora and slavery studies, and affect studies.
Course objectives
Learn to think and reflect critically about identity
Study key texts and thinkers in the field
Engage with key debates in the field
Gain familiarity with primary sources of a wide variety, especially cultural sources
Read secondary sources from several disciplines
Examine case studies from many parts of Asia and beyond such as India, Indonesia, China, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Europe, USA, diaspora
Be exposed to theories such as critical race studies, critical caste studies, cultural studies, decolonization, postcolonialism, global south gender perspectives, diaspora and slavery studies, and affect studies
Gain skills in individual and group presentation, academic writing, and digital humanities
Generate normative awareness and solutions about social issues
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
The deadline(s) in MyTimetable is/are set for administrative purposes only. The actual date(s) will be communicated by the lecturer(s) in Brightspace.
Mode of instruction
Lecture
Research
Seminar
Attendance
Attendance and participation are obligatory for seminars and language courses. Students are required to attend all sessions. The lecturers need to be informed without delay of any classes missed for a good reason (i.e. due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, family issues, problems with residence permits, the Dutch railways in winter, etc.).
Absence in 3 or more classes will result in a failing attendance grade unless you face extenuating circumstances. In this case, contact the study adviser and Board of Examiners to apply for exemption.
Assessment method
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to be familiar with Leiden University policies on plagiarism and academic integrity.
Plagiarism will not be tolerated. It is assumed that students' work is their own work with all sources used properly indicated and documented in the text (with quotations and/or citations). Students may not substantially reuse any work they have previously submitted in this or other courses. Minor overlap with previous work is allowed as long as it is duly noted in citation.
Assignment(s) must be submitted to Brightspace through Turnitin, so they can be checked for plagiarism. Submission via email is not accepted.
ChatGPT: What is possible and what is allowed? Dos and Don'ts.
Assessment and weighing
| Partial Assessment | Weighing |
|---|---|
| Attendance and Class Presentation | 20% |
| Midterm: In-class, open book, short reflective essay | 40% |
| Final: Podcast/Video script and narrative on a relevant topic and case study (in pairs, with help from Digital Humanities Lab, best two podcasts will be featured on the course website) | 40% |
Final marks
Final marks are formed by the weighted average.
In order to pass a course, students must obtain an overall mark of 5.50 (=6) or higher.
Each course is an integrated whole. All assessment parts must be completed in the same academic year. No partial marks can be carried over into following years.
Submission of term papers and written assignments
Students must complete all papers and assignments on time.
Late submissions for all written work for the first or second attempt will result in a deduction of marks as follows:
1-24 hours late = -0.5;
24-48 hours late = -1.0;
48-72 hours late = -1.5;
Submissions more than 72 hours late, including weekends, will receive a failing grade of 1,0 for the assignment.
If students face extenuating circumstances they can request an extension by contacting the Board of Examiners.
Note that such a request needs to be submitted four weeks before the deadline.
Resit
If students complete all three assessment components, but do not obtain an overall pass grade (a combination of all three components), they have the option to take a close book, in-person exam at the end of the semester worth 80 % of the grade. 20 % of the grade is allotted for attendance and participation and cannot be substituted by this exam.
Inspection and feedback
Written assignments will be returned with feedback. Students can make an appointment to discuss their written work with the instructor within one week of publication of results.
Reading list
All course material will be made available via links tot he Leiden University catalog on the syllabus. If course material is not available via the library, pdfs will be shared in advance.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in theinformation bar on the right.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Herta Mohr