India and Pakistan: The histories, memories and legacies of Partition

What is the course about?

This course will provide an understanding of the partition of British India in August 1947 from the perspective of history (written and oral), literature and film. Through these different perspectives, the course will provide a broad understanding of some of the facts about this momentous event in world and South Asian history and also address how these facts are remembered and interpreted in popular culture.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

- The historical literature around partition
- Segments of novels and short stories on partition
- Movies and documentaries of partition
- The difference between the memory and history of partition
- How partition affected people on the ground.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- reflcet on how societies and communities remember their past
- appreciate the different histories of partition of partition told through popular cultural accounts
- understand how partition is, has been and continues to be remembered.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is introductory and everyone is welcome. No prior knowledge is necessary but a good grasp of English, an open mind, and a willingness to listen to different views are all that is required.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

PowerPoint will be used to illustrate key points and then we will be reading and discussing contemporary sources (in translation). You will be encouraged to share your thoughts and ideas in a relaxed and friendly environment. Occasionally reading outside the class will be encouraged with a worksheet to complete, but is not obligatory.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring a pen and paper, or digital equivalents, for making notes.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

HAH92 Muslim Latin America
HWH176 South Asia after independence
HWH177 From independence to the present: Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
HPC171 South Asia in British politics and society after the end of empire.