- Credits: 3
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
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Corso:
Second cycle degree programme (LM) in
Modern, Post-Colonial and Comparative Literatures (cod. 0981)
Also valid for First cycle degree programme (L) in Foreign Languages and Literature (cod. 0979)
First cycle degree programme (L) in Asian Languages, Markets and Cultures (cod. 0980)
Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Italian Culture and Language for Foreigners (cod. 0983)
Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Language, Society and Communication (cod. 8874)
Learning outcomes
Familiarity with the hstory, languages and cultures of Pakistan
Course contents
Attendance is not compulsory
This seminar provides an overview of the languages and cultures of Pakistan. Pakistan is the 6th most populous country in the world, home to one of the largest world lingua francas (urdu-hindi) and a site of enormous geo-strategic importance in world politics. It is also home to a growing diaspora in Europe, including Italy.
Starting with the ancient Gandharan civilization, the seminar will trace the major languages and cultures of the Indian sub-continent through two empires (the persian Moghul empire and the British empire) and their impacts on laguages, architecture, literature, art, religion and politics in the Indian subcontinent. A central focus will be the period of independence from British rule and the Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, illustrating this epoch-changing event historically, politically and linguistically – and the current geopolitical situation (illustrated by recent events in Kashmir). The fraught separation of India led to the painful birth of the nations of Pakistan and Bangladesh, and we will be examining how the three countries took separate paths, and how Pakistan was forged as a nation during those 7 decades. The key role of languages in this nation-building process will be closely examined: the national and regional languages of Pakistan (especially Urdu) as well as English. The legacy of British colonial rule and the embodiment of the close historical ties between Pakistan and the UK, English is a pivotal language in all major institutions. Pakistani culture(s) and languages will be analyzed and illustrated through literature (secular and religious poetry, urdu novels and English language pre- and post-colonial literature) and other cultural artifacts, such as music (especially the ghazal tradition) and film. The role of women in Pakistan will also be adressed in the light of cultural, religious and geo-political parameters. Guest lecturers will be participating.
Readings/Bibliography
Slidesfrom class
Teaching methods
Lecture
Assessment methods
Short essay