India, the second-largest country in the world in terms of population, is widely known as a study in contrasts. It is the largest democracy in the world, it has the third-highest level of gross domestic product by some measures, it is one of the highest growing economies and, as a member of the BRICS, it is considered to be an emerging economic powerhouse. Yet it also has the world's largest concentration of the poor according to some measures, deep socio-economic cleavages, and conflicts that often erupt in violence. After providing a brief historical background, this course examines these contrasts by analyzing recent developments in the politics, society and the economy. Among the topics covered, often in comparative perspective, are the nature of democracy, economic growth, human development, poverty and income inequality, caste, gender and the rise of religious fundamentalism.
Taught by: Amitava Dutt
Semester: Spring 2017
Hours: MW 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
Credits: 3
CRN: 26210
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