Desiring the Nation: Gender and Nationalism in South Asia

Examines the development and afterlives of nationalisms in South Asia to consider the attachments that tie citizens and subjects to the nation and to one another. What are the political, personal, and ideological commitments that allow or prevent individuals from belonging to the nation? Beginning with early 20th century anticolonialism, will trace multiple nationalist movements that lead up to the 1947 Partition of British India, and to the 1971 independence of Bangladesh. Through novels, short stories, and films, will examine the role of gender in anticolonial protest and in early nation-building in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Enrollment limited to 20.