Contemporary India from Coursera

This course presents some important vignettes of a complex, highly diverse India that is also witnessing unprecedented changes since its formal independence in 1947 from Great Britain. The lectures revolve around social dimensions of change, the continuing influence of ancient texts on contemporary India, political democracy, economic transition from the state to the market, gender relations, India's economic globalisation and changing world view. While one of the objectives is to capture the multifaceted process of change, the course also critically examines some of the tensions inherent in these changes. For example, how does gender inequality play itself out in a changing Indian society, how do the modernist conceptions of art entailing market valuation challenge the more socio-centric values found in South India, what are the politics linguistic identities, and how might India address its myriad development challenges such as poverty and unemployment. No specific prior knowledge is required. However, it would be helpful if students are aware of the socio political dynamics at play in contemporary India and keep themselves abreast with current affairs and debates in the country to fully appreciate the various dimensions and contours if the subject matter in the course. This course is taught in English. View the MOOC promotional video here: http://tinyurl.com/hx8mhxb

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Presents important vignettes of a complex, highly diverse India that is also witnessing unprecedented changes since its formal independence in 1947 from Great Britain

Lectures revolve around social dimensions of change, the continuing influence of ancient texts on contemporary India, political democracy, economic transition from the state to the market, gender relations, India's economic globalisation and changing world view

Captures the multifaceted process of change and critically examines some of the tensions inherent in these changes

Explores how gender inequality plays itself out in a changing Indian society, how modernist conceptions of art entailing market valuation challenge the more socio-centric values found in South India, what are the politics linguistic identities, and how might India address its myriad development challenges such as poverty and unemployment

Taught in English

Reviews summary

In-depth examination of modern india

Contemporary India is a course that delves into the multifaceted changes occurring within India since its independence in 1947. It explores the social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions of these transformations through expert lectures. Students with a basic understanding of contemporary India and an interest in current affairs are encouraged to take this course.

Best suited for those with some background in India.

Course content is highly relevant to modern India.

Course delves deeply into various aspects of India.

Professors are knowledgeable and engaging.

"The lecturers are superb and they know their stuff."

"This is an excellent class taught by professors who are extremely well versed in their subject matter and their presentation is very professional."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Contemporary India with these activities:

Watch videos on Indian classical dance

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Provides an introduction to the different styles of Indian classical dance.

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Find videos on platforms like YouTube
Watch videos and learn about the history, techniques, and different styles

Solve Indian constitution quizzes

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Improves understanding of the structure and principles of the Indian constitution.

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Find online quizzes or practice tests
Take quizzes and review results

Read The Argumentative Indian by Amartya Sen

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Offers insights into the role of critical thinking and debate in Indian society.

View Home in the World on Amazon

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Read each chapter
Discuss key arguments with peers
Apply ideas to contemporary issues

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Create a timeline of Indian independence

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Helps visualize and understand the major events leading to and following India's independence.

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Research key events
Create a timeline using a tool like TimelineJS
Share timeline with peers for feedback

Attend a workshop on Indian cinema

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Provides insights into the history, evolution, and cultural impact of Indian cinema.

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Find local workshops or online events
Attend workshop and participate in discussions

Volunteer at a local NGO working on social issues

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Provides practical experience in addressing social issues discussed in the course.

Browse courses on Social Change

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Find local NGOs
Contact organization and inquire about volunteering opportunities
Participate in volunteer activities

Career center

Learners who complete Contemporary India will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Historian

Historians study the past in order to understand the present and the future. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history of India, which will be essential for your work as a historian. You will learn about the social, political, and economic changes that have taken place in India since its independence in 1947, and you will be able to analyze these changes in a critical and informed way.

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Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the Indian economy, and you will be able to analyze the economic challenges facing the country in a critical and informed way. You will learn about the different sectors of the Indian economy, the role of the government in the economy, and the impact of globalization on the Indian economy.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study the social behavior of humans. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the social structure of India, and you will be able to analyze the social dynamics of the country in a critical and informed way. You will learn about the different social groups in India, the role of religion in Indian society, and the challenges facing Indian society.

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Political Scientist

Political scientists study the theory and practice of politics. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the political system of India, and you will be able to analyze the political dynamics of the country in a critical and informed way. You will learn about the different political parties, the electoral system, and the role of the media in Indian politics.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the cultures of different societies. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the culture of India, and you will be able to analyze the cultural dynamics of the country in a critical and informed way. You will learn about the different ethnic groups in India, the role of religion in Indian culture, and the challenges facing Indian culture.

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Social Worker

Social workers help people in need, such as the poor, the homeless, and the elderly. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the social welfare system in India, and you will be able to analyze the social welfare challenges facing the country in a critical and informed way. You will learn about the different types of social welfare programs in India, the role of the government in social welfare, and the challenges facing the social work profession in India.

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Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers oversee the human resources department of organizations. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the human resources landscape in India, and you will be able to analyze the human resources challenges facing the country in a critical and informed way. You will learn about the different types of human resources functions in India, the role of the government in human resources, and the challenges facing the human resources profession in India.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels, from kindergarten through university. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the education system in India, and you will be able to analyze the educational challenges facing the country in a critical and informed way. You will learn about the different types of schools in India, the role of the government in education, and the challenges facing the teaching profession in India.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the legal system in India, and you will be able to analyze the legal challenges facing the country in a critical and informed way. You will learn about the different types of law in India, the role of the courts in India, and the challenges facing the legal profession in India.

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Journalist

Journalists report on the news and provide information to the public. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the media landscape in India, and you will be able to analyze the role of the media in Indian society in a critical and informed way. You will learn about the different media outlets in India, the challenges facing the media in India, and the impact of the media on Indian society.

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Business Development Manager

Business development managers develop and implement business development strategies for organizations. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the business development landscape in India, and you will be able to analyze the business development challenges facing the country in a critical and informed way. You will learn about the different types of business development strategies in India, the role of the government in business development, and the challenges facing the business development profession in India.

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Management Consultant

Management consultants provide advice to organizations on how to improve their performance. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the management consulting industry in India, and you will be able to analyze the management consulting challenges facing the country in a critical and informed way. You will learn about the different types of management consulting firms in India, the role of the government in management consulting, and the challenges facing the management consulting profession in India.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing managers develop and implement marketing campaigns for products and services. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the marketing landscape in India, and you will be able to analyze the marketing challenges facing the country in a critical and informed way. You will learn about the different types of marketing channels in India, the role of the media in marketing, and the challenges facing the marketing profession in India.

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Financial Analyst

Financial analysts provide financial advice to individuals and organizations. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the financial markets in India, and you will be able to analyze the financial challenges facing the country in a critical and informed way. You will learn about the different types of financial instruments in India, the role of the government in the financial markets, and the challenges facing the financial analysis profession in India.

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Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists manage the public image of organizations and individuals. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the public relations industry in India, and you will be able to analyze the public relations challenges facing the country in a critical and informed way. You will learn about the different types of public relations firms in India, the role of the media in public relations, and the challenges facing the public relations profession in India.

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