- Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
shikha silwal
Washington and Lee University, Economics, Faculty Member
Syllabus for a four-week interdisciplinary course designed by Timothy Lubin and Shikha Silwal taught in Kathmandu/Lalitpur in 2017 and planned again for 2019. (It was first offered on campus at Washington and Lee University after the... more
Syllabus for a four-week interdisciplinary course designed by Timothy Lubin and Shikha Silwal taught in Kathmandu/Lalitpur in 2017 and planned again for 2019. (It was first offered on campus at Washington and Lee University after the 2015 earthquake prevented travel to Nepal.)
Course Theme:
Social stratification touches every aspect of life, and South Asia’s traditional caste structure is a special case: this highly complex, strictly adhered to system has been religiously legitimized and criticized over a 3000-year history, and is nowadays seen as being at odds with the modern world. Yet it remains a crucial factor in social identity, economic roles, legal status, and religious practice. These four interlocking factors, considered both historically and in practice today in Nepal, will each be the subject of a unit in this 360º survey of caste. Guest speakers and experience “on the ground” will enhance the program.
A largely rural country with a population mostly of Hindus and Buddhists (including many Tibetan refugees), Nepal has undergone some major changes in its recent history. After emerging from a decade of civil war in 2006, the country abolished its 239-year-old monarchy in 2008, and a new constitution is currently being formulated. Amidst all these changes, issues related to caste are central and timely.
Course Theme:
Social stratification touches every aspect of life, and South Asia’s traditional caste structure is a special case: this highly complex, strictly adhered to system has been religiously legitimized and criticized over a 3000-year history, and is nowadays seen as being at odds with the modern world. Yet it remains a crucial factor in social identity, economic roles, legal status, and religious practice. These four interlocking factors, considered both historically and in practice today in Nepal, will each be the subject of a unit in this 360º survey of caste. Guest speakers and experience “on the ground” will enhance the program.
A largely rural country with a population mostly of Hindus and Buddhists (including many Tibetan refugees), Nepal has undergone some major changes in its recent history. After emerging from a decade of civil war in 2006, the country abolished its 239-year-old monarchy in 2008, and a new constitution is currently being formulated. Amidst all these changes, issues related to caste are central and timely.
