Course Description
Nepal, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, is a small landlocked country in South Asia known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse ethnicity. Nepal's history is rich in ancient traditions, with a legacy of kingdoms, dynasties, and warriors. Nepal was officially a Hindu kingdom for centuries until recently the monarchy was abolished in 2008, marking Nepal's transition to a federal democratic republic. It shares borders with India to the south, east, and west, and with China to the north. This strategic location has influenced its history, culture, and geopolitical dynamics, and balancing relations between the two influential neighbors while pursuing its national interests has been a key aspect of Nepal's foreign policy. This buffer state also holds significance in terms of US geopolitical interests in South Asia. Studying and visiting this country is therefore a way for students to understand others and themselves better.
The spring course, designed to prepare students for their month-long study abroad in Nepal, focuses on three main aspects:
- Nepal’s history, culture, and art, its influence on the region’s geography and politics over the centuries, its role in the British Empire’s war efforts, including World Wars I and II, its social, economic, and political status and role today. The course will specifically examine Nepal’s >2,000-year history divided into pre- and post-unification (ancient/medieval and modern) with particular attention to the legacy of the Gurkhas, the transition to democracy, and the relationship between the U.S. and Nepal.
- Ethnic and cultural diversity in contemporary Nepalese society, with particular emphasis on representative ethnic groups of Newari, Gurung, and Tharu communities. Comparative analysis/differences between Plato's philosophical construct of an ideal city and the socio-religious framework of the Hindu society, co-existence, challenges and opportunities of a highly diverse society, and access to education.
- Nepal’s geographical and biodiversity, unique topography and geological/tectonic factors, range of ecosystems leading to flora/fauna and animal species diversity, conservation efforts, and ecological and socio-economic balance through community projects.
The summer course takes students to Nepal, located on the far side of the globe. Arriving in Kathmandu, the capital city, visiting important cultural sites and places of historical significance and critical to understanding the events that shaped Nepalese society and culture over the centuries. Second, to Pokhara, a stunningly beautiful city surrounded by the Himalayan Mountain range. Third, to Sirubari, a Gurung village known for homestay hospitality, fourth to Marpha and Jomsom, villages high up in the Himalayas, and fifth to Chitwan National Park, known for its unique wildlife and elephant ride adventures and conservation efforts. During this course, students will explore Nepalese culture and society, travel to different places, and reflect on their travel experience.
For more information on the travel portion of the two-semester program, please refer to its Study Abroad page.