Description
For an analysis to be sound, poignant, and pointed, it is important to understand the philosophical base and container within which the analysis is conducted. One of the techniques that postcolonial discourse uses is deconstruction. Deconstruction essentially means examining the sociological-political-historical-economic contexts within which a given reality or “truth” comes into existence, which over a period of time become eternal, timeless, and context-independent. Though there are many philosophers who have used the technique of deconstruction for various enunciations, this course will introduce the philosophical underpinnings of deconstruction through the writings of Nietzsche and Foucault. There has been a decisive impact of Foucault on Said’s Orientalism and Foucault was widely influenced by Nietzsche. This philosophical container will give a wide base to students to deconstruct the European writings on India and Hinduism.
In this course, the student will
- learn what the technical term widely used in academia today, deconstruction, actually means;
- appreciate the philosophical and historical underpinnings of deconstruction;
- be able to apply the technique of deconstruction in critically examining the colonial and orientalist writings on India and Hinduism.
Area of Study: Post Colonial Hindu Studies, History and Method
Required/Elective: Elective
Prerequisites: Admission into a Program of Study
Instructor: Dr. Kundan Singh
