ASAN 320I – Asia Past and Present: South Asia
An introduction to the complex region known as South Asia (SAARC)—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka…
About the Instructor
Anna Stirr is Associate Professor of Asian Studies and holds a PhD in Ethnomusicology from Columbia University. Her research on music, especially song, and dance in Nepal focuses on sung poetry and non-elite performance traditions, championing the knowledge held by local performers and the expertise found in everyday expressive practices. Her award-winning books and films highlight song, dance, and the politics of creatively striving for equity in everyday life as well as through revolutionary means.
For inquiries: email stirr@hawaii.edu
Summer 1 (online asynchronous)
This multidisciplinary course focuses on the cultural, social, and political lives of people across South Asia, in light of the histories that have shaped their lifeworlds and the issues they are currently facing.
Dr. Stirr will be teaching this course from Nepal, so we will incorporate firsthand looks at local culture, society, politics, and artistic practices, including chats with youth political leaders, anti-caste and feminist activists, indigenous leaders, academics, and artists, and more. We will connect these local instances with issues across the South Asian region such as youth-led political revolutions, indigenous activism, climate change, and more.
Fulfills major requirement: DS; Asian Studies Elective
Updated 03/03/2026