Hindi Courses
Elementary Hindi
HNDI 110 (Fall) // HNDI 120 (Spring)
An in-depth introduction to modern Hindi, including the Devanagari script. A combination of graded texts, written assignments, audiovisual material, and computer-based exercises provides cultural insights and increases proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Hindi. Emphasis on spontaneous self-expression in the language.
Intermediate Hindi
HNDI 130 (Fall) // HNDI 140 (Spring)
A two-term sequence designed to develop proficiency in the four language skills. Extensive use of cultural documents including feature films, radio broadcasts, and literary and nonliterary texts to increase proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Hindi. Focus on cultural nuances and Hindi literary traditions and emphasis on spontaneous self-expression in the language.
Accelerated Hindi
HNDI 132 (Fall) // HNDI 142 (Spring)
A fast-paced course designed for students who are able to understand basic conversational Hindi but who have minimal or no literacy skills. Includes introduction to the Devanagari script; development of listening and speaking skills; vocabulary enrichment; attention to sociocultural rules that affect language use. Students learn to read simple texts and to converse on a variety of everyday personal and social topics
Advanced Hindi
HNDI 150
An advanced language course aimed at enabling students to engage in fluent discourse in Hindi and to achieve a comprehensive knowledge of formal grammar. Introduction to a variety of styles and levels of discourse and usage. Emphasis on the written language, with readings on general topics from newspapers, books, and magazines. The course is designed so that it can be taken multiple times, with content varying each time. HNDI 150 is intended as a continuation of HNDI 140; students who have not taken HNDI 140 should speak to the instructor before registering.
Hindi Literature
Three courses in Hindi Literature are offered on a rotating basis each year. These courses are designed for both native and new learners.
HNDI 342 Bhakti and Bollywood
Instructor: Swapna Sharma
The goal of this advanced language course is to develop students’ overall language skills and cultural sensibility, and to provide additional knowledge of Early Hindi (Braj and Awadhi) language and literature, particularly medieval Bhakti (devotion) poetry of North India, through selected readings mostly written in Braj and Awadhi. Students begin with exploring “What is Bhakti” and “What is Bhakti and the Bhakti movement?” This is followed by the stories and biographies (hagiographies) of key poets followed by selected reading of the poetry of Surdas, Mira, Raskhan, Tulasidas and Kabir etc. that have been written in honor of Krishna, Ram and formless god of Nirgun Bhakti and has enjoyed great respect and influence on Indian cultural, art, music and society. The course explores the connection between Bhakti and Bollywood. Bhakti and Bhakti poets have influenced Bollywood in various ways. This connection is seen through Bollywood movies that portray the life and times of saint-poets and adopt their poetry directly. Sometimes this poetry is used on an occasion as a performance which has no direct connection with the main theme of the film, sometimes the same old content of poetry is echoed in modern Hindi songs, while some usages are very distant from their original form and context.
Prerequisite: HNDI 150 or instructor permission.
HNDI 160 Modern Hindi Literature
Instructor: Swapna Sharma
An advanced language course designed to develop overall language skills and to enrich cultural insight through the literature of different genres. Literature is the cultural canvas of a society. Reading modern Hindi literature and translations of vernacular literature from various states in India enhance the understanding of Indian culture and society.
Prerequisite: HNDI 150 or instructor permission.
Hindi Tutorial
HNDI 198
For students with advanced Hindi language skills who wish to engage in concentrated reading and research on material not otherwise offered by the department. Work must be supervised by an adviser and must terminate in a term paper or the equivalent. Permission to enroll requires submission of a detailed project proposal and its approval by the language studies coordinator.