An historical and thematic introduction to modern Indian civilization in its major religious forms. The course moves from the British colonial period through independence, the creation of Pakistan, and up to the present. Specific themes can include the religious and political thought of Mohandas Gandhi, Hindu nationalism, inter-religious violence, issues surrounding gender and caste, modern spiritual leaders, popular saints and devotionalism, Indian religions in diaspora, the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism in India. This course satisfies the Core Exploration Cultural Literacy requirement.