You may be wondering what it is like to take a class in
India. Some things are very similar- the prof will give a lecture, and the
students studiously take notes. But some things are very different. In India,
great respect is given to one’s elders and so students are expected stand up
when their professor enters the room. Our students are not actually taking
classes with other Indian students. They do however have Indian professors who
offer a different perspective on issues than we from our western perspective
can see.
Since we are in India, the class opportunities are very
exciting! Here is a quick run-down on what our students have been up to lately:
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| Hard at work cooking |
Indian Cuisine- How awesome is it to learn how to cook
Indian food IN India! And not only that, but after they finish making a dish,
they get to eat it! Somehow or another the ISP director and program assistants
seem to find their way to the kitchen around lunch time in order to have a
taste!
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| Today's creation! |
Indian Literature- Students are getting the chance to read
many pieces of literature not studied in the west. These authors provide a unique
perspective that students are really enjoying.
Indian Social Work- In this class students learn a lot in
the classroom on topics of poverty, caste, and social justice etc. It is very
important to learn how Indians are helping themselves and working to build up
their nation, rather than just the western perspective of us coming to rescue India. One of the benefits of
this class is how much learning takes place outside
of the classroom! Just on their walk to college or a typical day, students may
come across beggars or street children and have to process what they see and
decide how to respond.
Indian Design- Where else do you get to design and create
your own sari, salwar kameez, or kurta? Students are hard at work creating
their own design masterpieces- can’t wait for the fashion show! Meanwhile, they
are learning and practicing different forms of design such as tie-dye and
batik.
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| The Master and the Student |
Indian Art- This past week students had the chance to try
their hand at pottery. The pottery master went over some instructions and then
let them try for themselves. Here are some of their incredible pieces!
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| Final product! |
Contemporary India- Students are learning so much in this class, that it is hard to narrow it down. Put simply, this class teaches the history of India up to the present-focusing on important aspects.
Religious Landscape- This is a very engaging class! Students
have the opportunity to not only learn about other religions in the classroom,
they also have the chance to visit many of these places of worship to see for
themselves what it is all about. Students go on a visit to several Hindu
temples, Sikh gurudwara, different denominations of churches, a Buddhist
temple, and a Jain temple. Students also interact with neighbors and friends
who may be a different religion and have a different mindset then theirs which
just expands their opportunity to learn.
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| A little puja across the hall from the apartment |
Next week we are headed to the neighboring state of Kerala (God's Own Country) for classes and various site visits. This will also be the first train trip for the students! There are sure to be some interesting stories!
