SUNY-Oneonta
Philosophy Department
Study in India
For many years (1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, etc.), Dr. Ashok Malhotra has taken a group of 12-16 students to India for an intensive, full-semester program of study. A program description and tentative itinerary from 1996 are provided below.
For additional details, contact Dr. Ashok Malhotra.
Email: Malhotak@Oneonta.edu
India is like a kaleidoscope: its diverse shapes and colors form a culture born in antiquity, but the picture is never static. Ever changing, ever growing, this ancient civilization throbs with life and energy. Yet, with all its diversity, there is an unmistakable unity in Indian culture. It is this unity in diversity which mystifies and fascinates the student of India. What then is India?India . . . it is like a house with few walls and open windows. Ideas from many cultures have lived in this house, coexisted with it, and ultimately have been absorbed by it. Still, this house continues to stand, a symbol of the tolerance for which India is justly famed. It is this capacity for tolerance which pervades every aspect of Indian life.
The student will ask how it is possible for mystics to exist side by side with modern business people, for arranged marriages and joint families to coexist with singles cohabitating in Bombay, and for ancient Vedic hymns to be chanted alongside western rock music. India is a land where yogis can be politicians and philosophers "kings."
Tentative Itinerary
A more detailed schedule will be issued before departure for India.
- Orientation: SUNY Oneonta Campus - June 2-7, 1996
- Leave for India from JFK Airport, New York - Early Sept. 1996
- Arrive New Delhi - 2 nights
- Stay in Varanasi - 3 weeks
- Stay in Khajuraho - 4 days
- Stay in New Delhi - 2 weeks
- Travel to Sikri and Agra - 2 days
- Community service in New Delhi - 2 weeks
- Community service and research in two villages in Rajasthan - 3 weeks
- Final paper presentation in Mahabalipuram/Madras - 1 week
- Return from India to JFK Airport - Nov. 27, '96
Program Description
The goals of this program are twofold: to learn and to serve. The first objective is to introduce the student to India as a living study in contrasts. The student will examine the diverse life-styles, world views, beliefs, religions, arts, and technologies of modern India. The program also includes a five-week social service and research component.
Bed and Board
Because of the mobility of the program, students will stay in a number of places throughout the semester. These include hotels and international hostels. Main meals will be taken in hotels, local restaurants, and at other dining facilities.
Courses and Credits
Participants will be enrolled in the following courses:
- Conversational and Written Hindi
3 credits
This intensive language course provides students with a background in conversational and written Hindi. The formal instruction occurs during the first three weeks of the program. Classes are taught by the faculty at the Banaras Hindu University. Students will practice their speaking skills with instructors and native speakers of the language.
- Indian Philosophy and Religion
3 credits
This course focuses on the central philosophies and religions of India. Discussion will be conducted on the following topics: the philosophy of the Vedas and Upanishadas, the religion of Buddhism, Jainism and the Epics, devotional Hinduism, and Hindu Renaissance. The intensive course is also taught during the first three weeks.
- India Today: A Study in Contrasts
4 credits
A multi-disciplinary perspective on India will be presented through discussion of its history, political movements, economy, society, and classical art forms. The course includes on-site excursions to significant historical and religious monuments. Students have the opportunity to observe performances of classical Indian dance, music, and dance-drama.
- Hindi Literature and Practice
1 credit
Students will write a one to two page paper in Hindi on one character from the epics and read it to the group.
- Community Service and Research
4 credits
Students will work for two weeks in urban community service agencies such as the Mother Teresa Home, the Spastic Society, with battered women's groups, and orphanages in New Delhi. This will be followed by three weeks of service projects and research in two rural villages in the state of Rajasthan. Students are required to write a paper based on their volunteer work and research which will be presented during the final week of the semester.
Program Director
Dr. Ashok Malhotra will accompany the group serving as instructor and program director. Dr. Malhotra is a philosophy professor at the College at Oneonta. He is a native of India and has taught philosophy in the United States for 29 years. This will be the 11th time he has directed the SUNY program in India.
Admission Requirements
This program is offered to under-graduate students at any SUNY or non-SUNY institution. Applicants should have a strong interest in India and its people. It addition, students must be in good academic standing as well as be in good physical and mental health. There is no language requirement for this program.
Application
Use the standard SUNY application for overseas programs found at any SUNY International Education Office. Applications are evaluated on a first-come first-served basis. Early applications are given priority. Space cannot be assured after April 15, 1996, but applications will be considered as long as space is available.
Fees
Approximately $5075. (Includes five day orientation at SUNY Oneonta, international ID card, round trip airfare from New York, ground transportation in India, room and board, educational visits to university centers, and excursions to historical and religious shrines, and artistic monuments.)
This price is subject to change due to changes in airfare or foreign exchange value. Price does not include personal expenses, health insurance, or SUNY tuition and fees ($1885 NY resident; $4460 non-resident).
Financial Aid
Federal and New York State financial aids such as PELL, TAP, and Federal Family Education Loans are generally applicable for overseas study. Applicants should check with the Financial Aid Office at their home campus. Students of the College at Oneonta may apply for a Scott-Jenkins Foreign Study Grant through the International Education Office, the Sepp Rhose Scholarship through the Student Association, or the Ninash Foundation Scholarship. Limited support is available to active members of the Center for Social Responsibility -- contact Alumni Hall, Room 209.
Comments From Participants
"These past few months will always be special and memorable for me." - Sharon
"Thank you for the special experiences which only India could give." - Chris
" ...my experience was very valuable to me...." - Karin
"I am so glad I was able to experience India." - Stephany
"[The program] has given me opportunities that I could never have discovered on my own." - Dewan
"[This experience] has made me understand life and the complexities that are involved. " - Rehana
"[The program] changed my life forever." - Louis
"...this semester and this country will never leave my heart...." - Chris
For more information
and application forms, please contact:
Dr. Ashok Malhotra, Program Director
Department of Philosophy
SUNY Oneonta
Oneonta, NY 13820-4015
Email: Malhotak@Oneonta.edu
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Questions and Comments
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