Location:

Delhi, India; Kolkata, India

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

COM 370 (3hrs). Culture and Communication in India: Sustainability vs. Globalization The program will focus on the ways in which Indian cultural practices have developed into a hybridized format with elements that sustain some of the traditional components of Indian culture that have been synthesized with global cultural trends. Sustainability in cultural practices is an important emerging issue in understanding global trends. Most courses that deal with sustainability focus only on scientific and technological issues emphasizing the ways in which new practices are being adopted to ensure that ecosystems are protected and sustained. This course examines the issues of sustainability of the cultural ecology of a specific ancient cultural system. As such, it would examine the ways in which fundamental aspects of culture, for instance language, is being sustained in India where new language forms are emerging as the local languages are being transformed by the influence of English. The course would examine different cultural indicators made up of everyday material practices including media practices and technological adaptations that demonstrate how the people of India are creating a unique set of practices that sustain the traditional/local while adopting the modern/global trends. Secondly, the course will examine the ways in which the hybridized sustainable practices are influencing the modes of intercultural communication as people of Indian origin take on central roles in the global arena. This component of the course would focus on specific practices such as the emergence of a global movie industry (Bollywood) that sustains the traditional Indian cultural elements like those of classical Indian music while combining that with emergent global musical forms; the intercultural component would also focus on issues surrounding interpersonal contact between people from India, like call center workers, and a global clientele.

India is a country of many contrasts, where centuries-old traditions and modern technology are at the heart of a very dynamic and hospitable culture that has dealt with globalization by sustaining the old while adopting the new.

Setting Description:

The Wake Forest University Culture & Communication program is based in Calcutta and Delhi with visits to Chennai, Bangalore, Mysore, Ooty, Mussourie, Jaipur and Agra. The 2012 trip has added several new locations in the southern part of India. Additionally, students will have the option of participating in a 7-day service opportunity in the mountain desert of Ladakh.

Cost:

The total cost of summer study abroad can be broken down into four categories: *Program Fee - Usually covers room, in-country travel, excursions, some meals and other costs associated with the program. *Tuition – Students on WFU summer programs pay WFU summer school tuition per credit hour. The 2012 summer rate is estimated at $880/per credit hour *Airfare – Varies per location. Students are responsible for their own airfare unless otherwise noted. *Personal Expenses – These w