Social Justice and Activism: Bangalore, India
2008 Exploration Seminar in India

Program Director: Anu Taranath ~ English
Dates of Instruction: August 18- September 12, 2008

This program has been cancelled for 2008 - please consider another Exploration Seminar program!

In this month long program, we will learn about and explore the current scene of social justice activism in Bangalore, India. Bangalore has been growing in dramatic ways over the past 10 years with the rise of information technology companies, the IT enabled services sector, and more recently, biotechnology. For the city's inhabitants, what this means is greater frustration with city infrastructure (roads, traffic congestion, pollution, water, electricity), and a vociferous debate on citizenship (who counts as a Bangalorean, what that has to do with
privilege and power, what happens to those who fall beyond the scope and sight of lawmakers, etc). Our program in Bangalore will help us learn about these complex issues of the city, and encourage analysis that takes into account issues of history, language politics, gender relations, and theories of globalization.

Engaging in a combination of field trips, site visits, trainings, guest lectures, and group discussions, we will investigate the following questions: What are the most pressing issues facing feminist and environmental activists around the city; what are the historical roots of contemporary power structures based on gender, sexuality, class, and caste; what does it mean to be an 'activist' in a rapidly globalizing and changing city like Bangalore; are there any similarities to being an activist or social justice worker in Seattle; and how might one conceptualize a transnational or international movement for social justice in our complicated present moments?

Students will be housed in dormitories in the green and serene campus of the United Theological College in the city center.

Students from all disciplines welcome; students of color, glbt students, first generation college students, especially welcome to apply. You might be a good fit for this program if:

• you enjoy the challenge and unpredictability of being 'uncomfortable' now and then,
• you ruminate on what it means to 'be political' or 'do good work',
• you want to join a community of political people committed to making and learning about positive change happen in our communities today
• you want to build a movement for change that reaches across many communities and issues.

Students will receive 5 credits for CHID 474 Asia Study Abroad (I&S).  Students are free to petition their departments for particular credits (with prior approval of the program director and with no guarantees). Participants should check with their advisors to determine how these credits can count towards departmental requirements.

Student costs:  
$2,500
$200 IPE Fee
Additional costs include: RT airfare to India, some meals, immunizations, visa, and personal spending money.

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