Bangladesh and India
July–August 2008
The 2008 Summer-in-South Asia Program is a truly unique program, without any parallel at any university in the U.S. or abroad. It provides an opportunity for students to have a life changing experience by witnessing first-hand the silent revolution in Bangladesh that has enabled millions to get out of the vicious circle of poverty. The most distinguishing features of the trip are visits to the villages and homes of borrowers of the world-renowned and 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winning Grameen Bank of Bangladesh; extended meeting with the Nobel Laureate Dr. Yunus, the founder of Grameen Bank; visits to programs of leading microfinance institutions of the world such as BRAC in Bangladesh and Working Women’s Forum in India; and field visits to UN projects focusing on economic and social development in distant parts of Bangladesh. This eight-hour study-abroad program in the summer of 2008 in Bangladesh and India consists of two courses, one on “Micro-finance Institutions in South Asia” to be taught by Prof. Yasmeen Mohiuddin of the Economics department, and the other on “South Asian Politics” to be taught by Prof. Srikishna Ayyangar of the Political Science department.
Econ. 347: Microfinance Institutions in South Asia
The course would provide an overview of the microfinance industry: its origins, evolution, theoretical underpinnings, and empirical evidence. It would focus on both the tools of microfinance operation, and on the basic issues and policy debates in microfinance, such as impact assessment, poverty targeting and measurement, and sustainability.
Political Science 361: South Asian Politics
This course addresses South Asian government and politics, primarily during the twentieth century, although historical foundations are also discussed. Students examine comparative topics such as democratization, development, political conflict, political culture, and political processes and institutions. Each of the eight countries of the region is considered, but there is particular focus on India and Bangladesh.
The proposed program would be about four weeks in duration. The program would involve seven days of intensive study in Sewanee, at least a week each in India and Bangladesh, and four days of travel. The India portion of the trip would involve visits to several cities, including Chennai and Bangalore, the IT capital of India. The planned visits and activities include palaces, temples, and mosques, and various cultural activities.
For further information, contact Professor Yasmeen Mohiuddin, Department of Economics at (931) 598-1462 (email:
ymohiudd@sewanee.edu).
