Subject Code:   HS3L006

Name:  Dimensions of Creativity in Indian Writings in English

L-T-P: 2-1-0

Credit: 3

Pre-Requisite(s):   None

 
Course Rationale: This course aims to introduce BTech students to the extraordinary richness and diversity of Indian writing in English, and enable them to go beyond the instrumentalist use of English to an exploration of its creative possibilities. The course will equip them to understand, appreciate and imagine a rapidly changing world. It may motivate them to find an outlet for their latent creativity through writing in English. The syllabus will broadly cover:

1. Introduction to Modern Indian Writings (Historical background, relevance and application)
2. Non-fictional narratives and their importance (articles on culture, indigeneity, environment, diaspora, mythology, etc.)
3. Indian travelers and travel narratives in the age of globalization
4. Deconstructing the long and short narratives (critically and creatively analyzing the texts)
5. Appreciating creative writing in Indian Writings in English (Poetry)

End Term presentation: Students will be required to submit a technical report on a topic of their interest and make an oral presentation by the end of the course.

Tutorial: Tutorial will consist of thorough discussion and deliberation of concepts through case studies and assignments.

Suggested Reading List

Chaudhuri, Amit. The Picador Book of Modern Indian Literature. Picador India: 2002 --------------------. Clearing a Space: Reflections on India, Literature and Culture. Peter Lang Ltd: 2008

Mehrotra, Arvind Krishna, An illustrated History of Indian Literature in English. Hyderabad: Orient BlackSwan: 2003.

Rushdie, Salman. Imaginary Homelands: Essays and Criticisms, Vintage: 2010

Sen Amartya. The Argumentative Indian: Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity. Penguin UK: 2006

Thayil, Jeet. The Penguin Book Of Indian Poets. Penguin Hamish Hamilton: 2022