Take a journey with Maryville College and Elon University students to South India as they explore South India.
Students write:
"India’s Identities is a course that travels to Kerala and Tamil Nadu, two states in Southern India. This course emphasizes the diversity of contemporary Indian Identities, devoting particular attention to religion, caste and gender. Once the course has begun we’re going to be visiting religious spaces associated with Hindu, Jain, Muslim, Christian and Jewish traditions. We’ll be coming into contact with Indians from all different caste backgrounds, education levels and occupations.We’ll be looking at the cultural expectations attached to gender, seeing to what degree caste matters in modern India, and analyzing the complex interactions of tradition and modernity in the world’s largest democracy."
They are blogging at http://indiasidentities.wordpress.com/
Students write:
 |
| Elon and Maryville College students meet as they prepare for their study abroad program. Dr. Amy Allocco and Dr. Brian Pennington lead this journey. |
They are blogging at http://indiasidentities.wordpress.com/
| January 4 January 5 January 6 January 7 | Chennai (Hotel: New Woodlands) Acclimating to India Walking tour of Mylapore Bazaar Trails tour Directed Studies (yoga, cooking, etc.) Guest Lectures Dance Recitals/Music Concerts Fort St. George |
| January 8 January 9 | Mahabalipuram (Hotel: Ideal Beach Resort) 7th century rock-cut monuments, including Shore Temple Work with sculptor-artisan community Beach and fishermen communities |
| January 10 | Overnight train to Madurai Dakshinachitra Introduction to outsourcing and India’s call centers |
| January 11 January 12 January 13 January 14 | Madurai (Hotel Supreme) Meenakshi TempleIslam and South India’s Muslim community Raffic: a contemporary Muslim collage artist American Institute of Indian Studies – discussion & interactions Sacred grove Pongal festival: ODAM NGO and 8th century Shiva temple at Tiruchuli |
| January 15 January 16 | Thekkady (Hotel: Chrissie’s) Boat excursion on Periyar Lake Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: full-day Jeep safari with jungle hike |
| January 17 | Houseboat from Alleppey Organic spice garden Observing life along the backwaters |
| January 18 January 19 | Cochin (Hotel: Old Harbour) Colonial contact Jewish synagogue and “Jew Town ”Dutch Palace Communist Party official/ Kathakali (?) |
| January 20 | Village Homestay with Sunil’s family & friends Agriculture, irrigation, and local industry |
| January 21 | Overnight train to Chennai Local tourist attractions |
| January 22 January 23 January 24 January 25 | Chennai (Hotel: New Woodlands) Government Museum Additional/Remaining Directed Studies Coursework wrap-up Free time for shopping and exploring Farewell celebration (Depart New Woodlands ~9-10pm on 25th for airport) |
| January 26 | Depart Chennai at 1:45am (~10.5 hours flying time) Arrive Frankfurt at 7:50am Depart Frankfurt at 11:20am (~10.5 hours flying time) Arrive ATL @ 3:45pm Course ends … travel on to final domestic destinations |