Varanasi: the City, the River, the Sacred

A City of Confluence
Varanasi is endlessly complex – a place where India’s rich
culture and history, varied traditions and beliefs can be
observed in practice through everyday life. Built on the banks
of the Ganges River, it is one of the holiest places for Hindus
and a fertile locus of academic studies for the aspiring South
Asia scholar.

The City as Text
One of the oldest continuously
inhabited cities in the world,
Varanasi serves not only as the
location and focus of study, but
the students’ home, laboratory,
and classroom.

Curriculum
Three required courses:
• City, River, Sacred (core course)
• Hindi or Urdu
• Culture in Practice
(such as internship, directed
research or musical, artisanal, or
artistic apprenticeship)
Electives:
• Urban Studies
• Environmental Studies
• Religious Studies
Total curriculum yields 15 credits.
• History
• Yoga Practice and Philosophy

Housing & Meals
Students live with Indian families in
homestays or in shared apartments
associated with an Indian host. Meals are
provided at the program center and in the
homes, or can be taken at nearby
restaurants and cafes.
Field Visits
Students will participate in site visits in and
around Varanasi, as well as excursions to
locations such as Lucknow, Agra, Kolkata,
and various hill stations in the Himalayas
Application Deadline
• Fall 2012: April 1
• Spring 2013: October 15

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