SIT India: National Identity and the Arts

» General Information

Location:

Delhi, India (population: 13.8 million)

Description:

The SIT program model allows students to not only take program courses, but to plan and execute an independent study project while abroad. Based in Delhi, a city with a rich artistic heritage and a lively contemporary arts scene, the program helps students develop an appreciation of India as a center of Asian civilization rather than a stereotypical nation beset by problems of the developing world. Field excursions to regional arts communities illustrate historical legacies of Indian culture and provide students with opportunities to visit monuments and interact with craftspeople practicing traditional art forms. Intensive Hindi language instruction and interdisciplinary seminars complete the study of art as a window through which to view this complex nation.

Terms:

Fall Semester (Fall Quarter), Spring Semester (Winter/Spring Quarters)

Sponsor:

School for International Training (SIT)

Website:

India: National Identity and the Arts


» Related Links

» Other Programs in India

Language Requirements

None, but students will enroll in an intensive Hindi course as part of the program.

Northwestern Requirements

To understand the requirements of the Independent Study/Research Project abroad for credit, be sure to read our Independent Study/Research Project guidelines.

Academic Specialties

Along with an intensive Hindi language study course, students will take program courses that generally include the following topics: Indian arts, North Indian culture, society and cultural anthropology. The Field Study Seminar prepares students for their Independent Study Project, which in the past has addressed issues such as modern Indian cinema, Sufi music and poetry, architecture and urban space, the Indian railway system, and contemporary painting. 

Course Type

Field-based, experiential learning in program courses, with an independent study component.

Additional Information

  • There is a frequent, arts-related lecture series at sites such as the Habitat Centre, the India International Centre, The India Islamic Centre, and the Lalit Kala Academy.
  • Along with the 4-week independent study portion, students will also participate in educational excursions to Varanasi, Khajuraho and Orchha.
  • A short, smaller group workshop excursion is also offered, and students select a topic of study.
  • Students are required to do an art form practicum, but this is not a studio arts program. Rather, it looks at the interface between arts and culture in India and explores the relationship between tradition and modernity.

Housing

Home stays (4 weeks), hostels, private homes or small hotels during the Independent Study Project (4 weeks).

Program Costs

Fall 2009: $21,727

  • This includes the estimated cost of tuition, room, board, books, transportation, personal expenses and SAAF. The sample costs provided are for the fall term; for other terms and for the most current cost, contact the sponsoring organization.

Application Requirements

Prior to receiving an application, all Northwestern students must complete the following steps:
  1. Complete the mandatory Study Abroad 101 Quiz on Blackboard.  Call 847-467-6400 or e-mail studyabroad@northwestern.edu (include your name and netID) to register for this quiz.
  2. After receiving a score of 90% or above, students can pick up the Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad at the Study Abroad Office. This application it is not available online.
Northwestern students must complete two applications for this program:
  1. SIT program application, available on the SIT web site.
  2. Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study.
Note: This program fills very quickly. We recommend that you submit your SIT program application at the same time, or before, your Northwestern Application for Permission to Study Abroad. Program enrollment status can be checked online.

Contact Returnees

Northwestern students may enter this section of the site for a list of students who participated in this program.