Bengaluru Courses – 2027 Summer

Expand All

Academics

Bengaluru offers a unique vantage point for studying modern India because it’s both a hub of cutting-edge technology, innovation, and global business, and a city deeply rooted in Indian traditions. Its diverse population, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to historic temples, markets, and cultural festivals allow you to experience contemporary Indian life while immersing yourself in long-standing customs. This blend of modern and traditional makes it an ideal living classroom for understanding India’s complexity.

You will enroll in three to seven credits during the 5-week summer session. At least one 3-credit course is required. No prior knowledge of Hindi is required for the program, though taking a language course while you are abroad is encouraged for a richer cross-cultural experience.

• Caste, Class, and Gender in India

  Summer

  Sociology Women's Studies / Gender Studies 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course focuses on the interlinked structures of caste, class, and gender in India. Through historical, sociological, and cultural perspectives, students will explore how these categories shape everyday life, politics, and identities in contemporary India.

• Cuisine of India

  Summer

  A practical workshop focusing on Indian cooking, trends and practices.

• Cultural Traditions of India

  Summer

  Anthropology Sociology 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  India showcases a vibrant amalgamation of different thoughts, languages, cuisines, landscapes, fashion, architecture and people. In ‘Indian Cultures and Traditions’, we proudly pay tribute to the world’s greatest celebration of diversity-starting with the primordial Vedic ages, touching upon the grandeur of the Mughal era, narrating the riveting tales from the colonial period, and concluding with the wonder that is contemporary India. In this course, the students not only learn about India, but truly live and breathe in it too. They experience its rich and fiery spirit, clearly visible in dusty streets, crowded markets, old restaurants, marvelously adorned temples, mosques, churches and gurudwaras (sikh temple), and in the sweaty wide-eyed grins of the auto-walas. They can easily envision being an Indian citizen, with activities like shopping for spices and vegetables, going to the theatres, sipping tea from stalls, making chana masala, and weaving a million unforgettable memories. The festivals (from Holi to Diwali) which they write about in their research papers are also felt in their raw and real forms and gloriously enjoyed. Join us as we revel in the explosion of colours and cultures, and explore with us the depths of the soul of India.

• Gandhi and Peace Studies

  Summer

  History Honors Sociology 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course examines the Indian national movement as one of the largest and most influential mass movements in modern history, with particular emphasis on the leadership and ideas of M. K. Gandhi and his strategy of nonviolent resistance. Mobilizing millions across social classes and ideological divisions, the movement ultimately challenged and dismantled British colonial rule. Students will explore the political, social, and intellectual dimensions of the struggle for independence while situating it within the broader context of global revolutionary movements, including those in France, Russia, China, Cuba, and Vietnam. Through historical analysis and comparative discussion, the course highlights the distinctive strategies and enduring global significance of India’s path to independence.

  Honors-eligible: This course is eligible for honors credit. Membership in your home university Honors program and supplemental honors learning agreement is required to receive honors credit for this course. See USAC Honors page

• Gandhi and Peace Studies (Honors)

  Summer

  History Honors Sociology 300-level 3 credits Taught in English

  This course examines the Indian national movement as one of the largest and most influential mass movements in modern history, with particular emphasis on the leadership and ideas of M. K. Gandhi and his strategy of nonviolent resistance. Mobilizing millions across social classes and ideological divisions, the movement ultimately challenged and dismantled British colonial rule. Students will explore the political, social, and intellectual dimensions of the struggle for independence while situating it within the broader context of global revolutionary movements, including those in France, Russia, China, Cuba, and Vietnam. Through historical analysis and comparative discussion, the course highlights the distinctive strategies and enduring global significance of India’s path to independence.

  Honors-eligible: This course is eligible for honors credit. Membership in your home university Honors program and supplemental honors learning agreement is required to receive honors credit for this course. See USAC Honors page

• Hindi Language for Daily Communication

  Summer

  Hindi World Languages and Literatures 100-level 1 credit Taught in English and Hindi

  This course will introduce the Hindi language and provide students with basic lexical, grammatical, and functional resources to manage in daily situations while studying in India.

• Public Health in India

  Summer

  Community Health Sciences 400-level 3 credits Taught in English

  India is rich and diverse in her medical tradition since ages. The medical pluralism exists today in this country encompasses embracing of world culture as we have multiple medical systems such as biomedicine, ayurveda, unani, siddha, homeopathy, naturopathy, yoga, Chinese and Tibetan medicine and a variety of folk traditions. “The emergence and arrival of different medical systems, their acculturation into various communities, as well as the way they synchronized and contested with the indigenous are quite unique to Indian medical and cultural history” (Sujatha, V and Leena Abraham, 2012). This course, therefore, is distinctive in its approach in addressing the health care services in India today and its various issues. Students will also experience some healing practices through field visits and observation which will be thought provoking and inquisitive.

• Service Learning

  Summer

  Service Learning Social Work Sociology 400-level 1-3 credits Taught in English

  Coming soon!

• Yoga

  Summer

  Instruction in the practice of Yoga. General philosophy, history, and wellness benefits will be included. Emphasis is placed on the performance of ananas (postures), pranayamas (breathing exercises), dharanas (concentration exercises), and dhyanas (meditation and relaxation techniques) in order to improve wellness.

Return to top