Professor: Fruzzetti Course format: Seminar Number of respondents: 8 Total Enrollment: 11 Class Composition: Froshs: 0 Sophs: 5 Jrs: 2 Srs: 2 Concs: 2 Non-Concs: 6 Don't Know: 0

Instructor Average: 1.97 Course Average: 1.73

“Gender and Colonialism in India” is an anthropology class that explores the nationalist movement against Indian colonialism in the context of gender construction. The goals of the class are to help students think critically about gender and nationalism in India, as well as to give a broad theoretical introduction to concepts such as orientalism. No previous knowledge is required, but critical thinking skills and a background in Indian history are helpful.

Students appreciated Professor Fruzzetti’s enthusiasm for the material as well as her knowledge of the topics. They thought that she was funny, laid back, and made the students comfortable. Some students, however, thought that the lectures were somewhat rushed, and that the readings could have been incorporated better into the lectures. Professor Fruzzetti was very flexible and accommodating to the students, and the students were allowed to shape class discussions.

Opinions of the readings were mixed. Some felt that the readings were not useful at all, while others felt that the readings on orientalism and religion were interesting. The only major assignment was a final paper. Some students thought that more concrete assignments were needed.

Roughly two to five hours per week are spent doing work outside class, which met students’ expectations for the most part. The general consensus was that this class is a great foundation for understanding colonialism, and that the discussions are worthwhile and fun.

View AN/0137 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.