ISLA-251D | Fall 2026
Hours: MWF 10:25-11:35
Classroom: MOR 328
Instructor: Prof. Pasha M. Khan
pasha.m.khan@mcgill.ca
Office: Morrice Hall room 312
Office Hours: MW 11:30AM-12:30PM by appointment
Please schedule an office hour appointment online
This course will introduce students to the Urdu-Hindi language. By the end of the course, they will have the ability to speak and understand basic everyday Urdu-Hindi sentences using the present tense, and they will be able to read and write either the Urdu nasta‘līq script, or the Hindi Devanāgarī script, or both, depending on the stream that they choose. Students will be taught by means of in-class activities and lessons, demanding a high level of participation, as well as homework exercises and tests. They will be familiarized with aspects of South Asian culture connected with the language, and will be exposed to Urdu-Hindi poetry and film.
Students should decide at the beginning of the course whether they wish to do assignments in Urdu, Hindi, or both. Depending on their decision, they must buy one of, or both of, the following two textbooks.
Beginning Urdu: A Complete Course. By Fauzia Farooqui and Joshua Pien. Georgetown University Press, Washington DC, 2011.
Beginning Hindi: A Complete Course. By Fauzia Farooqui and Joshua Pien. Georgetown University Press, Washington DC, 2014.
These textbooks are available at the McGill Bookstore.
The course schedule and assignments are subject to change. Please pay close attention to any emails I send you. I may send them either from my McGill address or from Gmail (in the case of emails sent using my helper scripts).
Laptops and tablets (iPads, etc.) are allowed in class, but solely for the purpose of referring to the readings for the day. The use of laptops and tablets should not interfere with your participation in the class discussion; this will obviously cause your participation mark to take a nosedive. Make eye contact and stay away from email, social media, and so on—stick to the readings. Students are discouraged from using mobile phones in class. Fixating on your phone, surreptitious texting and so on will result in a lowered participation mark.
To request temporary accommodations, for instance if you need to be absent from or late to class for a legitimate reason like the flu or a family emergency, you may use the online Absence Request form. The form will become available on myCourses after add/drop, in the same module as the course outline. See the Participation Rubric further below to understand how I grade Authorized and Explained Absences. Note that you don't need to send me a separate email to explain your absence; the absence request will come to my email anyhow!
If you have a disability, whether physical or mental (anxiety, depression, etc.) please do not hesitate to let me know in person or via email as soon as you can, at any time during the course, and we will plan a course of action. I recommend getting in touch with Student Accessibility and Achievement. Please note that mark-based accommodations can only be made if they are requested via email by you (or via SAA). Do speak to me in person if you need to, but a follow-up via email will be necessary in order for accommodations to be made. I will also make note of any reasons for accommodation that you disclose via the Student Questionnaire.
Students affected by sexual violence, harassment, or misconduct may obtain accommodations via several routes, depending upon their situation. Survivors are not required to make an official report if they do not wish to do so. However, they are encouraged to consult the resources provided by the Students’ Society of McGill University or the Sexual Assault Centre of the McGill Students’ Society. They may also directly contact the Dean of Students, the Director of the Institute of Islamic Studies, or me. Students who make a disclosure to me should know that I will not report their disclosure unless they explicitly ask me to do so.
In our personal interactions, I value your comfort, and appreciate open communication. During any meeting in my office, all students have the right to leave the door open. If a student feels uneasy meeting in my office, they may specify an alternative location with which they would be more comfortable, or request a telephone conversation instead. Should any student ever feel that I have made them uncomfortable by my words or actions, even without intention, I ask that they please notify me as soon as possible. I wish to create a learning environment in which students feel comfortable speaking their minds regarding any matter, so that they can be confident and successful in their interactions with me.
Note that I will subtract marks for time management on any assignment that you submit late without an accommodation. Unless otherwise specified, assignments are due by 11:59 PM on the due date.
In order to ensure timely grading, assignments handed in late or under an extension will not receive comments. In the event of extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of McGill University, assessment tasks in a course are subject to change, provided students are sent adequate and timely communications regarding the change.
| Participation | 40% | Having a participation grade of at least 50% is a precondition for passing the course. Please attend class! Absentees without a documented excuse will be given a zero for each day of absence. Ask as many questions as you can in class and feel free to come see me during my office hours, but please make a habit of raising your hand and do not distract other classmates (or the instructor). Your participation grade includes grades given for mashq-based exercises carried out in class, and the taking up of your mashqs in the classroom. For a better understanding of how participation is graded, see the Participation Rubric below. If you have a legitimate reason for absence or lateness you may request an authorized or explained absence using the online form on the course website. |
| Mashqeñ | 34% | Mashqs (homework assignments) are taken up in every class. They will be graded 100% (3 check marks) if you
Mashqs will be penalized if they are uncorrected when auto-correction is possible, or if they are incomplete, or late. Note that not completing mashqs will also affect your participation grade, which is largely based on taking up the mashqs in class. Late mashqs will be penalized according to the following scheme: 10% will be subtracted if the mashq is not handed in during the class in which it is due. Another 15% will be subtracted if it is not handed in by the end of the week when it is due (Friday). A further 15% will be subtracted at the end of each further week when it is not handed in. Mashqs corrected by the instructor are normally given back to students the Monday after the week they are handed in. Late mashqs will be graded but not corrected. Please print your mashqs or on a blank sheet, write them out by hand or type them and scan them to PDF before sending them to me, or write them using a digital pen if you have one. There are many scanning apps that you can use on your phone to scan to PDF, or you can use one of the photocopier/scanners at the Institute in front of the elevator on the 3rd floor. Email your mashq files to pashamkhan+mashq@gmail.com. When you do so, please make sure of the following:
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| Questionnaire | 2% | Please complete the Student Questionnaire form, which you can find on the course website under Assignments. It will be graded for completeness. |
| Imtihan | 12% | There is a script test in the first term, and a cumulative test at the end of each term. All of these tests (imtihān) are weighted equally. |
| Vocab Interviews | 12% | Twice during each term, you will complete a brief (approximately 2–3 minute) individual vocabulary interview with the instructor. During the interview, you will be asked to recognize and produce vocabulary from the course, including translating words between English and Urdu/Hindi, using vocabulary in simple sentences, or identifying synonyms, antonyms, or related expressions. These interviews are designed to assess your ability to recall and use vocabulary without external aids, rather than your ability to memorize isolated lists for a written quiz. Vocabulary from earlier units remains eligible for assessment throughout the semester, so regular review is expected. |
After every class I assign a participation grade that is stored in a Google Sheet on which I am able to run JavaScripts to make my grading (and your authorized absence reporting) easier. Normally I don't upload grades until after the course has ended, so that you have time to enter authorized absences. If you'd like, you can always email me to ask for your total participation grade, or for grades per class, but they tend to change a great deal by the end of the course. The grades that I put in per class are as follows.
| 5 | 100% |
Alertness Gives the instructor their full attention and makes eye contact. Sits within the instructor's direct range of vision. In general, appears very alert. Preparedness Demonstrates clear preparation in having done the readings before class. Has analysed readings exceptionally well, relating it to other readings for the class and other material (e.g., discussions, experiences etc.). Activeness Very active and involved in class discussion. Offers analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of readings; for example, puts together pieces of the discussion to develop new approaches that take the class further. Contributes in a very significant way to ongoing discussion: keeps analysis focused, responds very thoughtfully to other students' comments, contributes to the cooperative argument-building, suggests alternative ways of approaching material and helps class analyse which approaches are appropriate, etc. |
| 4 | 85% |
Alertness May seem sufficiently alert. Preparedness May seem sufficiently prepared. Activeness May seem sufficiently active. |
| 3 | 70% |
Alertness May seem moderately alert. Preparedness May seem moderately prepared. Activeness May seem moderately active. |
| 2 | 55% |
Alertness May not seem very alert. Preparedness May not seem very prepared. Activeness May not seem very active. |
| 1 | 35% |
Present but disruptive |
| A | 0% |
Absent. |
| AA | — |
Authorized absence: Grade for the day is dropped from the total (no penalty). You can request an authorized absence through the Authorized Absence Request form. AAs require documentation; normally a doctor's note. You can submit AA requests for missed classes till classes end. |
| EA | — |
Explained absence: Grade is lower than average. Exact grade is at the instructor's discretion. You can request an explained absence through the Authorized Absence Request form. AAs require documentation. You can submit EA requests for missed classes till classes end. |
Subject to change! Please follow the list of readings on the course website and pay attention to announcements via email, and in class.
| Mon Aug. 31, 2026 |
Introduction to the Language |
| Wed Sep. 2, 2026 |
Pronunciation: English-Like Sounds, Vowels |
| Fri Sep. 4, 2026 |
Pronunciation: Aspirated and Unaspirated Consonants |
| Mon Sep. 7, 2026 |
Labour Day |
| Wed Sep. 9, 2026 |
Pronunciation: Dental and Retroflex Consonants |
| Fri Sep. 11, 2026 |
Pronunciation: Nasalisation, Sounds Associated with Urdu, Consonant Doubling |
| Mon Sep. 14, 2026 |
Introduction to Grammar |
| Wed Sep. 16, 2026 |
1. Meeting Somebody New Read: Urdu 48-50 / Hindi 46-48 |
| Fri Sep. 18, 2026 |
Introduction to Grammar |
| Mon Sep. 21, 2026 |
Urdu/Hindi script lesson 8 Read: Urdu 11-17 / Hindi 13-19 |
| Wed Sep. 23, 2026 |
1. Asking and Answering Questions Read: Urdu 52-55 / Hindi 50-53 Due: Mashq 1 |
| Fri Sep. 25, 2026 |
Urdu/Hindi script lesson 9 Read: Urdu 17-20 / Hindi 19-20 Due: Mashq 2 |
| Mon Sep. 28, 2026 |
1. Yes-or-No Questions Read: Urdu 56-57 / Hindi 54-55 Due: Mashq 3 |
| Wed Sep. 30, 2026 |
Urdu/Hindi script lesson 10 Read: Urdu 20-22 / Hindi 20-22 Due: Mashq 4 |
| Fri Oct. 2, 2026 |
1. Greeting an Acquaintance Read: Urdu 57-64 / Hindi 55-62 Due: Mashq 5 |
| Mon Oct. 5, 2026 |
Urdu/Hindi script lesson 11 Read: Urdu 23-24 / Hindi 22-24 Due: Mashq 6 |
| Wed Oct. 7, 2026 |
2. Exchanging Basic Personal Information Read: Urdu 66-73 / Hindi 54-71 Due: Mashq 7 |
| Fri Oct. 9, 2026 |
Reading break |
| Mon Oct. 12, 2026 |
Reading break |
| Wed Oct. 14, 2026 |
Reading break |
| Fri Oct. 16, 2026 |
Urdu/Hindi script lesson 12 Read: Urdu 25-28 / Hindi 24-26 |
| Mon Oct. 19, 2026 |
3. Listing Items: There Is and There Are Read: Urdu 76-77 / Hindi 74-75 Due: Mashq 9 |
| Wed Oct. 21, 2026 |
Urdu/Hindi script lesson 13 Read: Urdu 28-30 / Hindi 26-27 Due: Mashq 10 |
| Fri Oct. 23, 2026 |
3. Noun Types and Forms Read: Urdu 77-81 / Hindi 75-79 Due: Mashq 11 |
| Mon Oct. 26, 2026 |
Urdu/Hindi script lesson 14 Read: Urdu 30-34 / Hindi 28-32 Due: Mashq 12 |
| Wed Oct. 28, 2026 |
3. Noun Types and Forms Read: Urdu 77-81 / Hindi 75-79 Due: Mashq 13 |
| Fri Oct. 30, 2026 |
Urdu/Hindi script lesson 15 Read: Urdu 34-37 / Hindi 32-36 Due: Mashq 14 |
| Mon Nov. 2, 2026 |
3. Indefinite Words: koi and kuch Read: Urdu 81-84 / Hindi 79-82 Due: Mashq 15 |
| Wed Nov. 4, 2026 |
Urdu/Hindi script lesson 16 Read: Urdu 37-40 / Hindi 36-37 Due: Mashq 16 |
| Fri Nov. 6, 2026 |
3. Indefinite Words: koi and kuch Read: Urdu 81-84 / Hindi 79-82 Due: Mashq 17 |
| Mon Nov. 9, 2026 |
Diwali |
| Wed Nov. 11, 2026 |
Script Test |
| Fri Nov. 13, 2026 |
4. Describing Items by Their Qualities: Adjectives Read: Urdu 86-90 / Hindi 84-88 |
| Mon Nov. 16, 2026 |
4. Adjectival Question Words Read: Urdu 91-95 / Hindi 89-92 Due: Mashq 19 |
| Wed Nov. 18, 2026 |
4. Adjectival Question Words Read: Urdu 91-95 / Hindi 89-92 Due: Mashq 20 |
| Fri Nov. 20, 2026 |
4. Plurality and Respect with Adjectives and Nouns Read: Urdu 95 / Hindi 93 Due: Mashq 21 |
| Mon Nov. 23, 2026 |
5. The Infinitive Read: Urdu 98-99 / Hindi 96-97 Due: Mashq 22 |
| Wed Nov. 25, 2026 |
5. The Imperative Read: Urdu 100-103 / Hindi 98-101 Due: Mashq 23 |
| Fri Nov. 27, 2026 |
5. The Imperative Read: Urdu 100-103 / Hindi 98-101 Due: Mashq 24 |
| Mon Nov. 30, 2026 |
7. Locating Places in the City Read: Urdu 114-120 / Hindi 112-118 Due: Mashq 25 |
| Wed Dec. 2, 2026 |
Review Due: Mashq 26 |
| Fri Dec. 4, 2026 |
Imtihan 1 |
"McGill University values academic integrity. Therefore, all students must understand the meaning and consequences of cheating, plagiarism and other academic offences under the Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures" (Approved by Senate on 29 January 2003) (See McGill's guide to academic honesty for more information).
« L'université McGill attache une haute importance à l'honnêteté académique. Il incombe par conséquent à tous les étudiants de comprendre ce que l'on entend par tricherie, plagiat et autres infractions académiques, ainsi que les conséquences que peuvent avoir de telles actions, selon le Code de conduite de l'étudiant et procédures disciplinaires. » (Énoncé approuvé par le Sénat le 29 janvier 2003) (pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez consulter le guide pour l'honnêteté académique de McGill.)