Foundation Course I
Semester I
Unit – 1 : Overview of Indian Society (5 Lec.)
Understand the multi-cultural diversity of Indian society through its demographic composition: population distribution according to religion, caste, and gender;
Appreciate the concept of linguistic diversity in relation to the Indian situation;
Understand regional variations according to rural, urban and tribal characteristics;
Understanding the concept of diversity as difference.
Unit – 2 : Concept of Disparity – 1 (10 Lec.)
Understand the concept of disparity as arising out of stratification and inequality;
Explore the disparities arising out of gender with special reference to violence against women, female foeticide (declining sex ratio), and portrayal of women in media;
Appreciate the inequalities faced by people with disabilities and understand the issues of people with physical and mental disabilities.
Unit – 3 : Concept of Disparity – 2 (10 Lec.)
Examine inequalities manifested due to the caste system and inter-group conflicts arising thereof;
Understand inter-group conflicts arising out of communalism;
Examine the causes and effects of conflicts arising out of regionalism and linguistic differences.
Unit – 4 : The Indian Constitution (10 Lec.)
Philosophy of the Constitution as set out in the Preamble;
The structure of the Constitution – the Preamble, Main Body and Schedules;
Fundamental Duties of the Indian Citizen; tolerance, peace and communal harmony as crucial values in strengthening the social fabric of Indian society;
Basic features of the Constitution.
Unit – 5 : Significant Aspects of Political Processes (10 Lec.)
The party system in Indian politics;
Local self-government in urban and rural areas;
The 73rd and 74th Amendments and their implications for inclusive politics;
Role and significance of women in politics.
Topics for Project Guidance : Growing Social Problems in India
l Substance abuse – impact on youth & challenges for the future
l HIV/AIDS – awareness, prevention, treatment and services
l Problems of the elderly – causes, implications and response
l Issue of child labour – magnitude, causes, effects and response
l Child abuse – effects and ways to prevent
l Trafficking of women – causes, effects and response
Note : Out of the 45 lectures allotted for 5 units for Semester I, about 15 lectures may be allotted for project guidance.
Foundation Course II
Semester II
Unit 1 : Globalisation and Indian Society (7 Lec.)
Understanding the concepts of liberalization, privatization and globalization;
Growth of information technology and communication and its impact manifested in everyday life;
Impact of globalization on industry: changes in employment and increasing migration;
Changes in agrarian sector due to globalization; rise in corporate farming and increase in farmers’ suicides.
Unit 2 : Human Rights (10 Lec.)
Concept of Human Rights; origin and evolution of the concept;
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
Human Rights constituents with special reference to Fundamental Rights stated in the Constitution.
Unit 3 : Ecology (10 Lec.)
Importance of Environment Studies in the current developmental context;
Understanding Concepts of Environment, Ecology and their inter-connectedness;
Environment as natural capital and connection to quality of human life;
Environmental Degradation – Causes and Impact on human life;
Sustainable Development – Concept and components; poverty and environment
Unit 4 : Understanding Stress and Conflict (10 Lec.)
Causes of stress and conflict in individuals and society;
Agents of socialization and the role played by them in developing the individual;
Significance of values, ethics and prejudices in developing the individual;
Stereotyping and prejudice as significant factors in causing conflicts in society.
Aggression and violence as the public expression of conflict.
Unit 5 : Managing Stress and Conflict in Contemporary Society (8 Lec.)
Types of conflicts and use of coping mechanisms for managing individual stress;
Maslow’s theory of self-actualisation;
Different methods of responding to conflicts in society;
Conflict-resolution and efforts towards building peace and harmony in society.
Topics For Project Guidance : Contemporary Societal Challenges
(a) Increasing urbanization, problems of housing, health and sanitation;
(b) Changing lifestyles and impact on culture in a globalized world.
(c) Farmers’ suicides and agrarian distress.
(d) Debate regarding Genetically Modified Crops.
(e) Development projects and Human Rights violations.
(f) Increasing crime/suicides among youth.
Note: Out of the 45 lectures allotted for 5 units for Semester II, about 15 lectures may be allotted for project guidance.
