Dumbfounding Foundations? Not Any Longer…

The 11 Foundation Courses under Delhi University's Four Year Undergraduate Programme, are trans-disciplinary, and after much discussion and discourse the syllabus was finalized for each course. Interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary approaches were discussed by teachers from the departments and from colleges who were members in each committee. 

1) Science and life

AIM- The syllabus says is  “to build appreciation for science, develop scientific temper and help the

student understand where and how science is linked to daily life.”

THE HIGH- The syllabus includes topics from our school time, encompassing nutrients, plastics, carbon compounds, energy, etc. this means we don’t need to scratch our craniums for some alien topics.

THE CHALLENGE- A multitude of project work, “for example, “Fan”- converts electrical energy to mechanical energy, and calculate daily usage of electricity units at home” or “To study commercial viability of Baking Soda Spray as a natural fungicide (for garden at home).” Or “study the significance of lycopene/natural colorant present in various fruits and vegetables.”(I mean, what IS that?)

2) Information Technology

AIM- “ To enable student to be aware of the role of IT in education, society and business.” quotes the manifesto

THE HIGH- The knowlegde it will impart will come handy in the long run, because it apprises us with the basic things we need to know in this tech-savvy ambience.

THE CHALLENGE- Although there are a plethora of projects, the list making you roll your eyes, they seem relevant to make us all computer literates.

3) Indian History and culture

AIM- “To identify the roots and details of some of the contemporary problems faced by our nation and try to locate possible solutions to these challenges by digging deep into our past. Make a student aware of today’s problems like ecological upheaval, urbanization, gender issues etc. and trace their historical origins” tells the curriculum.

THE HIGH-  It (the course) does not  include that detestable date-cramming, learning the names of hierarchy of kings through mnemonics. so, in other words it is the Interesting story of history minus the hateful part. What could be better?

I’ll tell you- street plays, visit to botanical garden,  Comparing and contrasting Chandni Chowk with Rajpath, Tracing elements of continuity and change in Chandni Chowk or Chawri Bazar or Khari Baoli or Connaught Place etc

THE CHALLENGE- “Work on a Monument of Muhalla- Locality Importance.

 Work on a building of Regional Importance – Suraj Kund or Qila Rai Pithora or tomb or

sarai or mosque or temple etc.Work on a cluster of heritage places- Mehrauli Park or Nizamuddin Area, etc.” What again?

4) PHILOSOPHY, PSYCHOLOGY, COMMUNICATION AND LIFE SKILLS

AIM- Experiencing and understanding emotions and their role in the functioning of self and society

THE HIGH-

Films

3 Idiots (2009)

A Wednesday (2008)

Chak De India (2007)

Do Duni Char (2010)

Dor (2006)

English Vinglish (2012)

Iqbaal (2005)

Khuda Ke Liye (2007)

Lagaan (2001)

Life of Pi (2012)

Peepli –Live (2010)

Rang De Basanti (2006)

Rockstar (2011)

Swades (2004)

Tare Zameen Par (2007)

Udaan (2010)

Wake Up Sid (2009)

No, I am not listing out my favourite movies, but the movies as enumerated in the curriculum. So the next time, you can watch them with an “intellectual perspective” and no one can stop you from killing your time because you are “studying”.

THE CHALLENGE- Reading stories and watching movies under the glare of gobbledygook and terminology jargon is not going to be a cakewalk, as I surmise.

Watch out for part two wherein I scrutinize the other foundation courses!!!!!!