Each time one hears the word “offbeat”, these are the things that come to mind: passion, lesser pay, niche, convincing parents, good teachers to teach them and colleges to opt for. This year, many colleges across India have introduced innovative courses for aspiring students, to bridge the gap between what they want to do and what is available. Watch out this space as we feature new courses. This week, we bring you courses you can choose from the Arts stream.
Holistic
The dearth of mental health professionals is inversely proportional to the increasing number of people with mental health issues. One factor that contributes to this is the lack of opportunities to gain a high quality education in mental health. To bridge this gap, the Department of Psychology, at Mumbai’s St. Xavier’s College, launched a new master’s degree course — M.A. Psychology: Lifespan Counselling, last month. Any student with a bachelor’s degree. across disciplines, having studied at least one paper in psychology during the three years, can opt for this course. On completion, you could pursue an M.Phil in Clinical Psychology, or work in this field.
In an endeavour to further the holistic understanding of ancient Indian culture in all its parameters, the MA in ancient Indian history, culture and Archaeology , offered by St. Xavier’s, Mumbai, provides a sound understanding of the various vistas of our history and culture. It helps in promoting the conservation of our heritage, and heritage management. It provides opportunities in the streams of Archaeology, Museology, Conservation, Social Sciences and the Humanities. Graduates have a wide range of job opportunities such as civil services, educational services, journalism, museums, tourism, research, and so on.
For details: http://xaviers.edu/main/
PUKAR, an independent research collective and urban knowledge producing institution, has collaborated with Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, for a year-long activity-based weekend course which offers an avenue to identify, understand and study the issues of local communities. The diploma in community-based participatory research and advocacy aims to nurture the knowledge, passion and talent of youngsters, and promotes their right to research. The knowledge and skills that the students gain provide them the confidence to become informed thinkers and leaders of their communities. The course offers skill-based training, discussions and participatory tools through activity-based learning, where the youth begins to examine their everyday lives through an alternative lens. The discussions on social institutions and events enable them to become more informed stakeholders.
Another course offered by TISS is an Integrated BEd-MEd .
A full-time three-year integrated programme for the preparation of faculty for teacher education, as well as other professional work in education, this programme offers a unique multidisciplinary, applied social science approach towards the study of teaching. With a strong research focus, intensive engagement with schools and teacher education institutions, the course includes a year-long internship and a choice of specialisations. It will enable a critical understanding of education studies and practices, and developing competencies to contribute to the sector.
For details: https://www.tiss.edu/
With an aim to focus on the intersection of law and politics, and the importance of shaping a better understanding of modern India, M.A in Law, Politics and Society has been introduced in Ambedkar University, Delhi. This is a two-year degreeon research and analysis.
There are four mandatory courses on constitution and public law, criminal justice system, criminal imagery, and law and humanity. The electives in this programme are far ranging, which include law and literature, environmental justice, gender, sexuality and law, supreme court and politics in India. On course completion, you could either get into research, teaching, legal practices or work with non-governmental organisations and law firms.
For details: http://aud.ac.in/admissions/undergraduate_programmes-5/Karampura_Campus/programmes
B.Voc. is a unique programme with multiple exit points. In addition to the normal completion, students have the option of exiting the programme at the end of the first year after earning a diploma, or at the end of the second year and earn an advanced diploma. Students will be trained in skill components, and will be certified by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) on successful completion.
B.Voc. Tourism and hospitality is being offered in Stella Maris College, Chennai. The programme is designed in a manner that the syllabus meets the requirements of the industry and the National Occupational Standards.
For details: http://stellamariscollege.edu.in/
With inputs from Neha Rupeja and Saradha Udayakumar
