BeyondHeadlines

Tag: Sociology

  • DU Sociology Syllabus in Trouble : Academicians Divided Over Marx vs Gandhi

    DU Sociology Syllabus in Trouble : Academicians Divided Over Marx vs Gandhi

    Shafaque Alam for BeyondHeadlines

    NEW DELHI : Delhi University’s Academic Council (AC) in its last meeting cleared the syllabus of Four Year Undergraduate Programme of Sociology but observed that the syllabus is leaning towards ‘Left Ideology’ due to excess emphasis on Karl Marx, which the department does not agree with. The AC had sent the syllabus back to the department suggesting some changes and asked it to submit it within three months.

    Rajesh Kumar Jha, an Academic Council member said, “First, the department of Sociology delayed in course formation and submitted it after the deadline. The syllabus structured seemed one sided and intending to promote certain ideology. A number of readings and original works of Karl Marks was added to the syllabus. But less space was given to Indian scholars like Mahatma Gandhi and B R Ambedkar, which the AC members objected and sent it back to the department for review,” Mr. Jha said.

    DU Sociology Syllabus in Trouble : Academicians Divided Over Marx vs Gandhi

    On the other hand the Department of sociology does not agree with this observation. “The Department does not agree with the observation that there was excess emphasis on Karl Marx in the programme. We have also introduced Indian scholars like Gandhi and others. The Department is reviewing the syllabus but there are little chances of removing the chapters on Marx which has been added after due discussion,” said Prof. Satish Deshpande, Head, Department of Sociology. He, however, added that the department may add some more literature written by Indian writers as alternative.

    Another AC member said that the Department deliberated on the course formation but the internal clash and ego delayed its final submission on time. “The AC members observed that the syllabus prepared had little new knowledge except emphasis on certain ideology. There was much literature on Marx which was essentially not required for undergraduate students. Moreover, there was little space for sociologists like Adam Smith or Mahatma Gandhi,” he said adding that the Department wanted AC’s approval in a hurry which was not possible. The history syllabus was also passed with a few suggestions.

  • University of Sheffield Invites Application for PhD Scholarship in Sociology and Synthetic Biology

    University of Sheffield Invites Application for PhD Scholarship in Sociology and Synthetic Biology

    BH Global Education Team

    University of Sheffield of United Kingdom is a leading public and research intensive university. The university was recently named as the University of the Year 2011 at the Times Higher Education Awards 2011. The university has invited application for PhD Scholarship. For details please see the official press release.

    The official release on the university website (http://shef.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.147375!/file/PhDinSTS.pdf) mentions this is a collaborative project between Dr Susan Molyneux-Hodgson (Sociological Studies) and Dr Holger Nehring (History). This project is part of a Cross-Faculty PhD training network funded by the University of Sheffield entitled “Synthetic Biology for Human Health”.

    The project will be expected to contribute to general theories on the relations between science and society; and to more specific sociological theory on bio-politics and governance of scientific research. New methods of research, combining sociological and historical work may be developed. Emerging findings will be fed back in to associated scientific projects, to facilitate ongoing discussions with the scientists and engineers on notions of innovation and responsibility.

    Applications have been invited from highly motivated and talented students holding, or expecting to obtain, at least an upper second (2:1) or First Class degree in a relevant subject area. Masters qualifications are highly desirable. Please contact Dr Susan Molyneux-Hodgson (s.hodgson@shef.ac.uk) and Dr Holger Nehring (h.nehring@shef.ac.uk).

    Information is also available at the following websites:

    SATIS (Science and Technology in Society): http://www.shef.ac.uk/socstudies/research/centres/satis

     

    Award details

    Each scholarship will cover the cost of UK/EU tuition fees and provides an annual, tax-free maintenance stipend at the standard Research Council rate (£13,590 in 2011-12). The recipient will also receive a Research Training Support Grant of £1000 per year. International applicants will need to pay the difference between the UK/EU and Overseas tuition fees.

     

    Eligibility

    • Academic requirements – applicants should have, or expect to achieve, a first or upper second class UK honours degree or equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK in an appropriate area of study. A Masters degree in a relevant area is highly desirable.

    • Applicants should be registering on their first year of study with the University for 2012-13.

    • Residency restrictions – awards are open to UK, EU and international applicants.

     

    How to apply

    • Applicants are advised to contact supervisors to discuss their application

    • Complete an application for admission as a postgraduate student –

    http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply

     

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