PU to involve students in revision of curriculum

In a significant move, Panjab University has decided to involve all the stakeholders, including students and potential employers, in process of revision of the curriculum in the social sciences stream with an objective to improve employability of students in the market.

The decision was taken in the recently held meeting of committee of the arts faculty and was approved by the vice-chancellor along with other recommendations.

As per the laid down norms, the curriculum is completely revised after three years by the board of studies.

Talking to the Hindustan Times, dean arts faculty, prof BS Ghuman said all the 20 social science departments have been asked to hold a workshop for revision of syllabus.

Teachers, from colleges and university, students and potential employers will take part in exercise of producing syllabus as per market need in these workshops. "The inputs provided by the students and employers will be placed before board of studies for final approval before incorporating them in the syllabi," said prof Ghuman.

The step has been taken to ensure that the courses being offered are in tune with the demands of the market. "There is a gap in what we teach and what is required in the market. Based on the suggestions made by the employers and students, the course will be tailor-made to meet the demands prevailing in the market," added Ghuman.

For the purpose of funding the workshops, the committee has identified Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and dean college development council (DCDC) and funding agencies.

Appreciating the initiative taken by the authorities to involve students and potential employers in the process of syllabi revision, student leader Sumit Goklnaey said that students and employers are stakeholders and their inputs will do a world of good for the cause of enhancing the employability of students of arts stream.

Besides that, the committee also suggested to promote fieldwork in courses offered in the social sciences, which are predominantly theory based. As per the recommendation, each student will have to submit assignments based on fieldwork.

To improve communication skills of students, it has been decided that each discipline should have two credit papers on communication skills. The paper should comprise of two units addressing skills like writing, soft skills and other professional skills required for employability.