Now, anthropology subject in HS, Intermediate syllabus

FOR THE first time, the Uttar Pradesh Madhaymik Shiksha Parishad has decided to introduce Anthropology as new subject in high school and intermediate classes from the coming session.

FOR THE first time, the Uttar Pradesh Madhaymik Shiksha Parishad has decided to introduce Anthropology as new subject in high school and intermediate classes from the coming session.

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The ninth and eleventh standard students would have a choice to study the new subject as optional in their respective classes from July 2006. However, students will appear in this paper in the Board's examination in 2008. One paper comprising of 100 marks would be in High School while two theoretical papers of 35 marks each and a practical examination of 30 marks would be the part of Intermediate examination.

Sources said that this subject had been included in Board curriculum as per directives issued by the State Government. They said that as a discipline anthropology aims first at describing the full spectrum of what people do in all aspects of their lives and then at understanding why people do what they do, both as individuals and as members of social groups. Burning topics like Tsunami, management at the time of natural calamities etc would be taught to students in this subject.

Interestingly, the Board has in recent years introduced sports , moral science and Yoga as new compulsory subjects for its students. However, teachers and infrastructure are not being provided at schools for proper teaching. Thus, fingers are being raised against the decision by several quarters of teachers, principals and guardians as well. There are several colleges where no sports and yoga teachers have been appointed because of dearth of well qualified and trained teachers.

Board secretary Basudev Yadav said that details of new subject was in final stage. All the colleges would receive the syllabus soon .