Institute of Social Science Education and Research

About Institute of Social Science Education and Research

 

The Panjab University has implemented NEP 2020 in PU-ISSER. B.A./B.A. (Hons.)/B.A.(Hons. with Research) in Social Sciences from the session 2023. This is offered as a four years (8 Semesters) programme under Honours School Framework. The Panjab University shall award the degree of B.A./B.A. (Hons.)/B.A.(Hons. with Research) in Social Sciences under the Framework of Honours School System with majors in any one of the subjects of Geography, History, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology and any other subject as decided by the Syndicate from time to time.

Vision and Mission of PU-ISSER
VISION:
To cultivate sentient young minds who contribute positively to society and to promote positive mental health.

MISSION:

• To expose the young minds to intersection of multiple social science disciplines to help them cultivate fresh perspectives on the role they can play in nation building.
• To introduce the students to fundamental concepts and principles of social sciences in context of contemporary trends.
• To foster critical thinking among students to make them future-ready

Duration of Course
The duration of the course B.A./ B.A.(Hons.)/B.A.(Hons. with Research) in Social Sciences shall be of Four Years (Eight Semesters). A student can exit at the end of 3rd year (Six Semesters) and shall be awarded the degree of B.A. (Social Sciences). A student can also exit at the end of 2nd year (Four Semesters) shall be awarded UG Diploma (Social Sciences). A student can also exit at the end of 1st year (two semesters) and shall be awarded UG Certificate (Social Sciences). For obtaining UG Certificate/UG Diploma/UG Degree/Honours Degree/ Honours with Research Degree in Social Sciences, a student shall qualify the number of credits as per these Regulations and Scheme framed in accordance with these Regulations.

3.3 Disciplines/Courses/Credits
The B.A./B.A. (Hons.)/B.A.(Hons. with Research) in Social Sciences programmes shall be awarded on the basis of following two categories of disciplines:

A. Major discipline is the discipline or subject of main focus and the degree shall be awarded in that discipline. Students should secure the prescribed number of credits (about 50% of total credits) through core courses in the major discipline.

B. Minor discipline helps a student to gain a broader understanding beyond the major discipline. For example, if a student pursuing a Geography major obtains a minimum of 2 4 credits from a bunch of courses in Sociology, then the student will be awarded B.A. degree in Geography with a minor in Sociology.

All discipline-specific courses (major or minor) shall be of 4 credits. The student will not be allowed to study same subject in Major and minor.

C. Other Courses

1. All courses under the Multi-disciplinary/Interdisciplinary courses, Ability and Skill Enhancement categories shall be of 3, 2 & 3-credits respectively or as appropriate;
2. Value-Added Courses: Courses under Value Added/Ability Enhancement (language), etc., shall be of 2-credits.

D. Compulsory Subject
(a) Punjabi (in AEC basket) 2 credits
or
(b) History and Culture of Punjab - 2 credits

Students will opt for Punjabi if they have studied Punjabi in class X or XII and for HCP if they have not taken Punjabi at school level, as per existing PU BA Pattern

The student will not be allowed to study same subject in Major and minor.

Special lectures by eminent scholars are envisioned as part of this programme. This experiential learning would add to their understanding of the social sciences. The programme envisages a focus on logical reasoning, use of classical texts and development of writing skills to analyse and present evidence, through tutorials and a mentor system. The faculty members in the Panjab University campus social science departments, USOL, DES, and UILS would collectively participate in teaching this new programme.

The Honours School Framework programme in social sciences intends to train students to become reflective and critical thinkers, independent learners and specially equipped in interdisciplinary skills for social analysis and research. The programme allows for in-depth study in each discipline. It will prepare them with a strong foundation for teaching and research opportunities, competitive examinations and employment in civil society, government and the corporate sector. The four year honours programme intends to provide additional perspectives to comprehend the significant issues of the region, nation and the world today. Our endeavour is to mould the students who join the department into remarkable young men and women who would be leaders in the field they may choose to go into, and who will usher in changes for a new, progressive tomorrow.