Comprehensive Course Listing Across All Semesters
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LAR101 | Introduction to Liberal Arts | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | LAR102 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | LAR103 | History of Ideas | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | LAR104 | Critical Thinking Skills | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | LAR105 | English Composition and Literature | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | LAR201 | Political Theory and Institutions | 3-0-0-3 | LAR102 |
| 2 | LAR202 | Economic Systems and Policies | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | LAR203 | Cultural Studies and Identity | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | LAR204 | Introduction to Data Analytics | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | LAR205 | Introduction to Ethics and Values | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 3 | LAR301 | Digital Humanities and Text Analysis | 3-0-0-3 | LAR204 |
| 3 | LAR302 | Environmental Ethics and Policy | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 3 | LAR303 | Global Politics and Diplomacy | 3-0-0-3 | LAR201 |
| 3 | LAR304 | Philosophy of Science and Technology | 3-0-0-3 | LAR202 |
| 3 | LAR305 | History and Cultural Memory | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | LAR401 | Ethics in Emerging Technologies | 3-0-0-3 | LAR304 |
| 4 | LAR402 | Sustainability and Environmental Governance | 3-0-0-3 | LAR302 |
| 4 | LAR403 | Public Policy and Governance | 3-0-0-3 | LAR201 |
| 4 | LAR404 | Human Rights and Social Justice | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | LAR405 | Final Year Capstone Project | 3-0-0-3 | All previous courses |
Detailed Descriptions of Advanced Departmental Electives
Advanced departmental electives in the Liberal Arts program are designed to provide students with specialized knowledge and skills tailored to their interests. These courses offer rigorous academic challenges while encouraging interdisciplinary thinking.
Digital Humanities and Text Analysis (LAR301)
This course introduces students to computational methods for analyzing textual data, including digital mapping, sentiment analysis, and corpus linguistics. Students learn to use tools such as Python, R, and specialized software like Voyant Tools and NLTK. The course emphasizes the intersection of literature, history, and technology.
Environmental Ethics and Policy (LAR302)
This elective explores philosophical questions surrounding environmental responsibility and sustainability. Students examine ethical frameworks for addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. Case studies from global environmental policies are analyzed to understand their moral implications.
Global Politics and Diplomacy (LAR303)
This course examines the structure and dynamics of international relations. Students study historical events, diplomatic negotiations, and contemporary issues such as conflict resolution, trade wars, and global governance. The course includes simulations and debates to enhance understanding.
Philosophy of Science and Technology (LAR304)
This course investigates the philosophical foundations of scientific inquiry and technological development. Topics include realism vs. instrumentalism, the role of ethics in science, and the impact of technology on society. Students engage with primary texts from philosophers like Karl Popper, Thomas Kuhn, and Bruno Latour.
History and Cultural Memory (LAR305)
This course explores how societies remember and represent their past through various media and forms. Students analyze historical documents, films, monuments, and museums to understand how cultural memory shapes identity and politics. The course includes field trips to local archives and heritage sites.
Ethics in Emerging Technologies (LAR401)
This advanced course focuses on ethical considerations in AI, biotechnology, and digital privacy. Students examine regulatory frameworks, corporate ethics codes, and societal impacts of emerging technologies. Real-world case studies from companies like Google, Apple, and Facebook provide practical insights.
Sustainability and Environmental Governance (LAR402)
This course analyzes the governance structures that manage environmental resources. Students explore policies related to renewable energy, carbon trading, and international climate agreements. The course includes guest lectures from policymakers and NGO representatives.
Public Policy and Governance (LAR403)
This elective provides an overview of public policy formulation and implementation. Students study policy cycles, stakeholder analysis, and evaluation techniques. The course includes hands-on workshops where students design policy proposals for real-world problems.
Human Rights and Social Justice (LAR404)
This course examines the theoretical and practical dimensions of human rights and social justice. Students explore international frameworks, regional variations, and grassroots movements for justice. The course includes community engagement projects with local NGOs.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The Liberal Arts program at Ashoka University Sonepat emphasizes project-based learning as a core pedagogical strategy. This approach encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, fostering innovation and critical thinking.
Mini-Projects
Mini-projects are integrated into each semester and typically last 4-6 weeks. These projects allow students to explore specific aspects of their chosen specialization under faculty supervision. Students work in small groups, developing research questions, conducting literature reviews, and presenting findings.
Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project
The final-year thesis is a comprehensive project that synthesizes all learning throughout the program. Students select topics aligned with their specialization and work closely with faculty mentors to develop original research or applied solutions. The project includes a written thesis, oral presentation, and peer review process.
Project Selection Process
Students participate in a structured selection process that involves identifying interests, consulting with faculty advisors, and submitting proposals for approval. Faculty members serve as mentors throughout the project lifecycle, offering guidance on methodology, resources, and timelines.
Evaluation Criteria
Projects are evaluated based on originality, depth of analysis, clarity of presentation, adherence to academic standards, and demonstration of interdisciplinary integration. Peer evaluations and faculty feedback contribute significantly to overall assessment scores.