Course Structure Overview
The Liberal Arts program at The Dhamma Dipa International Buddhist University South Tripura spans eight semesters over four academic years. Each semester is structured to build upon previous knowledge while introducing students to new concepts and methodologies. The curriculum balances foundational courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory components designed to foster a holistic educational experience.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LAR101 | Introduction to Liberal Arts | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | LAR102 | Foundations of Philosophy | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | LAR103 | World Civilizations | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | LAR104 | Academic Writing Skills | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 1 | LAR105 | Introduction to Cultural Studies | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | LAR201 | History of Ideas | 3-0-0-3 | LAR101 |
| 2 | LAR202 | Political Theory | 3-0-0-3 | LAR101 |
| 2 | LAR203 | Introduction to Ethics | 3-0-0-3 | LAR101 |
| 2 | LAR204 | Research Methods in Humanities | 2-0-0-2 | LAR104 |
| 2 | LAR205 | Advanced English Literature | 3-0-0-3 | LAR101 |
| 3 | LAR301 | Postcolonial Literature | 3-0-0-3 | LAR205 |
| 3 | LAR302 | Cultural Anthropology | 3-0-0-3 | LAR101 |
| 3 | LAR303 | Global Environmental Ethics | 3-0-0-3 | LAR203 |
| 3 | LAR304 | Philosophy of Science | 3-0-0-3 | LAR201 |
| 3 | LAR305 | Human Rights and International Law | 3-0-0-3 | LAR202 |
| 4 | LAR401 | Digital Humanities Research | 3-0-0-3 | LAR304 |
| 4 | LAR402 | Advanced Political Theory | 3-0-0-3 | LAR202 |
| 4 | LAR403 | Ethics in Technology | 3-0-0-3 | LAR304 |
| 4 | LAR404 | Global Media and Communication | 3-0-0-3 | LAR205 |
| 4 | LAR405 | Historical Analysis Techniques | 2-0-0-2 | LAR103 |
| 5 | LAR501 | Advanced Ethics | 3-0-0-3 | LAR403 |
| 5 | LAR502 | Cultural Heritage Management | 3-0-0-3 | LAR302 |
| 5 | LAR503 | Corporate Social Responsibility | 3-0-0-3 | LAR401 |
| 5 | LAR504 | Data Ethics | 3-0-0-3 | LAR304 |
| 5 | LAR505 | Leadership in Digital Age | 2-0-0-2 | LAR404 |
| 6 | LAR601 | Research Project I | 3-0-0-3 | LAR501 |
| 6 | LAR602 | Advanced Cultural Studies | 3-0-0-3 | LAR502 |
| 6 | LAR603 | Philosophy of Mind | 3-0-0-3 | LAR401 |
| 6 | LAR604 | Gender Studies and Feminist Theory | 3-0-0-3 | LAR502 |
| 6 | LAR605 | Global Policy and Governance | 3-0-0-3 | LAR402 |
| 7 | LAR701 | Research Project II | 3-0-0-3 | LAR601 |
| 7 | LAR702 | Internship in Humanities | 4-0-0-4 | LAR601 |
| 7 | LAR703 | Advanced Digital Humanities | 3-0-0-3 | LAR504 |
| 7 | LAR704 | Comparative Religion | 3-0-0-3 | LAR201 |
| 7 | LAR705 | Public Policy Analysis | 3-0-0-3 | LAR605 |
| 8 | LAR801 | Capstone Thesis | 6-0-0-6 | LAR701 |
| 8 | LAR802 | Thesis Supervision | 0-0-0-3 | LAR701 |
| 8 | LAR803 | Graduation Project Presentation | 0-0-0-3 | LAR801 |
In addition to the core courses listed above, students are also required to complete laboratory components that enhance their understanding of practical applications in research and communication.
Advanced Departmental Electives
Departmental electives offer students opportunities to specialize further based on their interests and career goals. Here are some advanced offerings:
- Postcolonial Literature: This course explores literary works from former colonies, examining themes of identity, resistance, and cultural hybridity. Students analyze texts by authors such as Edward Said, Jamaica Kincaid, and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o.
- Cultural Anthropology: Focuses on fieldwork methodologies and cultural analysis to understand how societies function and evolve. Topics include kinship systems, ritual practices, and economic structures.
- Global Environmental Ethics: Examines ethical dilemmas related to environmental degradation and resource management from both philosophical and practical perspectives. Students engage with debates surrounding climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.
- Philosophy of Science: Investigates the nature of scientific knowledge, methodology, and epistemology. The course covers topics such as falsifiability, paradigms, and the relationship between theory and observation.
- Human Rights and International Law: Provides an overview of international human rights instruments and their implementation. Students study case studies involving violations and examine mechanisms for accountability.
- Digital Humanities Research: Combines traditional humanities methods with computational tools to analyze texts, images, and other cultural artifacts. Students learn data visualization techniques and use databases to conduct large-scale studies.
- Advanced Political Theory: Builds upon foundational knowledge in political philosophy, exploring contemporary theories of democracy, justice, and governance. The course includes readings from thinkers like John Rawls, Robert Nozick, and Amartya Sen.
- Ethics in Technology: Analyzes ethical implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and surveillance systems. Students debate the moral responsibilities of technologists and policymakers.
- Global Media and Communication: Studies media landscapes across cultures and nations, focusing on how information flows shape public opinion and social change. The course includes analysis of news reporting, social media influence, and digital activism.
- Historical Analysis Techniques: Teaches students how to interpret primary sources, construct historical narratives, and evaluate evidence. Practical exercises involve working with archives, manuscripts, and oral histories.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department believes in project-based learning as a core component of the Liberal Arts experience. Projects allow students to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines while addressing real-world problems. Mini-projects begin in the second year, where students work on small-scale research initiatives under faculty guidance. These projects are typically completed within one semester and require a presentation and report.
Final-year capstone projects are more substantial, often involving collaboration with external organizations or institutions. Students select topics based on their interests and career aspirations, then work closely with assigned mentors to develop original research or creative works. Evaluation criteria include the depth of inquiry, clarity of argumentation, methodological rigor, and contribution to existing scholarship.
Faculty mentors are selected based on their expertise in relevant fields and availability for supervision. Students participate in a structured selection process that includes submitting proposals and meeting with potential advisors. The university ensures that every student has access to appropriate mentoring support throughout their academic journey.