Courses in this section: Marxian Thoughts, Techniques in Social Research, Symbolic Logic, Srimad Bhagavad Gita

Marxian Thoughts

This course aims to familiarise students with the fundamental principles of Marxist Theory. The reading material is considered to be slightly heavier than the average HuEl, including different interpretations of classic texts such as Das Kapital and The Communist Manifesto. The course also involves discussion of movies based on economic exploitation and social inequality — examples include Parasite and Modern Times.

The classes have been described as fun and engaging, with some class discussions exploring topics outside the syllabus as well. Nevertheless, attendance is important as it is sometimes included as an evaluative component. The grading is lenient, although the small class strength can mean rapid shifts in grades with each exam or assignment. The course is available across all PR Numbers. Usually, the only evaluative component in the course apart from the mid-semester and comprehensive examinations is an assignment. Open book evaluative components ensure that the course focuses more on creative interpretations of the literature taught rather than rote learning of Marxist literature.

Techniques in Social Research

The course is designed for students interested in designing and publishing research projects in the social sciences. It introduces research, outlining its general procedure, design and methodologies, and purpose. Students are introduced to methods of data collection, analysis, and validation. Some related topics like ethics in research, the politics of social research, and the value of conducting studies on demographics are also talked about.

Students are encouraged to read scientific papers and books to better understand academic writing and research procedures. There will be a report and presentation to submit, as the course is built around the concept of conducting independent research. While the course is not too popular, grading is generous, owing to its fairly easy nature and content. An average score is usually awarded B, while almost a quarter of the class receives an A.

Symbolic Logic

Symbolic Logic (SymLog) aims to develop basic analysis skills to understand the nature of and evaluate the status of deductive arguments using basic symbolic procedures. Students deal with boolean logic, truth tables, and proving and disproving fallacies. The course is much preferred by CS students as it closely mirrors one of their 2-1 CDCs, Logic in Computer Science. 

Evaluative components may require some rote learning but are mainly quite logical and straightforward. The range for B is quite vast, awarded on average, while only a handful of students are granted an A in the course. There is no strict attendance requirement for the course. SymLog is one of the most sought-after HuEls on campus and closes at PR number 300-500.

Srimad Bhagavad Gita

Srimad Bhagavad Gita aims to help students understand the timeless wisdom spoken by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita. Beginning with fundamentals like the need to understand spirituality, the content includes the science of the soul, and a study of various types of yogic practices. 

Regular attendance is recommended as the professor goes over key terms and verses in detail. It is also usually not necessary to remember the verses verbatim; only memorising the key terms is sufficient. Apart from the mid-semester and comprehensive examinations, other evaluative components are quizzes and after-class assignments. The grading system usually has a B awarded at around five marks over the average, and a B- at the average. This course is usually available till PR number 500–600.