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BACHELOR-OF-ARTS in Philosophy at Bokaro Steel City College
Bokaro, Jharkhand
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About the Specialization
What is Philosophy at Bokaro Steel City College Bokaro?
This Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy program at Bokaro Steel City College, affiliated with BBMKU, offers a rigorous exploration into fundamental questions concerning existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. It draws upon both profound Indian philosophical traditions and influential Western thought, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of human inquiry. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and logical reasoning, highly relevant skills in various Indian sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for intellectually curious students and critical thinkers who possess a keen interest in fundamental human questions. It caters to fresh graduates seeking entry into fields like civil services, education, or research, as well as those aspiring to roles requiring strong analytical and ethical reasoning skills. Individuals contemplating careers in journalism, law, or public policy will also find this specialization highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to develop exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills. In India, career paths include civil services (UPSC, state PSC), academia (lecturer, researcher), journalism, content creation, and ethical consulting. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-6 lakhs annually, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals in policy analysis, think tanks, or specialized content roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Engage Deeply with Core Texts- (Semester 1-2)
Actively read and analyze original philosophical texts from both Indian and Western traditions. Don''''t rely solely on summaries; grapple with the primary arguments and nuances directly from the source material. Maintain a reading journal to document key ideas and your reflections.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Project Gutenberg for public domain texts
Career Connection
This builds foundational knowledge and develops critical textual analysis skills essential for academic research, competitive exams, and any role requiring deep comprehension.
Develop Strong Argumentative Writing- (Semester 1-2)
Practice writing analytical essays and short papers that clearly present a philosophical argument, supported by evidence and logical reasoning. Seek feedback from professors and peers on clarity, coherence, and argumentative strength. Participate in departmental writing workshops.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Grammarly/QuillBot for proofreading, Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Effective argumentation is crucial for civil services essays, research papers, legal professions, and any field requiring persuasive communication.
Participate in Philosophy Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Join the college philosophy club or departmental discussion groups. Actively participate in debates, present your views, and respectfully engage with opposing arguments. This enhances verbal communication, critical listening, and intellectual humility.
Tools & Resources
College philosophy club, Departmental seminars, Online discussion forums (e.g., Reddit r/philosophy for broader context)
Career Connection
Improves public speaking, critical thinking, and the ability to articulate complex ideas, valuable for teaching, civil services interviews, and leadership roles.
Intermediate Stage
Master Formal and Informal Logic- (Semester 3-5)
Dedicate extra time to understanding and applying both symbolic logic and the detection of informal fallacies. Practice solving logic problems and analyzing arguments encountered in daily life, media, and academic discourse. Utilize online logic courses or textbooks.
Tools & Resources
Online logic courses (e.g., Coursera, NPTEL for philosophy courses), Logic textbooks by Copi, Hurley, Puzzle books on logical reasoning
Career Connection
Sharpens problem-solving, analytical abilities, and rational decision-making, highly valued in law, consulting, data analysis, and civil services.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek out connections between philosophy and other academic disciplines, such as psychology, political science, sociology, or literature. Consider taking minor electives that complement your philosophical interests to broaden your perspective and analytical toolkit.
Tools & Resources
University academic advisors, Interdisciplinary research papers, Cross-listed courses
Career Connection
Enhances versatility and provides a holistic understanding, making graduates suitable for roles in policy analysis, think tanks, journalism, and ethical leadership in various fields.
Attend University-Level Seminars and Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Participate in seminars, workshops, and guest lectures organized by the university or other academic institutions in Dhanbad/Bokaro. Engage with visiting scholars and present your ideas, even if informal, to gain exposure to diverse philosophical discourse.
Tools & Resources
BBMKU event calendar, Departmental notice boards, Academic conference calls for papers (for observers)
Career Connection
Builds academic network, exposes students to current research, and refines presentation skills, which are crucial for higher studies and academic careers.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 6-8)
In the final year, choose a philosophical topic that genuinely interests you and pursue an in-depth research project. This involves extensive literature review, developing a coherent argument, conducting philosophical analysis, and producing a well-structured dissertation. Seek regular guidance from your faculty mentor.
Tools & Resources
University library databases (JSTOR, PhilPapers), Research methodology guides, Faculty mentors
Career Connection
Essential for pursuing Master''''s or PhD degrees, demonstrating independent research capability for think tanks, policy roles, and high-level analytical positions.
Prepare Strategically for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 6-8)
If aspiring for civil services (UPSC/state PSC) or NTA NET/SET, integrate specific exam preparation into your study routine. Focus on Philosophy as an optional subject, practice answer writing for mains, and stay updated on current affairs and philosophical applications in societal issues.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/NET previous year papers, Coaching institutes (offline/online), Current affairs magazines and newspapers
Career Connection
Directly prepares for high-demand government jobs, academic positions, and ensures a strong grasp of subject matter for advanced qualifications.
Network with Academics and Alumni- (Semester 6-8)
Actively connect with your professors, alumni, and other professionals in philosophy-related fields. Attend conferences, career fairs, and use platforms like LinkedIn to build a professional network. Seek mentorship for career guidance, research opportunities, or academic pursuits.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University alumni association, Departmental faculty office hours, Professional philosophical associations
Career Connection
Opens doors to internships, job opportunities, collaborations, and provides valuable insights into diverse career paths post-graduation, fostering long-term professional growth.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Intermediate (10+2) or equivalent examination passed from a recognized Board/Council, as per University Admission Guidelines.
Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
Credits: 160 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25% (Mid Semester Examination - MSE), External: 75% (End Semester Examination - ESE)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJ-1 (Philosophy) | Indian Philosophy | Core (Major) | 6 | Introduction to Indian Philosophy, Heterodox Systems (Charvaka, Buddhism, Jainism), Orthodox Systems (Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta), Concept of Karma, Rebirth, Moksha |
| MDC-1 | Multidisciplinary Course (Generic Example: Introduction to Indian Culture) | General Elective (Multidisciplinary) | 3 | Indian history and heritage, Art and architecture in India, Philosophical traditions of India, Socio-cultural aspects and diversity |
| AEC-1 | Ability Enhancement Course (Generic Example: Communication in English) | Ability Enhancement | 2 | Basic English grammar and vocabulary, Reading comprehension and writing skills, Oral communication and presentation techniques, Listening skills and public speaking |
| VAC-1 | Value Added Course (Generic Example: Universal Human Values) | Value Added | 2 | Ethics and moral principles, Personal values and self-development, Societal values and responsibility, Interpersonal relationships and harmony |
| SEC-1 | Skill Enhancement Course (Generic Example: Digital Literacy) | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Computer basics and operating systems, Internet usage and online safety, MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Digital communication and social media ethics |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJ-2 (Philosophy) | Western Philosophy (Ancient & Medieval) | Core (Major) | 6 | Pre-Socratic Philosophers, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, Hellenistic Schools (Stoicism, Epicureanism), Early Christian Philosophy (St. Augustine), Scholasticism (St. Thomas Aquinas) |
| MDC-2 | Multidisciplinary Course (Generic Example: Environmental Studies) | General Elective (Multidisciplinary) | 3 | Ecosystems and biodiversity, Environmental pollution and its control, Natural resources and conservation, Climate change and sustainable development |
| AEC-2 | Ability Enhancement Course (Generic Example: Modern Indian Language - Hindi/Bengali/Urdu etc.) | Ability Enhancement | 2 | Grammar and vocabulary of chosen MIL, Reading and writing skills in MIL, Cultural aspects and literary excerpts, Spoken communication in MIL |
| VAC-2 | Value Added Course (Generic Example: Constitutional Values & Fundamental Duties) | Value Added | 2 | Preamble and features of Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Values of democracy, secularism, justice |
| SEC-2 | Skill Enhancement Course (Generic Example: Data Analysis) | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Introduction to statistics and probability, Data collection and organization, Data interpretation and visualization, Basic spreadsheet tools for data management |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJ-3 (Philosophy) | Ethics | Core (Major) | 6 | Nature and Scope of Ethics, Normative Ethical Theories (Deontology, Consequentialism), Virtue Ethics and Meta-ethics, Indian Ethics (Dharma, Karma, Purusharthas), Concept of Duty, Good, and Right |
| MJ-4 (Philosophy) | Logic | Core (Major) | 6 | Nature and Scope of Logic, Deductive Reasoning and Syllogism, Inductive Reasoning and Analogy, Symbolic Logic and Truth Tables, Informal Fallacies and their detection |
| MI-1 | Minor Course 1 (Generic Example: Introduction to Psychology) | Minor | 6 | Fundamentals of Psychology, Cognition and perception, Motivation and emotion, Personality theories, Social psychology basics |
| SEC-3 | Skill Enhancement Course (Generic Example: Communication Skills) | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Public speaking and presentation techniques, Group discussion and teamwork, Interview skills and professional etiquette, Interpersonal communication and conflict resolution |
| IA-1 | Internship/Apprenticeship/Community Outreach | Internship | 2 | Practical exposure to work environments, Community service and social engagement, Application of academic knowledge in real-world settings, Report writing and reflection on experience |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJ-5 (Philosophy) | Philosophy of Religion | Core (Major) | 6 | Nature and Scope of Religion, Proofs for the Existence of God (Ontological, Cosmological, Teleological), Problem of Evil and suffering, Faith and Reason, Religious Experience, Concepts of Immortality and Liberation |
| MJ-6 (Philosophy) | Social and Political Philosophy | Core (Major) | 6 | Nature of Society and Individual, Concepts of Justice, Liberty, Equality, Political Ideologies (Democracy, Socialism, Liberalism), State, Sovereignty, Rights and Duties, Indian Social Thinkers and their ideas |
| MI-2 | Minor Course 2 (Generic Example: Introduction to Sociology) | Minor | 6 | Fundamentals of Sociology, Social stratification and inequality, Culture and socialization, Social institutions (family, education, religion), Social change and development |
| SEC-4 | Skill Enhancement Course (Generic Example: Creative Writing) | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Fiction writing (short stories, novels), Poetry and dramatic writing, Non-fiction and journalistic writing, Editing and proofreading skills |
| IA-2 | Internship/Apprenticeship/Community Outreach (Continued) | Internship | 2 | Advanced practical experience in selected field, Project implementation and management, Community needs assessment and intervention, Reflective practice and portfolio development |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJ-7 (Philosophy) | Western Philosophy (Modern) | Core (Major) | 6 | Rationalism (Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz), Empiricism (Locke, Berkeley, Hume), Kant''''s Critical Philosophy, Enlightenment thinkers and their impact, Mind-body problem and theories of knowledge |
| MJ-8 (Philosophy) | Epistemology and Metaphysics | Core (Major) | 6 | Nature and Scope of Knowledge, Sources of Knowledge (Rationalism, Empiricism, Intuition), Theories of Truth (Coherence, Correspondence, Pragmatic), Metaphysics (Reality, Substance, Causality, Space & Time), Mind-Body Problem and Personal Identity |
| OE-1 | Open Elective Course 1 (Generic Example: Introduction to Digital Marketing) | Elective | 3 | Basics of digital marketing, SEO and SEM strategies, Social media marketing, Email marketing and content creation |
| SEC-5 | Skill Enhancement Course (Generic Example: Research Methodology) | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Research design and formulation of research questions, Data collection methods (qualitative and quantitative), Analytical tools and interpretation of findings, Academic writing and ethical considerations in research |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJ-9 (Philosophy) | Applied Ethics | Core (Major) | 6 | Environmental Ethics and Animal Rights, Bioethics (Euthanasia, Abortion, Cloning), Professional Ethics (Medical, Business, Legal), Media Ethics and Censorship, Ethical dilemmas in contemporary society |
| MJ-10 (Philosophy) | Contemporary Indian Philosophy | Core (Major) | 6 | Swami Vivekananda (Practical Vedanta), Rabindranath Tagore (Humanism, Education), Mahatma Gandhi (Satyagraha, Non-violence), Sri Aurobindo (Integral Yoga, Evolution), Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, J. Krishnamurti |
| OE-2 | Open Elective Course 2 (Generic Example: Financial Literacy) | Elective | 3 | Personal finance and budgeting, Investment basics (stocks, mutual funds), Banking and insurance concepts, Financial planning for future goals |
| SEC-6 | Skill Enhancement Course (Generic Example: Critical Thinking) | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Problem-solving and decision-making, Logical reasoning and argument analysis, Cognitive biases and fallacies, Evaluating information and sources |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJ-11 (Philosophy) | Philosophy of Mind | Core (Major) | 6 | Mind-Body Theories (Dualism, Materialism, Functionalism), Consciousness and its nature, Personal Identity and Self, Intentionality and Mental Representation, Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence |
| MJ-12 (Philosophy) | Advanced Logic and Philosophy of Language | Core (Major) | 6 | Propositional Logic and Predicate Logic, Modal Logic and Deontic Logic, Semantics (Meaning, Reference, Truth), Pragmatics (Speech Acts, Implicature), Theories of Language and Communication |
| Research Methodology (Philosophy) | Research Methodology | Core (Major Allied) | 6 | Philosophical research methods and approaches, Qualitative and quantitative research techniques, Data analysis and interpretation in humanities, Academic writing, citation, and ethical guidelines for research |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJ-13 (Philosophy) | Existentialism and Phenomenology | Core (Major) | 6 | Søren Kierkegaard (Existential Angst, Faith), Friedrich Nietzsche (Will to Power, Nihilism), Martin Heidegger (Being and Time, Dasein), Jean-Paul Sartre (Freedom, Bad Faith), Edmund Husserl (Phenomenological Method) |
| MJ-RP (Philosophy) | Research Project/Dissertation | Project | 6 | In-depth research on a chosen philosophical topic, Literature review and conceptual framework development, Data collection (if applicable) and rigorous analysis, Dissertation writing, presentation, and defense |
| OE-3 | Open Elective Course 3 (Advanced/Specialized) | Elective | 3 | Advanced topics in social sciences, Specific language or cultural studies, Entrepreneurship and small business management, Advanced IT skills or data science applications |
