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BA in Liberal Arts at CHRIST (Deemed to be University)
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Liberal Arts at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Bengaluru?
This Liberal Arts program at CHRIST, Bengaluru, focuses on interdisciplinary learning, fostering critical thinking and diverse perspectives across humanities and social sciences. It equips students with analytical and communication skills highly valued in India''''s evolving knowledge economy, preparing them for dynamic roles beyond traditional boundaries, emphasizing a holistic educational experience.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for curious fresh graduates seeking a broad intellectual foundation rather than a narrow specialization. It appeals to students passionate about multiple subjects, aiming for careers requiring adaptable problem-solving skills. Aspiring civil servants, content creators, or those pursuing higher studies in social sciences and humanities find this program particularly enriching.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates gain versatile skills crucial for India''''s diverse job market. Career paths include research, journalism, public policy, marketing, human resources, and social work. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs annually, with significant growth potential in managerial or specialized roles. The broad base aids in competitive exams and postgraduate specializations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Interdisciplinary Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with texts from diverse fields (e.g., philosophy, literature, history, sociology) beyond assigned readings. Join university reading clubs or form informal study groups to discuss varied perspectives on contemporary issues. This builds foundational critical analysis.
Tools & Resources
University Library, online academic journals, Open Access resources, literary discussion forums, peer study groups
Career Connection
Enhances analytical depth, broadens general knowledge, and improves comprehension, crucial for competitive exams (UPSC) and roles requiring multifaceted understanding (journalism, research).
Master Academic Communication & Research Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing strong academic writing, public speaking, and presentation skills through all assignments. Seek feedback from faculty, attend writing workshops, and participate in debates/elocution competitions. Learn effective research methodology and citation.
Tools & Resources
University Writing Centre, communication labs, Grammarly, academic style guides (APA/MLA), CHRIST''''s research databases
Career Connection
Essential for academic success, future research roles, content creation, public relations, and any professional communication-heavy job.
Explore Potential Major Disciplines- (Semester 1-2)
Utilize the first two semesters to delve deeper into the foundational courses in humanities and social sciences. Attend introductory sessions, talk to senior students and faculty from different departments to inform your choice of major disciplines for the intermediate stages.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, department open houses, senior student mentorship, university career counseling services, online course previews
Career Connection
Helps make informed choices about major specializations, aligning academic path with career interests, thereby enhancing future employability.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Interdisciplinary Projects & Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek out and participate in projects that combine your two major disciplines or explore a third area of interest. Apply for internships in diverse sectors (NGOs, media, research firms, government bodies) that value a liberal arts background, even if unpaid initially.
Tools & Resources
University Internship Office, LinkedIn, online job portals (Naukri, Internshala), faculty recommendations, networking events
Career Connection
Provides practical experience, builds professional networks, helps identify preferred career paths, and strengthens resume for placements in varied industries.
Develop Specialized Analytical Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Engage with quantitative and qualitative research methods relevant to your chosen majors. Utilize statistical software, conduct surveys, or perform in-depth textual analysis. Enroll in skill enhancement courses (SEC) like data analytics or advanced research writing.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (R, SPSS, Excel), qualitative research tools, online courses (Coursera, edX) in specific methodologies, university workshops
Career Connection
Equips students with in-demand skills for research roles, policy analysis, market research, data journalism, and academic pursuits.
Engage in Debates, Seminars & Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Proactively participate in university-level debates, essay competitions, and academic seminars/workshops related to your major disciplines and broader societal issues. Present papers, moderate discussions, or volunteer for event organization.
Tools & Resources
Departmental societies, university clubs, national/international student conferences, faculty mentors
Career Connection
Enhances critical thinking, public speaking, leadership, and networking abilities, making graduates more articulate and confident for interviews and professional roles.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Research Project- (Semester 6)
Leverage the final semester project to synthesize knowledge from both major disciplines. Choose a topic that allows for an innovative, interdisciplinary approach, conducting thorough research and producing a high-quality report or thesis.
Tools & Resources
Faculty supervisors, university research grants, advanced statistical/qualitative analysis software, academic databases, reference management tools
Career Connection
Demonstrates advanced research capabilities, critical thinking, and the ability to manage complex projects, crucial for postgraduate studies, research positions, and high-level analytical roles.
Strategize for Higher Education or Career Entry- (Semester 6)
Begin focused preparation for postgraduate entrance exams (e.g., MA, MBA, Law, Civil Services) or targeted job applications. Attend career fairs, mock interviews, and resume-building workshops. Network with alumni and industry professionals for insights and opportunities.
Tools & Resources
University Placement Cell, career counselors, alumni network, online job platforms, entrance exam coaching materials, professional networking events
Career Connection
Ensures a smooth transition post-graduation, either into advanced academic programs or directly into suitable entry-level to mid-level professional positions across various sectors in India.
Cultivate a Professional Online Presence- (Semester 6)
Develop a professional LinkedIn profile showcasing academic achievements, projects, internships, and skill sets. Curate an online portfolio for relevant fields (e.g., writing samples for journalism, research papers for academia). Engage in thought leadership in areas of expertise.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, personal website/blog platforms (WordPress, Medium), online portfolio builders, professional communities
Career Connection
Increases visibility to recruiters and potential collaborators, establishes personal brand, and opens doors to diverse opportunities in the modern Indian job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in 10+2 (ISC/CBSE/NIOS/State Board/PUC) or equivalent, with a minimum pass percentage of 50%. Provisional admission available for candidates appearing for current year 10+2 exams.
Duration: 3 years (6 Semesters)
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA LAL 111 / BA LAE 111 | Foundation English I / Academic Writing | Discipline Specific Core (Language/Foundation) | 4 | Advanced Grammar and Usage, Reading Comprehension Strategies, Critical Thinking and Argumentation, Academic Essay Structure, Introduction to Research and Referencing |
| BA LAL 112 / BA LAE 112 | Public Speaking & Presentation Skills / Communication Studies | Discipline Specific Core (Language/Foundation) | 4 | Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication, Audience Analysis and Message Design, Effective Presentation Techniques, Persuasive Speaking, Interpersonal Communication Skills |
| BA LAH 113 | History of Indian Arts & Architecture / Visual Art History | Discipline Specific Core (Humanities Foundation) | 4 | Ancient Indian Art Forms, Mughal and Regional Architecture, Evolution of Temple Architecture, Modern and Contemporary Indian Art, Folk and Tribal Art Traditions |
| BA LAP 114 | Indian Political System / Global Political Systems | Discipline Specific Core (Social Science Foundation) | 4 | Indian Constitution and Federalism, Political Institutions and Processes, Political Parties and Electoral Reforms, International Relations and Global Governance, Key Political Ideologies |
| AECC 115 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution and Control, Natural Resources and Conservation, Climate Change and Global Warming, Sustainable Development Practices |
| VAC 116 | Ethics and Values | Value Added Course | 1 | Moral Philosophy and Ethical Theories, Dilemmas in Ethics and Decision Making, Professional Ethics and Conduct, Societal Values and Human Rights, Personal and Social Responsibility |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA LAL 211 / BA LAE 211 | Foundation English II / Creative Writing | Discipline Specific Core (Language/Foundation) | 4 | Narrative Techniques and Storytelling, Poetry and Poetic Devices, Short Fiction Writing, Playwriting Basics, Editing and Revising Creative Works |
| BA LAL 212 / BA LAE 212 | Logic and Critical Thinking / Introduction to Philosophy | Discipline Specific Core (Language/Foundation) | 4 | Deductive and Inductive Reasoning, Identifying Logical Fallacies, Argumentation and Persuasion, Problem-Solving Strategies, Introduction to Major Philosophical Traditions |
| BA LAS 213 | Introduction to Sociology / Indian Society & Culture | Discipline Specific Core (Social Science Foundation) | 4 | Basic Sociological Concepts, Social Institutions and Stratification, Culture and Socialization, Theories of Social Change, Diversity and Challenges in Indian Society |
| BA LAE 214 | Introduction to Economics / Microeconomics | Discipline Specific Core (Social Science Foundation) | 4 | Fundamental Economic Principles, Supply, Demand and Market Equilibrium, Consumer Behavior and Utility, Production and Cost Analysis, Market Structures and Pricing |
| AECC 215 | English / Modern Indian Language (MIL) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Advanced Language Proficiency, Grammar and Syntax, Reading and Writing Skills, Cultural and Literary Appreciation, Spoken Communication Practice |
| VAC 216 | Constitution of India / Legal Literacy | Value Added Course | 1 | Framework of Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Judicial System and Legal Aid, Citizenship and Governance |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA DSC M1-1 | Discipline Specific Core (Major 1, Paper 1) | Core | 4 | Foundational theories and concepts specific to the first chosen major discipline, Methodologies and analytical frameworks of the discipline, Historical development and key figures, Introduction to core debates and schools of thought, Basic application of disciplinary knowledge |
| LA DSC M1-2 | Discipline Specific Core (Major 1, Paper 2) | Core | 4 | Intermediate concepts and specialized areas within the first chosen major, Advanced analytical techniques, Case studies and practical applications, Interdisciplinary connections within the major, Critical evaluation of disciplinary theories |
| LA DSC M2-1 | Discipline Specific Core (Major 2, Paper 1) | Core | 4 | Foundational theories and concepts specific to the second chosen major discipline, Methodologies and analytical frameworks of the discipline, Historical development and key figures, Introduction to core debates and schools of thought, Basic application of disciplinary knowledge |
| LA DSC M2-2 | Discipline Specific Core (Major 2, Paper 2) | Core | 4 | Intermediate concepts and specialized areas within the second chosen major, Advanced analytical techniques, Case studies and practical applications, Interdisciplinary connections within the major, Critical evaluation of disciplinary theories |
| SEC 315 | Skill Enhancement Course (e.g., Academic Research Writing, Digital Humanities) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Research design and methodology, Data collection and analysis techniques, Effective communication of research findings, Digital tools for humanities research, Practical application of acquired skills |
| VAC 316 | Value Added Course (e.g., Personal Growth & Development) | Value Added Course | 1 | Self-awareness and introspection, Goal setting and time management, Stress management and emotional intelligence, Interpersonal skills and team building, Career planning and personal branding |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA DSC M1-3 | Discipline Specific Core (Major 1, Paper 3) | Core | 4 | Specialized areas and sub-disciplines within the first chosen major, Contemporary issues and debates in the field, Advanced theoretical applications, Research methods and data interpretation, Comparative studies within the discipline |
| LA DSC M1-4 | Discipline Specific Core (Major 1, Paper 4) | Core | 4 | In-depth analysis of specific topics or periods in the first major, Critical approaches and diverse perspectives, Advanced problem-solving skills, Application of theory to real-world contexts, Independent study and presentation |
| LA DSC M2-3 | Discipline Specific Core (Major 2, Paper 3) | Core | 4 | Specialized areas and sub-disciplines within the second chosen major, Contemporary issues and debates in the field, Advanced theoretical applications, Research methods and data interpretation, Comparative studies within the discipline |
| LA DSC M2-4 | Discipline Specific Core (Major 2, Paper 4) | Core | 4 | In-depth analysis of specific topics or periods in the second major, Critical approaches and diverse perspectives, Advanced problem-solving skills, Application of theory to real-world contexts, Independent study and presentation |
| GE 415 | Generic Elective (Inter-disciplinary) | Elective | 3 | Concepts from a discipline outside the chosen majors, Interdisciplinary understanding and connections, Broader intellectual exposure, Diverse perspectives on societal challenges, Foundational knowledge in a new academic area |
| VAC 416 | Value Added Course (e.g., Financial Literacy / Digital Marketing) | Value Added Course | 1 | Personal finance and investment basics, Budgeting and financial planning, Introduction to digital marketing strategies, Social media marketing and content creation, Online presence and e-commerce |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA DSC M1-5 | Discipline Specific Core (Major 1, Paper 5) | Core | 4 | Advanced theoretical frameworks and models within the first major, Emerging trends and contemporary debates, Research-oriented studies and methodologies, In-depth analysis of specialized topics, Advanced critical thinking and analysis |
| LA DSC M1-6 | Discipline Specific Core (Major 1, Paper 6) | Core | 4 | Capstone studies or comprehensive modules in the first major, Interdisciplinary applications within the major, Policy implications and societal relevance, Advanced research and independent project work, Presentation and defense of findings |
| LA DSC M2-5 | Discipline Specific Core (Major 2, Paper 5) | Core | 4 | Advanced theoretical frameworks and models within the second major, Emerging trends and contemporary debates, Research-oriented studies and methodologies, In-depth analysis of specialized topics, Advanced critical thinking and analysis |
| LA DSC M2-6 | Discipline Specific Core (Major 2, Paper 6) | Core | 4 | Capstone studies or comprehensive modules in the second major, Interdisciplinary applications within the major, Policy implications and societal relevance, Advanced research and independent project work, Presentation and defense of findings |
| DSE 515 | Discipline Specific Elective (Major 1) | Elective | 3 | Specialized elective topics offering deeper insight into the first major, Advanced research areas or specific schools of thought, Contemporary applications or methodologies, Case studies and problem-solving exercises, Independent study on a chosen topic |
| DSE 516 | Discipline Specific Elective (Major 2) | Elective | 3 | Specialized elective topics offering deeper insight into the second major, Advanced research areas or specific schools of thought, Contemporary applications or methodologies, Case studies and problem-solving exercises, Independent study on a chosen topic |
| VAC 517 | Value Added Course (e.g., Entrepreneurship / Professional Communication) | Value Added Course | 1 | Principles of entrepreneurship and innovation, Business plan development, Effective workplace communication, Presentation and negotiation skills, Professional etiquette and networking |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE 611 | Discipline Specific Elective (Major 1) | Elective | 4 | Advanced elective specialization within the first major, Cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary applications, In-depth case studies and project-based learning, Contemporary challenges and future directions, Critical evaluation of advanced theories |
| DSE 612 | Discipline Specific Elective (Major 2) | Elective | 4 | Advanced elective specialization within the second major, Cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary applications, In-depth case studies and project-based learning, Contemporary challenges and future directions, Critical evaluation of advanced theories |
| GE 613 | Generic Elective (Inter-disciplinary) | Elective | 3 | Further exposure to a third distinct discipline or field of study, Broadening intellectual horizons and interdisciplinary understanding, Application of diverse analytical tools, Global perspectives on contemporary issues, Integration of knowledge from various fields |
| Project 614 | Interdisciplinary Project | Project | 6 | Research problem identification and formulation, Methodology design and data collection, Data analysis and interpretation, Academic writing and report preparation, Presentation and defense of research findings |
| VAC 615 | Value Added Course (e.g., Leadership Development / Conflict Resolution) | Value Added Course | 1 | Principles of effective leadership, Team dynamics and collaboration, Conflict resolution strategies, Negotiation skills and diplomacy, Ethical leadership and social impact |
