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B-A-PROGRAMME in Philosophy And History at Kirori Mal College
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Philosophy and History at Kirori Mal College Delhi?
This Philosophy and History program at Kirori Mal College, affiliated with the University of Delhi, offers a profound understanding of human thought and societal evolution. It delves into critical philosophical inquiries alongside comprehensive historical analysis, equipping students with analytical prowess and a nuanced perspective on Indian and global contexts. This interdisciplinary approach is highly relevant for roles demanding critical thinking and contextual understanding in policy, research, and cultural sectors in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in humanities, social sciences, and critical inquiry. It suits those aspiring for careers in civil services, journalism, teaching, law, or public policy, who seek to develop strong analytical and communication skills. Individuals passionate about understanding societal structures, ethical dilemmas, and historical trajectories will find this specialization particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as researchers, content writers, educators, civil servants, and policy analysts. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience in government, NGOs, media, and educational institutions. The program fosters intellectual growth, enabling graduates to pursue higher studies like M.A., M.Phil., or Ph.D., and excel in competitive examinations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Reading Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with foundational texts in both Philosophy and History. Dedicate time daily to reading primary sources and classic philosophical works. Utilize online platforms like Project Gutenberg for historical documents and Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy for conceptual clarity. Join reading clubs to discuss complex ideas and improve comprehension.
Tools & Resources
Project Gutenberg, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, College library resources, Goodreads
Career Connection
Develops critical reading and comprehension, essential for research, civil services exams, and roles requiring extensive documentation analysis.
Master Essay Writing and Argumentation- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on structuring coherent arguments and writing well-researched essays. Seek feedback from professors regularly and participate in college writing workshops. Practice outlining arguments before drafting and learn to cite sources correctly using academic styles. Utilize university writing centers for personalized guidance.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL, Grammarly, University writing center, Peer review groups
Career Connection
Sharpens written communication and analytical skills, crucial for academic writing, journalism, policy drafting, and competitive exams.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom discussions and form study groups with peers from diverse backgrounds. Connect philosophical concepts to historical events and vice versa. Attend departmental seminars and invited talks by scholars. This helps in developing a holistic perspective and strengthens intellectual curiosity.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, Student discussion forums, Online academic communities
Career Connection
Cultivates holistic thinking and articulate communication, beneficial for civil services interviews, group discussions, and multi-disciplinary roles.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Research Assistantships/Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Look for opportunities to work as a research assistant with faculty members in Philosophy or History departments. Alternatively, seek internships with think tanks, historical societies, NGOs focusing on heritage, or publishing houses. This provides practical exposure to academic or industry research methodologies.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Professor networks, Online internship portals (e.g., Internshala, LetsIntern)
Career Connection
Builds practical research skills and professional networks, highly valued in academic research, journalism, and policy analysis roles.
Develop Digital Humanities Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Explore tools and techniques used in Digital Humanities. Learn basic data analysis for historical data, digital archiving, or creating interactive timelines/maps. Utilize online courses or workshops to gain proficiency in relevant software. This adds a modern edge to traditional humanities skills.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX courses on Digital Humanities, GIS software tutorials, Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau Public)
Career Connection
Enhances employability in modern research, data journalism, and cultural heritage management, bridging traditional humanities with technology.
Participate in Debates and Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Join the college debate society or participate in inter-college essay writing and quiz competitions focused on current affairs, philosophy, or history. This hones quick thinking, articulation, and the ability to present complex ideas under pressure, which is crucial for competitive environments.
Tools & Resources
College debate societies, Inter-college competitions, Model United Nations (MUN)
Career Connection
Improves public speaking, logical argumentation, and quick decision-making, highly advantageous for civil services, law, and corporate communications.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Specialization for Higher Studies/Exams- (Semester 6-8)
Identify specific areas within Philosophy (e.g., ethics, political philosophy) or History (e.g., modern Indian history, ancient world) that align with future career goals (M.A., Ph.D., Civil Services). Deep dive into advanced readings and develop a niche expertise. Seek mentorship from faculty in these areas.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET syllabus, Civil Services exam syllabus (UPSC), Advanced academic journals
Career Connection
Prepares for specialized roles in academia, research, or competitive examinations like UPSC/State PSCs, providing a clear career trajectory.
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (Semester 7-8)
Leverage the opportunity to complete a substantial research project or dissertation in your final year. Choose a topic that integrates Philosophy and History, allowing for interdisciplinary analysis. Aim for publication in a college journal or presentation at a student conference.
Tools & Resources
Research supervision by faculty, Academic databases (JSTOR, Project MUSE), Plagiarism check software
Career Connection
Showcases independent research capability, a key requirement for postgraduate studies and high-level analytical positions in research institutions and think tanks.
Build a Professional Network- (Semester 6-8)
Attend conferences, workshops, and alumni meets related to humanities and social sciences. Connect with alumni in civil services, academia, media, and other relevant fields. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn for professional networking and career guidance from industry veterans.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Alumni association events, Professional conferences
Career Connection
Creates invaluable professional contacts, leading to mentorship, internship leads, and job opportunities in diverse sectors across India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 examination or equivalent from a recognized board, as per University of Delhi admission guidelines.
Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
Credits: 160 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHIDSC01 | Indian Philosophy | Discipline Specific Core (Philosophy) | 4 | Vedic and Upanisadic Worldviews, Carvaka and Jainism Philosophy, Early Buddhism and Nyaya, Vaisheshika and Samkhya, Yoga and Mimamsa, Advaita Vedanta |
| HISDSC01 | History of India – I (From c. 3000 BCE to 300 CE) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Reconstructing Ancient Indian History, Harappan Civilization, Early Vedic and Later Vedic Societies, Rise of Mahajanapadas and Buddhism/Jainism, Mauryan Empire, Post-Mauryan Developments |
| AECC01 | Environmental Science | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Natural Resources, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Environmental Policies and Practices |
| VAC01 | Constitutional Values and Fundamental Duties | Value Addition Course | 2 | Understanding the Constitution, Constitutional Values: Sovereignty, Socialism, Secularism, Democracy, Republicanism, Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Fundamental Duties, Challenges to Constitutional Values |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHIDSC02 | Logic | Discipline Specific Core (Philosophy) | 4 | Basic Logical Concepts, Categorical Propositions and Syllogisms, Symbolic Logic: Truth Functions, Methods of Deduction, Quantification Theory, Informal Fallacies |
| HISDSC02 | History of India – II (From c. 300 CE to 1200 CE) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Gupta Age: Administration, Society, Economy, Post-Gupta Kingdoms: Harsha, Pallavas, Chalukyas, Emergence of Regional Kingdoms, Early Medieval Society and Economy, Cultural Developments: Art, Architecture, Literature, Advent of Islam and Early Interactions |
| AECC02 | English/MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Introduction to Communication, Types of Communication, Grammar and Vocabulary, Reading Skills, Writing Skills: Reports, Emails, CVs, Presentation Skills |
| VAC02 | Digital Empowerment | Value Addition Course | 2 | Basics of Computer Systems, Internet and Web Technologies, Digital Communication Tools, Online Safety and Security, E-governance and Digital Services, Digital Literacy for Employability |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHIDSC03 | Western Philosophy (Part-I) | Discipline Specific Core (Philosophy) | 4 | Socrates and Plato''''s Theory of Forms, Aristotle''''s Metaphysics and Ethics, Rationalism: Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Empiricism: Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Kant''''s Critical Philosophy, Enlightenment Thinkers |
| HISDSC03 | History of India – III (c. 1200-1550) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Expansion and Consolidation of Sultanate, Society and Economy under the Sultanate, Regional States: Vijayanagara, Bahmani, Bhakti and Sufi Movements, Architecture and Culture of Sultanate Period |
| SEC01 | Communication in Everyday Life | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Verbal and Non-verbal Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Public Speaking Skills, Conflict Resolution, Digital Communication Etiquette, Group Discussions and Debates |
| GE01 | Generic Elective - I (e.g., Introduction to Sociology) | Generic Elective | 4 | Sociological Imagination, Culture and Society, Socialization and Identity, Social Stratification, Family, Kinship, Marriage, Social Change and Development |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHIDSC04 | Ethics | Discipline Specific Core (Philosophy) | 4 | Ethical Theories: Deontology, Consequentialism, Virtue Ethics, Moral Relativism and Objectivism, Applied Ethics: Environmental, Bioethics, Indian Ethical Concepts: Dharma, Karma, Moksha, Gandhian Ethics |
| HISDSC04 | History of India – IV (c. 1550-1750) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Establishment of Mughal Empire, Akbar''''s Administration and Policies, Mughal Society and Economy, Art, Architecture, and Literature, Religious Policies and State, Decline of Mughal Empire |
| SEC02 | Critical Thinking and Problem Solving | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Elements of Critical Thinking, Logical Reasoning, Argument Analysis, Problem-Solving Methodologies, Decision Making, Creative Thinking |
| GE02 | Generic Elective - II (e.g., Public Opinion and Survey Research) | Generic Elective | 4 | Nature of Public Opinion, Formation of Public Opinion, Measuring Public Opinion: Surveys, Sampling Methods, Questionnaire Design, Data Analysis and Interpretation |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHIDSC05 | Social and Political Philosophy (Indian & Western) | Discipline Specific Core (Philosophy) | 4 | Plato''''s Republic and Aristotle''''s Politics, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau: Social Contract, Marx and Socialism, Gandhi''''s Swaraj and Sarvodaya, Ambedkar on Social Justice, Concept of State, Justice, Rights |
| HISDSC05 | History of Modern Europe – I (c. 17th Century – 18th Century) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Transition from Feudalism to Capitalism, The English Revolution, Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment and its Impact, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution in Britain |
| SEC03 | Research Methodology | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Introduction to Research, Types of Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Data Analysis (Qualitative/Quantitative), Report Writing and Ethics |
| VAC03 | Ethics and Culture | Value Addition Course | 2 | Understanding Ethics and Morality, Cultural Relativism, Cultural Identity and Diversity, Ethics in Indian Traditions, Cross-Cultural Communication, Global Ethics and Values |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHIDSC06 | Applied Ethics | Discipline Specific Core (Philosophy) | 4 | Nature and Scope of Applied Ethics, Environmental Ethics, Bioethics: Euthanasia, Abortion, Business Ethics, Media Ethics, Feminist Ethics |
| HISDSC06 | History of Modern Europe – II (c. 18th Century – 20th Century) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Napoleonic Era and Congress of Vienna, Revolutions of 1848, Unification of Germany and Italy, Imperialism and Colonialism, World War I and its Aftermath, Rise of Fascism and Nazism |
| SEC04 | Financial Literacy | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Basics of Personal Finance, Budgeting and Saving, Banking Services, Investments: Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Insurance and Retirement Planning, Digital Payments and Cybersecurity |
| VAC04 | Fitness and Wellness | Value Addition Course | 2 | Dimensions of Wellness, Physical Fitness Components, Nutrition and Healthy Eating, Stress Management Techniques, Yoga and Mindfulness, Lifestyle Diseases and Prevention |
| GE03 | Generic Elective - III (e.g., Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship) | Generic Elective | 4 | Concept of Entrepreneurship, Identifying Business Opportunities, Business Plan Development, Sources of Funding, Marketing and Sales, Legal and Ethical Aspects of Business |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHIDSE01 | Philosophy of Religion | Discipline Specific Elective (Philosophy) | 4 | Nature of Religion and Philosophy, Arguments for and Against God''''s Existence, Problem of Evil, Religious Experience, Faith and Reason, Plurality of Religions |
| HISDSE01 | History of USA (c. 1776-1865) | Discipline Specific Elective (History) | 4 | American Revolution, Formation of the US Constitution, Early Republic and Expansion, Jeffersonian and Jacksonian Democracy, Sectionalism and Slavery, Civil War and Reconstruction |
| DSCP701 | Dissertation / Project / Internship | Core / Project | 6 | Research Question Formulation, Literature Review, Methodology Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing, Presentation and Viva |
| GE04 | Generic Elective - IV (e.g., Academic Writing and Composition) | Generic Elective | 4 | Principles of Academic Writing, Essay Structure and Argumentation, Research Skills, Referencing and Citation, Critical Analysis, Revising and Editing |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHIDSE02 | Analytic Philosophy | Discipline Specific Elective (Philosophy) | 4 | Foundations of Analytic Philosophy, Logical Atomism (Russell, Wittgenstein), Logical Positivism, Ordinary Language Philosophy, Philosophy of Language, Mind and Meaning |
| HISDSE02 | History of China – I (c. 1840-1949) | Discipline Specific Elective (History) | 4 | Opium Wars and Unequal Treaties, Taiping Rebellion, Self-Strengthening Movement, Sino-Japanese War, Fall of Qing Dynasty, Rise of Communism and Nationalism |
| DSCP801 | Advanced Dissertation / Project / Internship | Core / Project | 6 | Advanced Research Methodologies, Deep Dive into Chosen Topic, Empirical Study/Theoretical Analysis, Comprehensive Report Preparation, Policy Implications/Future Scope, Defence of Research Work |
| OSE01 | Open Elective (e.g., Introduction to Gender Studies) | Open Elective | 4 | Understanding Gender Concepts, Gender and Society, Feminist Theories, Gender in India, Intersectionality, Gender and Development |
