JOIN USDU profs jittery over foundation courses
Delhi University teachers and students seem clueless regarding the teaching methodology as well as 11 mandatory foundation courses (FC) which have been introduced this year under the four-year-undergraduate programme (FYUP).
FCs include modules on Maths, Science, Hindi, English, Geography, and Commerce among others with more stress on project and field work.
“In my college the time table for FC courses is being prepared. Because students from different streams will make a section, the preparation of time table is taking time. I think few photostate copies of FC study material has already reached the college library. But considering the fact that around 1,500 first year students will need the material, the number of reference books available right now seems inadequate,” said Naveen Gaur, who teaches Physics at Dyal Singh College.
On the varsity’s official website, under the FC section, one can see the covers of five books - 1) Language, Literature and Creativity (one each in English and Hindi), 3) Science and Life, 4) Business, entrepreneurship and management and 5) Information Technology.
However, the vice chancellor (VC) had recently claimed that the course material for Science and Life, Maths and English are ready while the remaining courses would be ready ina week’s time.
However, several teachers and officials said the course material will not be ready before August 10.
Teachers said the teaching methodology for these courses is also unclear.
“These courses have been prepared for students who have left courses like Maths, Science etc after class 10. Why should we teach students what they have chosen to leave after class 10? Teachers who were teaching honours-level courses, will now have to teach school-level courses. I know many teachers who are going through M Phil translation texts for reference for FCs as there is not much reference material available yet,” said another teacher from a south campus college.
Students also seemed confused regarding FCs and application courses (AC). “There are many options for AC. For FC also, there is not much clarity as of now. Teachers also seem to be unclear when we ask questions about these courses. I hope the things to settle down in a few days,” said Shambhavi Jerath, a student of Gargi college.