Syllabus for

Academic Year  (2024)

This course emphasizes both the theoretical and the practical aspects of statistical analysis, focusing on techniques for estimating statistical models of various kinds. The goal is to help you develop a solid theoretical background in statistics, and the ability to implement the techniques and critique empirical studies in social sciences.

CO1: Explain what is meant by descriptive statistics and inferential statistics.

CO2: Understand the characteristics, uses advantages, and disadvantages of each measure of central tendency and measure of dispersion.

CO3: Describe the classical, empirical, and subjective approaches to probability.

CO4: Describe the five-step hypothesis testing.

CO5: Calculate and interpret the coefficient of correlation, the coefficient of determination and the standard error of the estimate.

This course gives students a working knowledge of static and dynamic optimization techniques applied in economics. Topics include classical optimization, comparative statics, non-linear programming, differential equations, and optimal control. All techniques introduced are illustrated with mainstream applications such as consumer theory and the neoclassical theory of optimal growth.

The course aims to introduce the approaches and methods of behavioral economics. The course will help the students understand various concepts in behavioral economics and their policy implications through case studies and classroom-based experiments.

The abnormal psychology course aims to sensitize the students about the existence of abnormal behaviour in order to develop greater social responsibility. The course coupled with the social psychology course of the previous semester and other courses from sociology, specifically with regard to social problems, would create a holistic understanding of the individual and their society. Further, the course would enable the student to develop a cultural understanding of abnormal behaviour within the Indian context and specifically to Bangalore. In Bangalore, there is a noticeable increase in the mental health issues faced by the population and the need for mental health practitioners who understand the difference between abnormal behaviour and distressing behaviour is a major requirement and the course would be the first step towards that direction. This course has been conceptualized in order to help the students develop an understanding of the historical development of the study of abnormal behaviour.  The specific course aim is to create an understanding of the criteria and perspectives in abnormal behaviour, common classification systems, and range of disorders including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia, somatic symptom disorders generally observed at childhood and adolescence, and personality disorders. 

This introductory course is designed for final year Psychology students to explore the field of School and Educational Psychology and related career options such as school counselling, career guidance, and teaching, should they choose to specialize further after their graduation. The course will build on previously learned knowledge in Psychology such as various schools of thought in Psychology, and basic theories of learning, development, and motivation with the goal of exposing students to different areas of specialization within the field of educational psychology.

This course is provided in the fifth semester for students from the psychology triple major combinations (JPENG, PSENG, PSECO, CEP) at CHRIST (Deemed to be University). The course aims at introducing learners to the basic concepts of sports psychology, the scope of sports psychology and various issues the sports persons experience (gender, culture, etc.), and the application of psychological principles in the sports setting. The course also introduces the students to various factors influencing performance and performance enhancement techniques. The students should thoroughly understand the basic psychological process as a prerequisite since this programme mainly focuses on applying those principles in sports.

Course Objectives

o  To introduce learners to sports psychology's origin, scope and perspectives.

o  To enhance learners’ knowledge concerning gender and culture in sports.

o  To equip the learners to differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation  

o  To impart ways to enhance individual and team performance using mental training.

Course description: This course has been conceptualized in order to provide a comprehensive introduction to general theories and methods related to cultural psychology. The course will focus on specific topics that bridge cultural psychology and identity, including group and identity formation, and multiculturalism. Special emphasis will be placed on critically examining how cultural norms influence the way individuals think, feel, and behave. 

This undergraduate course will be a comprehensive introduction to human neuropsychology structured to provide students with a basic understanding of the relationship between brain and behaviour. Topics covered will include foundations of neuropsychology, the structure of the nervous system, functional specialization of the brain, cognitive functions, and assessments of brain disorders.

This course has been conceptualized to capstone experience for psychology undergraduates, in which students identify a research topic, conduct comprehensive literature reviews, and then develop a substantial written small empirical research project. The paper aims to help students collaborate and complete psychological research projects with their peers. This course is planned to also provide a framework for the development of assessment practices. Attention will be given to issues of identifying and selecting test instruments, conducting the assessment process in an ethical and considerate manner, interpreting norm references and criterion-referenced test scores and writing APA formatted reports. The program is designed to enable students to complete a group research project under the supervision of a faculty. The students would develop and defend the research proposal in the semester.

This paper seeks to train students to conceptualize and carry out social research. It introduces students to the various stages of research, equipping them with the necessary skills to collect data, analyze data and present the findings in a report. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques are covered.

Course Objectives: 

This course provides philosophical underpinnings of the social research and familiarizes the students with methodological tools, explaining quantitative and qualitative methods, which will help them to undertake empirical research independently.

Course Description: This paper discusses various social issues which are of relevance for contemporary world. These issues surround the broad themes of population, health, development and different forms of Human Rights violations. In relation to population and health this paper would cover issues like aging, reproductive health, HIV AIDS, euthanasia, drug abuse, etc. In relation to development this paper would look into issues like urban land use, farmer’s suicide, displacement, climate change etc. This can help them in grasping the reality; contemplate on it, and come up with newer/better ways to deal with it.

Course Learning Objectives:

1.      To understand social problems in contemporary India in the context of Sociological theory, knowledge, concepts and perspectives

2.      To initiate social activism.

            3.      To work towards building a more sustainable and inclusive society

Course Description:

 This course tries to introduce to the students the concept of ecology from a historical perspective and the integral relationship between man, community and environment. The course also tries to initiate discussions on the pertinent ecological issues, emerging concerns, environmental movements and the reactions to them.

Course Objectives:

Course Description: Criticism is often rampant against our education system for reasons related to its quality, access, substance, its relevance in a changing/changed world and so on. Against this background the course is intended to allow the student to help understand the general sociological understandings of education and to proceed towards gaining a foundational knowledge of its problems against the larger context of globalization as well as in the specific context of India. 

Course Objective:

● To acquire basic knowledge and understanding of Sociology of education.

● To have a foundational understanding of the problems confronted by educational systems in the Indian context.

● To have a general understanding of the crisis of education in the era of globalization.

● To learn more about the critical role of intersectionalities like class, gender, caste etc., in educational institutions

Course Description:

This course, along with the SOC581 offered in the sixth semester, offers students, who have

been selected, an opportunity to take up a Dissertation which would help them to earn extra

credits.

The course elaborates on the case of the Indian Economy as a case of a developing country. It highlights the features and the major sectoral problems in the Indian economy. It further entails a discussion on the historical trajectory of how the Indian Economy evolved over the post-Independent period.  The course also contains a discussion on the evaluation of Indian 5-Year Plans and the planning process through NITI Aayog.  Further, the course also has a discussion about Karnataka's economy, throwing some light on other regions as well.

The course is designed to introduce students to environmental economics issues and theory. The course also aims at a detailed treatment of the intersection of the economy, environment and human society. The course has two major areas of focus. The first part will cover the ways in which markets fail to allocate resources efficiently in the presence of pollution and the various policy options available to rectify market failures. The second part will provide the various market-based and non-market-based approaches to environmental valuation. The course will also introduce other aspects of the linkages between society and the environment.

This course introduces students to the conceptual and practical operations of the financial markets, institutions, and instruments network in the Indian context. The course is intended to provide an in-depth understanding of the operational issues of capital and money market network along with its regulatory framework.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to basic econometric concepts and techniques. It covers statistical concepts of hypothesis testing, estimation and diagnostic testing of simple and multiple regression models. The course also covers the consequences of and tests for misspecification of regression models.

This paper is an additional elective offered to the undergraduate students of BA and BSc Programmes. The students can take up this paper based on the criteria set by the Department in terms of the selection process. Through this paper, students undertake original research work based on the area of his/her interest and academic learning in the previous semesters. This also becomes a thorough training in the nuances of analytical and research skills. The students begin this paper at the beginning of the fifth semester and complete it by the end of the sixth semester.

This course has been conceptualized to provide the learners with an overview of I/O Psychology by describing the various individual, group, and organizational processes/behaviour at work. This paper also intends to enhance the understanding of the learner about the world of work and related concerns. The areas covered in the course include recruitment, employee selection, training and development, performance appraisal, motivation, leadership, organizational communication, group behaviour, and culture. The paper will provide a scientific basis of human behaviour at work which will build a sound background towards the application of the learning acquired.

This course introduces undergraduate students a strength-based approach in understanding human behaviour. Each unit is designed with personal mini-experiments which have personal implications. The course brings in an understanding about the basic principles of Positive Psychology. The significance of this course lies in orienting the students in applying these principles for self-regulation and personal goal setting. 

Course description: Media psychology is the application of psychological theory and research to the analysis of media and technology use, development and impact. The idea is that it will spark an interest where the student might want to continue future exploration in both the fields, Media and Psychology. The main purpose of this course is to provide students with an overview of the ways in which the media—primarily electronic media-affect the viewer psychologically. A second purpose is to examine how the science of psychology is presented in the media. An examination will be made of several psychological theories that help to explain media effects. A particular emphasis will be placed upon the following media psychology-related topics: Aggression, advertising, news, portrayals of minorities, emotion, and health behaviours. 

Course description: This course has been conceptualized to help the learner understand the complex dynamics that underlie a human-machine interface, critically evaluate the design components and design an effective interface. This course helps introduce students to ways of thinking about how Artificial Intelligence will and has impacted humans, and how we can design interactive intelligent systems that are usable and beneficial to humans, and respect human values. 

This course has been conceptualized in order to enable students to develop an appreciation for the influence consumer behaviour has on various marketing efforts.  Students apply psychological and social concepts to consumer decision-making. Topics include the importance of consumer behaviour and research; internal influences such as motivation, personality, self-concept, learning, information processing, and attitude formation and change; external influences such as social class, reference groups and family, and consumer decision making.

The course is intended to develop a basic understanding among the students about criminal behaviour and to the field of Forensic Psychology.

Health is defined as an optimal state of physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing.  The same explanation applies to wellbeing. This course is designed for college students to understand the need for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  We will explore personal health, health-related attitudes and beliefs, individual health behaviours and impact of drugs, alcohol, tobacco; diet, nutrition; infectious diseases, cancer, cardiovascular disease, personal care; exercise, consumer health; and several other topics related to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  The course focuses on current research and the latest trends in health and wellbeing.

The course offers an introduction to the concepts and techniques of community psychology practice. The areas covered in this paper span across identifying community needs using community participation techniques and eliciting community participation and cooperation through the application of community-focused models and theories. The paper would lead the learner through the widening scope of community psychology in an Indian context. 

Course description: This course has been conceptualized in order to capstone experience for psychology undergraduates, in which students identify a research topic, conduct comprehensive literature reviews, and then develop a substantial written small empirical research project. The paper aims to help students collaborate and complete psychological research projects with their peers. The program is designed to enable students to complete a group research project under the supervision of a faculty. They are expected to conduct the research and submit the final research report. The Research report will be in the form of a professional journal article manuscript, though it is not required to submit it to a journal. Students are expected to do a presentation of the research findings as a poster or oral presentation at the undergraduate research conference.

Course Description:This paper intends to expose roots and structures of inequality that lead to marginalization, invisibility and exclusion of women. The paper aims to sensitize the students towards the broader social reality, their struggles and aspirations.  Hence this paper introduces the significant contributions on the feminist theories as well as the practice of feminism in India.

Course Objectives:

• to familiarize students with the dynamics of women and women's studies and key related issues
• to orient students towards major theoretical perspectives used to study women and society
• to  help them understand the politics of gender in the real world
• to critically analyse the deeper implications of the status of women and inequalities in society

Course Description: This paper tries to interpret social movements as an instrument of social transformation and at times as the product of social transformations. The paper would provide an elaborate account of different theoretical explanations on social movements. The paper then examines three prominent movements in India i.e. the dalit movement, Naxalite movements and environmental movements by examining the socio political and historical context of their emergence and the transformation that resulted.

Course Objective :

• This course aims to inculcate students with sociological perspectives to study social movements. It provides an overview of conceptual and theoretical issues in the study of social movements.
• This course also illustrates certain significant social movements in India, stretching from pre-colonial to contemporary period

Course Description: This paper tries to introduce students to problems of inequality in wealth and welfare from a global, comparative, and historical perspective. It also introduces the major perspectives to and issues in development. Specific issues would be taken to make the discussions context specific.

Course Objective:

●        To acquire basic knowledge and understanding of the concepts of inequality, poverty and development

●        To understand the various perspectives on development

●        To engage in the emerging debates and issues related to development and change in society.

Course Description: The course is an attempt to introduce the dynamics of the interrelationship between media and society. The various cultural and ideological influences that operate on media and its dynamic role in producing social realities is introduced to the students. While a foundational understanding of media from a sociological perspective is the main intention, the course undertakes specific discussions of media with regard to its historical trajectories in the Indian context, its agency in initiating social change during and after colonialism and so on. Students are also introduced to the changing forms of media and the changing political economy and cultural role of media in the postmodern age.

Course Objectives:

1. To inculcate a foundational understanding of media from a sociological perspective To have a foundational understanding of the problems confronted by educational systems in the Indian context.

2. To have a specific understanding of media in the Indian context.

3. To have a basic insight about the changing dynamics between media and society in the 21^st century.

This course explores the cultural, economic, political, and social changes of contemporary Korean society since 1945 from comparative, historical, and sociological perspectives. The course is divided into three parts. The first part of the course examines the relationships between state and society, democratization movement, growth of nongovernmental organizations, anti-Americanism, developmental state, chaebol groups, and labor movement. The second part focuses on an analysis of the demographic transition to extremely low fertility, aging, marriage, family, and multiculturalism. The third part takes a critical look at the current conditions of education system, folk beliefs, religious behaviors, Protestant churches, popular culture, and subcultural neighborhoods in Seoul. The primary aim of the course is to make students familiar with the historical paths that were evolved into the contemporary Korean society and to formulate critical, balanced, and comparative perspectives on the current issues of Korea.

The primary aim of the course is to make students familiar with the historical paths that were evolved into the contemporary Korean society and to formulate critical, balanced, and comparative perspectives on the current issues of Korea.

Course Description:

This course along with the SOC581 offered in the fifth semester offers students who have

been selected an opportunity to take up a Dissertation which would help them to earn extra

credits.