Famed Indian author Chetan Bhagat’s novel Five Point Someone will be included in the English Literature syllabus of Delhi University from the next academic session in July.
The second-year undergraduate students will study the novel in the Popular Literature paper in the Generic Elective under the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS). The paper is for non-English (Honours) students.
Other popular fictions that will be taught under this paper are Alcott’s Little Women, Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express and Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone.
Bhagat, who had posted about the inclusion of his book on Twitter, has already gotten into an argument about whether or not his book is “good literature”.
Two years ago, DU introduced CBCS, which allows students to study elective subjects from any stream other than the subject they are doing Honors in.
So, this paper will be available to students from any stream who want to take up an elective subject from the English department. English teachers said even though the paper will be taught by the English department, it won’t be offered to those studying BA (honours) English.
CBCS core committee of English department recommended the novel as part of the general elective offered by the department.
A copy of the modified syllabus has been sent to all colleges by the English department.
The recommendations will now be placed at the Academic Council and Executive Council for approval before being implemented in the new session.
Teachers at DU gave mixed reaction over the development. While some raised objection with the way the syllabus has been modified, others said it makes sense to include novels which students might have read.
“There is some sense to add these novels as students might have read them already and have seen movie adaptations. It gives an opportunity to do an informed critique of the text,” said Sanam Khanna, who teaches English at DU.
The recommendations will now be placed at the Academic Council and Executive Council for approval before being implemented in the new session.
Teachers at DU gave mixed reaction over the development. While some raised objection with the way the syllabus has been modified, others said it makes sense to include novels which students might have read.
“There is some sense to add these novels as students might have read them already and have seen movie adaptations. It gives an opportunity to do an informed critique of the text,” said Sanam Khanna, who teaches English at DU.
Teachers have been asked to send their feedback by May 1.
Post Your Comments