The Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh has decided to commence an Integrated Five year Honours programme in social science in the new session, July-August 2015.

The course would be open to students who have completed 10+2. The new innovative course will provide a multi-disciplinary foundation for an overall perspective on polity, economy and society, at the undergraduate level, with further specialization at the MA level, to inculcate a holistic and interdisciplinary orientation to social sciences. The PU will join the ranks of a few premier institutions in the country which have introduced such a pioneering course.

The programme has been devised to provide varied perspectives, encourage analytical skills and understanding for solving crucial problems confronted by contemporary society. The 3 year BA Honours and 2 year MA Honours programme, has an exit option after 3 years. Students, who complete the BA Hounours programme can continue at the Master’s level in a discipline in which they have majored.

The Integrated Five year Hounours programme will provide foundational knowledge in Geography, History, Economics, Political Science, Sociology and Public Administration, alongwith an introduction to main concepts in Psychology, Philosophy and Natural Sciences, among other themes. The course follows choice based credit system and comprises of discipline specific electives, Generic electives, Skill enhancement courses and Ability enhancement courses, as per latest stipulation by UGC.

Special lectures by eminent scholars would expose students to some of the best minds in the field and this experiential learning would add to their understanding of the social sciences. The programme envisages a focus on logical reasoning, use of classical and development of writing skills to analyse and present evidence.

The Integrated five year programme intends to train students to become reflective and critical thinkers, independent learners and specially equipped in interdisciplinary skills for social analysis and research. It will prepare them with a strong foundation for teaching and research opportunities, competitive examinations and employment in civil society, government and the corporate sector.