Department of Anthropology Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

External Peer Review Report

For

Department of Anthropology Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh

Prof. Sanjeev Kumar Mahajan (Ph.D) Foreign QA Expert and Team Leader, EPRT Department of Public Administration Himachal Pradesh University Himachal, India

Prof. Md. M. Ashraful Alam (Ph.D) Local QA Expert and Member, EPRT Additional Director, IQAC Shahjalal University of Science & Technology Sylhet-3114, Bangladesh

Prof. Farid Uddin Ahamed (Ph.D) Subject Matter Expert and Member, EPRT Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor, Department of Anthropology Chittagong University, Chittagong

9th January, 2018

1 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

TABLE OF CONTENT

Chapter Contents Page

1 Principles of Programme Review 3-9

2 Background of Jahangirnagar University and Department 10-15 of Anthropology (DA)

3 Aims, Objectives and Learning Outcomes of the 16 Program

4 Review Findings 17-24

5 Recommendation and Concluding Remarks 25-31

2 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

Chapter ONE

Principals of the Program Review

This chapter outlines the main principles of program review, the aspects under review and description of the peer review process.

1.1 Main Principles of Program Review

University is of the core academic activities of teaching-learning and research. The most important aspects of quality education generally refer to the quality of teaching-learning and research which relate directly to academic activities. In this respect, all academic activities are functionally taking place at the program level. To maintain and enhance education quality of the program, regular program review exercise is necessary for evaluating and continuously enhancing the quality and effectiveness of the program under review. Program review is a cyclical process which is critical for improving its quality of teaching-learning and research and it is also a requirement for program accreditation. It needs necessary data from stakeholders to evaluate and reflect the quality of the program through self-assessment reports.

1.2 Self- Assessment Report

The Self-Assessment (SA) Process is an approach of evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the university and/or the academic programs of the program offering entity (PoE) through which the quality of world class standards are being satisfied or not and what improvement measures are to be taken to enhance the quality education in university and/or the academic programs of PoE. The process is said to be taking information from the stakeholders such as alumni, academic staffs, non-academic staffs and employers, reviews information, identifies difficulties and brings necessary development plan for quality education. SA is a process of continuous improvement of educational status. It examines the state of practices and quality using a well-structured survey framework. SA serves as a preparation for external peer review and ultimately to validation for approval and accreditation.

The Program Self-Assessment (PSA) is apparently the most significant and powerful means of a program offering entity to understand and improve its academic performance. A

3 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University systematically conducted PSA enables the PoE to understand and address its own strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats. The PSA was carried out by the relentless supervision of three-member institute self-assessment committee (SAC).

SA is a systematic process of evaluating the various aspects of academic programs whether quality standards are being met according to set of guidelines. It is an exercise conducted by the department itself to assess whether its program meet their educational objectives and outcomes with the purpose to improve quality of program and enhance students’ learning. SA assessment is a, means of explaining and confirming existing procedures. Desired outcomes of self-assessment are for the department to be proactive than reactive, systemize the process of assessment, to be current with the changes in the respective fields, assist in preparing good professionals of tomorrow, and initiate improvements to achieve academic excellence. Therefore, PSA helps Department of Anthropology to:

 better understand the ongoing programs under assessment;  revisit the program objectives and goals;  redress the intended learning outcomes of the program, if necessary;  identify the areas of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) and emerging changes to make the program updated and need based;  assess the adequacy of student support services for effective teaching learning;  assess the progress of improvement desired; and  develop strategic plan with commitment and priorities for further improvement

The main mission of higher education institutions is to do research and produce well trained graduate equipped with essential knowledge of the discipline, the ability to effectively apply the acquired knowledge in real life, desirable attitudes and values, together with necessary twenty first century skills to meet the changing requirements for employment, lifelong education and country development plan.

An EPRT was appointed to study the SAR, visited the Department of Anthropology to make their assessments and prepare report containing constructive suggestions and recommendations. It is expected that the SAR and the EPRT together would provide a sound basis for the Department of Anthropology to prepare their annual implementation plan for future development.

4 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

1.3 Aspects under Review

The review was carried out under ten aspects recommended by UGC in Bangladesh (SA Manual, UGC Bangladesh, 66p) and finally the overall evaluation is based on the marks assigned by the EPRT to the ten aspects. The nine aspects along with several indicators within each aspect is shown in Table1.1

Table 1.1 Ten Aspects Studied and Main Indicators for Each Aspect* No Aspects Indicators 1 Governance 1. Mission and Objectives 2. Management 3. Accountability and Transparency 4. Academic Leadership and Autonomy 5. Stakeholder’ Feedback

2 Curriculum Design and Review 1. Involvement of Stakeholders 2. Need Assessment 3. Content and Structure 4. Defining Course Learning Outcomes 5. Skill Development Mechanism or Strategy 6. Evaluation and Review

3 Students: Admission, Progress and 1. Entry Qualification Achievements 2. Admission Procedure 3. Progress and Achievement

4 Physical (Structure) Facilities 1. Classroom 2. Library Facilities 3. Laboratory and Field Laboratory 4. Medical Facilities 5. Other Facilities

5. Teaching, Learning and Assessment 1. Teaching-Learning 2. Quality Staff 3. Appropriate Teaching-Learning Methods 4. Use of Lesson Plan 5. Technology Integration 6. Focus 7. Skill Development Mechanism 8. Assessment of Student Performance

6 Students Support Services 1. Academic Guidance and Counseling 2. Co-curricular and Extra- Curricular Activities 3. Career and Placement 4. Alumni Services 5. Community Services

5 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

No Aspects Indicators 7 Staff and Facilities: Recruitment & 1. Recruitment Staff Development 2. Staff Development 3. Peer Observation 4. Career Development 5. Key Performance Indicators

8 Research and Extension 1. Research Capacity Development 2. Research Funding 3. Dissemination and Transfer System and Policy 4. Patent of Innovation

9 Process Management for Quality 1. Internal Quality Assurance System Continuous Quality Improvement 2. Conduct Self-Assessment Following a Cycle 3. Continuously and Systematically Review the Effectiveness of the Procedures to Meet the Objectives

* Source: Self Assessment Manual, UGCl

1.4 Description of the Peer Review Process

The peer review process begins with the appointment of External Peer Reviewer Team (EPRT) on the recommendation of the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of the Jahangirnagar University (JU), Bangladesh and approval of the Vice Chancellor of the Jahangirnagar University. The EPRT is comprised of the three members consists of (i) Foreign Quality Assurance (QA) Expert and Team Leader, (ii) Local QA Expert and (iii) Subject Expert. The details of the three persons are as follows:

Prof. Sanjeev Kumar Mahajan Foreign QA Expert and Team Leader (PhD) Department of Public Administration Himachal Pradesh University Himachal, India

Prof. Md. Mohammed Ashraful Department of Chemistry, Alam (PhD) Local QA Expert Additional Director, IQAC Shahjalal University of Science & Technology, Sylhet-3114, Bangladesh

6 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

Prof. Farid Uddin Ahamed Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, (PhD) Professor, Department of Anthropology Subject Matter Expert Chittagong University, Chittagong

As per to the terms of reference, the EPRT was required to: i) Study of the Self-Assessment Report (SAR) prepared by SAC of the DA ii) Look for documentary evidences to support the facts given in SAR iii) Meet the different stake holders and administrative authorities in the university and physically observer certain places as organized by the University iv) Critically observe the various aspects of the program in order to validate the findings of the SAR. v) Identify good practices, weakness and further areas that need to be improved and newly introduced. vi) Prepare and submit an External Peer Review Report (EPRR) based on the findings.

Accordingly, the EPRT visited the University and the DA during 7- 9 January 2018, to confirm and validate information given in the SAR. At the end of the 3rd day, 9th January the EPRT briefed on the main points identified in the Exit Report to the academic staff in the DA. The agenda of the program for the three days is given in Appendix 1.

The EPR process was under taken in three phases namely: (i) before site visit, (ii) during site visit and (iii) after site visit and the description of duties and responsibilities in each phase are given below.

Phase I - Before site visit: a. IQAC sends PDF files, i.e., agreements and responsibilities of reviewers on the assignment.

7 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

Phase II - During site visit: a. EPRT first met the Director, IQAC and then discussion with Chairman / Head of DA and their academic staff. b. The Chairman of the SAC gave a presentation about findings in the SAR based on their survey. c. Based on the program schedule prepared by IQAC in consultation with EPRs the EPRT used to meet different stake holders and visit some places as described in their program. Discussion with SAC of the department on SAR, the EPRT has the opportunity to obtain further details regarding the department and to clarify certain areas. a. Interview five groups of stakeholders: students, non-academic staff, academic staff, alumni and employers using items in survey questionnaire as guideline as well as to confirm validate information on SAR. b. Site visit to physical facilities of the department and the university etc. c. Observe classroom teaching. d. Check documents with SAC. e. Meeting with Dean, Faculty of Arts. f. Meeting of EPRs at the end. g. Vice Chancellor and academic staff of the department. h. Finalized the EXIT report by EPRT and submit it to the Director of IQAC before departure of external peer reviewers.

Phase III - After site visit: a. EPR Team leader in collaboration with other two members completed the final report by corresponding via emails. b. The final report was emailed /posted to the Director, IQAC, JU.

8 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

Chapter TWO Background of Jahangirnagar University, Savar

Overview of Jahangirnagar University

Jahangirnagar University (JU) is one of the leading universities in Bangladesh. The university started out with 150 students and four departments, namely Economics, Geography, Mathematics and Statistics in 1970. At present, there are 6 Faculties with 36 Departments, 6 Institutes and Centers, 800 teachers, and more than 14000 students. It was the first residential university established in Bangladesh. Jahangirnagar University is well known for its intellectual resources; many of its faculties have published in renowned journals and received awards from prestigious institutions. Even with their limited resources, many entities organize workshops, seminars and conferences on a regular basis, and faculty members often participate in similar events at both local and global levels. However, like many other universities in Bangladesh, Jahangirnagar University is yet to find its place in both the global and regional scholarly arena.

In addition to its academic accomplishments, the university arranges co-curricular and extra- curricular activities, such as cultural and literary festivals, sports competitions, etc. The Physical Education department of the university supervises all activities (e.g. inter- department, intra-hall and central competition) related to games and sports. This department also prepares university teams to take part in the inter-university tournaments. Jahangirnagar University has a gymnasium, but one that requires significant renovations. It should be mentioned that the overall sports and game facilities for the students are not adequate either.

Regarding cultural activities, Jahangirnagar University has a Teacher-Student Centre that provides space for different organizations. The University also has several sites to host cultural activities; i.e., Zahir Raihan Auditorium, Soptom Chhaya Moncho, Mukto Moncho, Shahid Minar Prangon, Mohua Tola, etc. Nevertheless, an inadequate allocation of resources and a lack of comprehensive planning hinders satisfactory participation of the students in both cultural and sports events.

9 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

Although Jahangirnagar is a residential university, it still fails to fully accommodate the large number of staff members, and students. For example, the 16 student halls (8 male and 8 female) are insufficient considering the annual intake. Similarly, a good number of the academic and non-academic staffs reside outside the campus. For them, as well as for those living in-campus, there are several bus services to commute between the campus and the city. Again however, the total number of buses is insufficient. Among other facilities, for the students and the community there is a health center that provides outdoor services, limited pathology laboratory service and ambulance service. For outdoor services, there are seven doctors and two compounders. To see Jahangirnagar University as a world class higher education institution eventually, both the above-stated academic and extra-academic aspects need significant enhancement. At the same time, structural facilities require significant improvement. Therefore, through the enormous potential of its different stakeholders, JU can benefit from the self-assessment program initiated by the UGC to achieve a better outcome.

Mission of the University

The mission of the university as stated at the SAR is:

The mission of the university is to enhance the quality of education through initiating research programs and contributing to the national development by producing efficient human capital. The university also aims to play a supportive role in the empowerment of women by increasing the enrolment of female students and expanding the residential facilities.

Objectives of the University

The strategic objectives of the university as mentioned in the SAR are as follows:

o Taking steps for the empowerment of women by creating more opportunities for the female students at the entry level.

o To ensure the qualitative enhancement of education by improving the physical infrastructure of the university.

o To elevate technological, business, science and general education to international standards by updating the central library and modernizing the laboratory facilities.

10 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

o To promote the image of the university and to contribute in the economic and industrial development of the country, and to enhance the quality of education by extending research programs.

o To produce human resources and make an impact on the economic development of Bangladesh,

o To evolve Jahangirnagar University into center of excellence by advancing its IT infrastructure.

Department of Anthropology

Established in 1986, the Department of Anthropology, JU is the oldest anthropology department in the country. The department has programs ranging from undergraduate to PhD level. The total number of students enrolled in the department from 1985- ‘86 to 2016- ‘17 is 1325 in addition to 35 MPhil and PhD students. However, the total number of graduated students is 981 with 18 awarded MPhil and PhD degrees. The department has twenty-five faculty members and most of them have exposure to globally renowned universities and research organizations. It is noteworthy to mention that a significant number of the faculty members are PhDs. Henceforth, the department is equipped with capable professors, specialized in divergent fields of Anthropology. As part of its academic activities, the entity publishes a peer-reviewed annual journal, where locally and internationally acclaimed scholars have contributed. Recently, the 22nd volume of the Journal has been published. Besides the regular publication, the department has published five anthologies on different themes. The Department of Anthropology has a rich seminar library, two computer labs and four classrooms. A body of non-academic staff including one librarian, one computer lab assistant, two administrative officers and three office bearers are working to support the entity.

As one of the most prominent Departments of Anthropology in the country, the entity has gained international exposure since the beginning. The department has successfully completed three collaborative programs. In 1986, the department established a link program with the University of Sussex, UK, and was financially supported by the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA, currently known as DFID). The focus of the link program was to develop the curriculum of the newly founded department, to provide opportunities for higher education (MA and PhD) to the faculties and to facilitate short term faculty exchanges.

11 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

Again, in 1996, Ford Foundation provided a grant mainly for the promotion of Visual Anthropology as well as Applied Anthropology in Bangladesh. In 2007, the department established another collaborative program with Save the Children. In recent years, the entity has entered in collaboration with many other universities from different parts of the world.

Besides supports and grants from international institutions, in 2017, the entity was awarded an amount of BDT 87 lac as an academic innovation fund of HEQEP provided by UGC. The award is meant for the enhancement of the teaching and supervising-research skill of the academic staff, training in the interactive teaching learning mechanism, introducing a learner- friendly infrastructure of the department, to develop a research-oriented curriculum focusing upon data analysis and research software and to initiate a peer reviewed assessment process.

For the regular maintenance of its structure and program, the entity receives an annual budget from the university. In recent years the budget has been gradually increasing. In 2015- ‘16 the allocation was BDT 2 lac 24 thousand; in the next fiscal year is was BDT 2 lac 89 thousand; the budget received for 2016- ’17 is 3 lacs 22 thousand. The main sectors for allocation are: publishing journals, arranging seminars, purchasing books for the library, academic excursions, equipment maintenance, contingency, etc.

Department of Anthropology: at a glance

Total number of students enrolled (1985-86 to 2016-17) 1534 First year enrollment (2016-17) 58 Average HSC GPA score of enrolled students (2016-17) 4.5 Degree awarded in MSS 1114 Total enrollment in MPhil and PhD 35 Total number of academic staffs 25 Total number academic staff with PhD degree 14 Academic staffs on study leave in abroad 04 Number of Graduates passed 981 Number of MPhil and PhD graduated 18 Total number of thesis/research monographs by undergraduate students 790 Total number of thesis/research monographs by postgraduate students 242 (including MPhil and PhD) Teacher-Student ratio 1:12

Summary of the Programs reviewed

12 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

The Department offers programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate (including MPhil and PhD) levels. However, as mentioned earlier this evaluation process is mainly focused on honors and masters level.

Undergraduate Program

The Bachelor of Social Science (Honors) in Anthropology is a comprehensive four year academic program. The courses included in the syllabus have been designed to ensure that the students receive a thorough grounding in anthropological theory and methodology. It offers exposure to the specialized fields of anthropology and displays insights from other human sciences. A candidate for the honors degree in anthropology requires completion of 30 compulsory courses altogether, with each course containing 100 marks. For each year, 50 marks are allocated for the viva-voce and the course final examinations are to be held at the end of the academic year.

Year Total Marks First Year 6X100 (Course)+50 (Viva-Voce) Second Year 8X100 (Course)+50 (Viva-Voce) Third Year 8X100 (Course)+50 (Viva-Voce) Fourth Year 8X100 (Course)+50 (Viva-Voce) BSS 3200

Field exposure in the undergraduate syllabus:

Field trips are organized by the entity, under different courses in different years. Courses which offer mandatory field exposure are Other Cultures (in the first year), Anthropological Research Methods (second year), Applied Anthropology and Dissertation (both in the fourth year). Students become acquainted to the theoretical and methodological issues and learn to apply them to understand sociocultural dynamics and at the end produce research monographs.

Postgraduate Program

13 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

The entity offers a one-year Master’s program in Anthropology. For the fulfillment of the degree, students are required to complete a total of 650 Marks. The program comprises of two groups, thesis and non-thesis group. Students of the thesis group need to submit thesis carrying 200 marks. In addition, a 50-mark viva-voce examination is compulsory for all students.

Arrangement of Courses for MSS programs:

Description Total Marks 650 Non-thesis Group Students 6X100 (Course)+50 (Viva-Voce) Thesis Group Students 4X 100 (Courses)+200 (Thesis) +50 (Viva-Voce)

Thesis requirements and evaluation

Student with a certain degree of qualification (either the toppers or those who obtained a minimum CGPA) get the opportunity to opt for theses. To complete the theses, students get a three-month period after the course final examination. Under the supervision of a faculty s/he undertakes the thesis. A thesis is evaluated by two examiners, both external to the department. Academic Calendar

The university so far has developed no centralized plan for the academic year. Therefore, entities often have their own academic routine. The Department of Anthropology has been practicing a year-long academic calendar as follows:

Classes 09 months(Approx.) Preparatory leave 21 Final examination 01 months (Approx.) Year break 01 months Total 12 months

Assessment Procedure

Each course is evaluated in 100 marks. Performance of a student is evaluated by attendance in the class, formative assessment (tutorial/coursework) and their final examination score.

14 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

10% of the total marks is allocated for the class attendance and 20% for formative assessment (that includes quizzes, written examinations, presentations, and take-home assignments). The remaining 70% is allocated for the final examination. According to the examination ordinance of the university, results should be published within 75 days after the viva-voce; in case of the thesis students, this time frame is extended further.

The Vision:

The Department of Anthropology of Jahangirnagar University should be the best educational and research-based department. It is our vision that it would be the first choice of the best and brightest students in Bangladesh. Furthermore, the graduate will contribute to the development of the academia and community.

Mission: To ensure the Anthropology graduates enriched in following qualities:

 Capable of using anthropological knowledge to identify, clarify and provide best possible solutions to issues and emerging problems relating to individual, workplace, society and the country.  Leadership and managerial capabilities of any relevant organizations.  Moral characters.  Making scientific and analytical mind towards the human life.  To enhance the teaching, research and service mission of the department by retaining and recruiting outstanding faculty and staff.

The Aim: The Aim of the Department of Anthropology of Jahangirnagar University is to teach and train graduates exploring the holistic understanding of bio-cultural diversity of human being over time period.

Objectives: The objectives of the department as mentioned at the SAR are:

 To produce professional anthropologists to serve the country and the whole world particularly in different fields of Anthropology.  To train and produce high-quality graduates to meet up national and international requirements in various sectors of the job market.

15 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

 To innovate new knowledge through research activities and their applications for the wellbeing of the people, to disseminate knowledge about poverty alleviation, sustainable development and so on.  To arrange and manage education and research facilities by the help of and collaboration with the different authorities of the university, government, different research organizations, non-governmental organizations, donor agencies, etc.

Chapter THREE Aims, Objectives and Learning Outcomes of the Program

Aim of the program Produce quality graduates having sound knowledge and skills to achieve sustainable development in the areas of Anthropology.

Objectives of the Program The vision and mission are not yet in statement forms in the statute of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, but the objectives are clearly mentioned in the statutes, which are also stated in the SAR. The following are objectives of the Department of Anthropology:

a) To provide and promote facilities for graduate and postgraduate studies and research in anthropology;

b) To provide teaching, training and guidance in order to prepare candidates for the degree of BSS and MSS;

c) To promote and Provide guidance to the undergraduate and post graduate levels;

d) To develop teaching materials in Anthropology in Bangladesh;

e) To advise the Government in the formulation of policies and to co-operate with the Government, Semi-Government and Autonomous Organizations in planning and development of different aspects of Anthropology;

f) To undertake research in Anthropology for the advancement of education;

16 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

g) To publish books, bulletins, journal, reports etc., in Anthropology;

h) To organize Symposia, Seminars, Workshops and Conferences in Anthropology.

Learning Outcomes

There were no well-defined learning outcomes stated in the curricula of undergraduate and postgraduate programs of this institute. However, the followings may be considered as implicit learning outcomes of the program.

 Each student should have a thorough knowledge on the areas of anthropology and their interrelationship with the society;

 To enable students to analyze problems of this sciences by interrelating other branches of sciences to this area;

 To motivate students to come up with innovative ideas in the areas of recording history and its effect;

As students of sciences, they have to have an in-depth knowledge of interactive phenomena and its influences on human beings.

17 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

Chapter FOUR

Review Findings

The review findings presented in this chapter are taken from Self Assessment Report of the Department of Anthropology, and accrued from the reviewers’ observations, dialogs and discussions with various parties associated with DA. The main points in this chapter are given in the draft report handed over to IQAC at the end of the evaluation on 9th January2018.

The finding of the review process, as reported here, is given in terms of the aspects enumerated by the IQAC, namely (i) Governance, (ii) Curriculum Design, Content & Review, (iii) Student Admission, Progress & Review, (iv) Physical Facilities, (v) Teaching- Learning, (vi) Student Support Services, (vii) Assessment of Student Performance, (viii) Staff & Facilities, (ix) Research & Extension, and (x) Process Management for Continual Improvement.

For each aspect, items on ‘commendation’, ‘affirmation’ and ‘recommendation’ are given. However, if items in the particular category of ‘commendation’, ‘affirmation’ and ‘recommendation’ are not available, the category is skipped altogether.

Review Outcomes

The findings shall be highlighted under the following descriptors:

Commendation Something that the Department/Institute is doing well and should be recognised as strength.

Affirmation Something that the Department/Institute has started or aspires to achieve that is positive and should be developed and enhanced (things need to be improved).

18 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

Recommendation Something that the Department/Institute should give serious consideration for the overall development of the program and the department.

1. Governance

Faculty Description in SAR: Governance at program offering entity encompasses the departmental structure, legislative framework and processes through which policies are framed and implemented. Good and effective governance facilitates the achievement of goals related to enhancement of teaching-learning process and research capabilities of the program offering entity.

Program Management: The statutory positions and bodies are responsible for management of the program offered at the Department of Anthropology. They are, Chairman, Academic Committee & Planning Committee of the department. The Academic Committee consists of all faculty members of the department and deals with academic policy matters such as formation of Committee of Courses, Examination Committees disbursement of courses among teachers, preparation of class routine, fixing of dates of examinations, attendance of students. On the other hand, the Planning Committee takes decision about utilization of fund for development of facilities, creation of posts, advertisement of posts, screening applications for appointments and up gradations/promotions, and so on. Meetings of these committees’ take place frequently and decisions are taken after open discussions of members in congenial atmosphere. The Chairman of the Department is responsible for the management of academic and planning aspects of the Department. According to the Jahangirnagar University under the Act, the Chairman is appointed by rotation for a three-year term, essentially plays the role of the executive. However, on the basis of different aspect department has explored the following strengths and weakness under the Governance.

The Department of Anthropology has its own website. But the website is not updated regularly as reported by the students. On this website, the goal and objectives of the department are stated, and no vision and mission statement in line with the vision and mission of the University. The EPRT also reviewed that the academic decisions are being taken by the department collectively, which is fair and transparent. This illustrated the key strength of the department to improve it. There is a contradictory between the faculty members and the students about the time publication of the results. The students are not satisfied with this aspect. Most of the student reported that results are not published in the stipulated time.

19 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

There is provision for maintaining academic calendar and the faculty members are satisfied in this regard but the students are not. As reported by the students, some of the teachers take a few numbers of classes for a course. However, many of them take satisfactory number of classes.

2. Curriculum Content, Design and Review

The Curriculum reflects the philosophical trajectory of the discipline as well as the nature of the program offered by the entity. The strength and the competence of the graduates largely depends on the curriculum they are exposed to. As part of the SA process, the areas of the curriculum under appraisal are teaching and assessment strategies, consistent arrangement of the courses and the load of the curriculum.

The curricular and courses of this Department were developed by the expert committees during that period. Since then the curricular were subjected to many revisions. The University Act has made provision for the appointment of curriculum committee at the department level. The department has implemented this provision as well and revised the curriculum regularly but there is no definite time framework. The composition of the Curriculum Committee (CC) is as follows:

The teachers of the department, three subject matter experts from other universities nominated by the Dean of the Faculty. However, there is no provision for nominating curriculum experts as well as members from media industry. The committee is chaired by the Head of the Department. The Curriculum committee is responsible for updating and modifying the syllabuses of the departments, design and review the syllabuses and submit to the Academic Council for recommendation and final approval by the Syndicate of the university.

The University Act has made provision for the appointment of curriculum committee at the department level. The department has implemented this provision as well and revised the curriculum regularly. The composition of the Curriculum Committee (CC) is as follows:

20 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University the syllabuses of the departments, design and review the syllabuses and submit to the Academic Council for recommendation and final approval by the Syndicate of the university.

3. Curriculum Content

The Peer Review Team reviewed the SAR and find out that there is no intended learning outcomes (ILOs) for any of the courses. The existing curriculum is mainly content based.

A set of core courses offered by the department are included in the present curriculum of BSS program that are distributed over four years, which is distributed with equal weightage for each year. Some courses include practical work. The present curriculum mainly based on annual system.

Several stakeholders have indicated high intention to conduct the frequent field visits to gather practical knowledge on anthropology. More field-based courses should be included in the syllabi. Some new courses on communication development, skill-based courses, community service based programme, etc. as suggested by the alumni and the employers.

The alumni opined that the curriculum with intended outcomes is necessary to be adopted to meet the current and prospects of graduates of the department so that they can contribute to the society. Further, feedback of all major stakeholders should be considered in upgradation of curriculum.

4. Student admission, progress and achievements

The student admission procedure and conduct of admission tests have been streamlined and administered by the Admission Committee and concerned faculties. The student admissions start by placing a public advertisement, followed by an admission test and publication of results. The faculty members reported that the English language proficiency of the admitted students is not up to the mark, which creates problem among the students to communicate

21 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University with others, particularly for this department. Therefore, it is essential to make a bar for higher GPA in English for the students who are interested to get admission in this department. The admission committee may impose this bar during admission.

The teachers do not provide regular feedback to the students about their progress as reported by the students. But the department maintains individual student’s records properly. The results of examinations are published by the Controller of Examination with the consent of the Dean and the Vice chancellor but there is delay in publication of result.

5. Physical Facilities

Faculty Description: There are four furnished classrooms in the Department of Anthropology. There are white board markers as well as multimedia projector including a projector screen to conduct the class. However, the multimedia projector and its screen are not maintained properly. It is used only when required by the teachers and students of the department. In addition to that, the department shares two big galleries in the building on need-based basis.

There is no laboratory for biological Anthropology in the department. Moreover, the department does have computer lab but needs upgradation of systems. Though museum is a strong need of the students of the Anthropology, the entity does not have any fund to establish a museum. However, according to the opinion of the alumni, existing students and faculty members, the department does not have these facilities. The department does have spacious seminar library with a good number of books and journals. From those collection students get some up-to-date books.

The Department of Anthropology does not have any medical facilities for the students in the building. They don’t have any first aid box in the department. However, common medical Centre equipped with qualified doctors and para-medical staff is available for the students. Employees and Students get primary treatment from the medical center. However, in the case of critical condition, the students, the teachers and the staff of the entity are transferred to the hospitals outside the university.

The Department of Anthropology has a library with adequate number of books and journals. The seating capacity is adequate. But there is no e-library facility. The internet facility and

22 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University wi-fi is not up to the mark.

The building has two large galleries which is used for seminars, conferences, workshops and cultural programs. The university has good number of buses and other vehicles to provide transportation facilities to teachers, non-academic staff and students.

6. Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching-learning replaced the conventional and unidirectional notion of teaching. It focuses more on a symbiotic relationship between two processes of teaching and learning. Combination of these two processes reciprocates each other. Teaching offered by the teacher fosters learning of the class but conversely through their process of learning the students also shed new lights and insights for the teachers. Such a constant revision of teaching and learning however contributes to the rethinking of another aspect related with learning, i.e., assessment. Thus, altogether teaching strategies, learning and assessment all undergo continuous alteration.

It is required to keep in mind that education is all about to gain a set of skills. As such, teaching learning should not be confined within the classroom only. Classroom learning is not enough to develop the desired skills. Therefore, it is expected that the entity should have a comprehensive skill development plan incorporating the curricular, co-curricular and extra- curricular activities. The entity has the scope to arrange competition in debate, cultural program, indoor & outdoor games, poetry etc. to develop skill other than teaching. But there is no opportunity.

7. Student Support Services

Faculty Description: The Department of Anthropology has appointed a student advisor among the teachers who provides academic guidance and counseling. The students are also welcome by other teachers also. Students are free to discuss any kind of problem regarding academic as well as personal issues. Though the teachers are very cordial with the students, there is no separate room for counseling.

There is inadequate financial assistance to a student facing hardship. The University has a scholarship scheme and a poor fund. Broadly scholarship, stipend, free studentship etc. are available to the students. The Chairperson of the department can recommend and forward

23 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University such an application to the University authority. But the selection process is very competitive as the scholarship opportunity is very limited. A very few students can get access finally to the scholarship.

The entity encourages the students to participate in different co-curricular and extra- curricular activities. Students are very enthusiastic in this respect. They regularly participate in sports events. The students are culturally very active and a large number of students have membership of different cultural group of the university. A good number of students are skilled organizer and they have successfully organized various programs notably fresher’s reception, farewell program, debate workshop etc. Though they are very enthusiastic, due to limited resources sometimes they cannot flourish properly.

The entity has formed an alumni association formally which has started their activities. But the alumni association is not very active. The alumni feedback to update the learning outcomes of the programs has not been started yet.

Maintaining of communication with alumni and employers regarding placement and career planning for the students are essential but not maintained. There are lots of places of Anthropology oriented job. Our graduates join in diverse type of services due to their own capabilities. Student counseling should be recognized as an important aspect of the university career to guide students in the correct path during the university life. The student counseling should commence from the date of entry to the university and continue until the program is completed. This is a basic responsibility of any university.

8. Staff and Facilities

Faculty Description: There are two types of staffs, academic and non-academic working at the department. Along with the students, the academic and non-academic staffs are the key actors in teaching, learning, and research at any department. Teaching staffs are crucial for creating new knowledge through research and disseminating that knowledge among the students through teaching and learning practices. The adequate number of academic staffs is essential to sustain and proper functioning of the department through effectively covering the curriculum and teaching, learning, and research practices. Recruitment of academic staff is also important to maintain are reasonable students-teacher ratio.

Most of the teaching staffs are young, energetic, motivated and qualified. The department has

24 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University twenty-five faculty members and most of them have exposure to globally renowned universities and research organizations. It is noteworthy to mention that a significant number of the faculty members are PhDs. Henceforth, the department is equipped with capable professors, specialized in divergent fields of Anthropology. The teachers are very enthusiastic about teaching and research work. The department only requests the University to create post, advertise post and screen the applications whether applicants fulfill the requirements. The University recruits’ faculty members and non-academic staff by the respective selection committees and then approved by the syndicate.

They are devoted to assure the quality education in the department. The faculty members are highly satisfied with their team spirit, attitude and commitment to do hard works for the continuous improvement of the institute.

A body of non-academic staff including one librarian, one computer lab assistant, two administrative officers and three office bearers are working to support the entity. Considering the work load for facilitating the existing work load for the existing students and teachers, field works, the number of existing non-academic staff in the institute is inadequate. There is no facility for training of the non-academic staffs aiming to develop their skills. Therefore, the technical staffs felt to arrange skills development training for them. The reviewers are convinced that faculty members and non-academic staff need skills development training in their respective work areas to enhance quality of teaching-learning in the institute. The EPRT felt that there is a lacking of time management among the faculty members as well as non-academic staffs.

9. Research and Extension

Faculty Description: The research and extension activities at the department and university levels are as follows. In order to build the research capacity of department the university supports to academic staffs by providing five years paid and two years without pay study leaves to pursue higher studies both at home and abroad. In addition, academic staffs of POE may get postdoctoral research leave from the university. There are also provisions encouraging and facilitating staff members to undertake doctoral and M. Phil. research in the department. Academic staffs of the department regularly publish journal articles based on their research works and research facilities provided by the department. There were provisions into university to provide benefits to the academic staffs for their higher studies

25 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

(Ph. D. degree) and publications are also recognized with early promotion and financial benefits (increment i.e. personal pay). The Department publish its annual journal of its own. Besides, the Faculty has its own journal also.

The department does not have any definite research and development policy. The policies are actually oriented to allotment of fund.

The students are assigned to do carry out research work in their undergraduate and graduate level study. Applied Anthropology and Dissertation (both in the fourth year). Students become acquainted to the theoretical and methodological issues and learn to apply them to understand sociocultural dynamics and at the end produce research monographs. In MSS course, few students are given choice based on the selected criteria to write the dissertation. Sometimes they go for field work among different communities. Though there is no budget allocation from the university and the department also, the students arrange it from their own funding and the department provides a limited amount to support the field work. Whatever research we do, we do with this limited funding.

The department should have definite research and development policy. The policies are actually oriented to allotment of fund. However, we encourage our colleagues to hunt fund for research projects given by the University Research Cell, UGC and so on. However, teaching aid fund of the University is decreasing gradually. There is very high competition for research fund elsewhere.

10. Continuous Quality Improvement

Faculty Description: Process management is a critical component for continuous improvement. To deliver performance excellence and its sustainability, department must have key work processes systematically defined, completely deployed and sequentially delivered throughout every aspect of the organization, in simple terms process management can be defined as how work gets done, in what sequence, by whom and to meet which requirement. We describe the process management relevant to the department for continuous improvement in the subsequent sections.

At present the Department of Anthropology has commenced long back and working for the continuous improvement of the academic programs. This will be a challenging task for this

26 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

Department as it has not made any plans for Intended Learning Outcome (ILO) based curricula. Now they are committed to initiate the process.

This department has the autonomy in taking day-to-day academic decisions in consultation with faculty members. However, the department has almost no control over recruitment and promotion policies and decisions as these are mainly controlled centrally by the authority of the University. The department has started quality assurance activities like Self-Assessment, training of faculty members and workshops, very recently with the help of IQAC of the university, but it is difficult to say whether it will sustain or not as there is no provision of training for faculty members and non-academic staff in the system of the university. In addition to that, they should introduce student and peer feedback system in the program. This must be introduced as early as possible in the institute in order to initiate the process for quality enhancement of the program. Through discussion with the teachers it was envisaged that the teachers are ready to co-operate in these activities. The department has a good opportunity to make link with corporate world with the help of many of Alumni working in many reputed organizations. This would strengthen teaching learning and research opportunities of the institute and employment opportunities of the students.

27 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

Chapter FIVE Commendation, Affirmation and Recommendations

Department of Anthropology has thus far shown much merit, but in line with IQAC’s aspirations, more needs to be done. It is of utmost importance to institutionalize all good practices so that they remain even after the current administration is changed. A proper ‘standard operating procedure’ is needed to ensure the sustainability of all the good practices. As it is now, in carrying out the initial assessment in accordance to the IQAC procedure, DA has shown that it has started its journey towards excellence. This report merely validates and adds on to what DA has reported in its SAR. Following are the recommendations based on the finding from the SAR and physical verification.

Criteria 1: Governance

Commendation

1. The University has sound leadership to support and encourage the quality assurance culture. 2. The Department has well defined committee structures (academic, examination, etc.) with clearly distinguishable roles.

28 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

3. There is evidence that most of the teachers at the Department of Anthropology are highly qualified and competent in teaching. 4. The Department has formed an alumni association.

Affirmation

1. The Department has evolved its own academic calendar but that should be duly followed; 2. Though the Department has a website, it does not provide sufficient information; Most of links provided in this website open empty page and not updated; 3. Neither the University nor the Department has yet to be finalized the mission, vision statements and the objectives; 4. There is a lack of a proper system for receiving feedbacks from the stakeholders for the purpose of improvement with reference to teaching, learning, and research; 5. The Department has not formulated their program objectives and graduate profile;

Recommendation

1. The Department of Anthropology should develop its own visible and explicit Vision and Mission statements and objectives. This inadequacy needs to be addressed urgently; 2. There should be structured peer observation mechanism at the Department. For example, feedbacks from the stakeholders such as employers, alumni and students, are necessary for the improvement of the governance; 3. The website of the Department should be well-maintained, updated regularly and accessible at all times. The department may form a committee to design, review and update the website with up to date information, faculty profiles, current research activities, etc.; 4. There should be clear key performance indicators for the academic and non- academic staffs; 5. Rewards should be given to good teachers/researchers, to motivate them further and to nurture quality culture of teaching and research in the department;

29 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

Criteria 2: Curriculum Content, Design and Review

Commendation

1. The University has a well-defined procedure for the preparation and review of the courses and syllabus. The Department has the practice to review its syllabus in every 2-3 years; 2. As far as the structure of the syllabus is concerned, arrangement of the courses from lower to higher level is consistent with respective years;

Affirmation

1. The department currently has syllabus for its programs but there is no curriculum; 2. The Department of Anthropology reviews the Syllabus, but the review process needs to be accomplished on the regular basis; 3. Syllabus should not be cyclic as per the university provisions, but the stakeholder’s inputs need to be considered in reviewing the syllabus; 4. The contents of the syllabus are mostly up-to-date but there is scope for improvement as per the requirements of the stockholders; 5. The intended learning outcomes of the programs has not been defined by the department. Intended Learning outcomes of the course units have not been formalized; 6. The current syllabus does not have sufficient credits for developing English language skills, IT skills and soft skills as per requirements of the students and other stakeholders;

Recommendation

1. The current syllabus of the department should be converted to a complete curriculum. Curriculum needs to be designed to reflect the objectives of the programs. It must be aligned with intended learning outcomes (ILOs) specifying skills and results. There has to be mechanism for skills mapping for the program, which should include generic and analytical skills. During the curriculum development stakeholders should be included by conducting a workshop where all the stakeholders should be invited;

30 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

2. Adequate time allocation should be included to the curriculum to accommodate the English language, IT and soft skills development of the students such as communication and presentation skills, interpersonal skills, and work ethics; 3. Needs to introduce multidisciplinary course units like Sociology, Politics and Government, Economics, Geography, Contemporary Global Issues to the existing syllabus; 4. Needs to include co curricula activities into the academic calendar; 5. Needs to include study tour into the academic calendar; 6. There should be an Academic/Student Handbook for all students which should contain the curriculum and all other information related to it. The handbook serves as the sole reference for the student from the time s/he enters to the university until s/he graduates; 7. Optional courses should be offered to the students, especially at the fourth year of BSS and MSS programs. The provision will enable students to choose from a variety of courses that is related to their interests. These courses should be developed by senior faculty members keeping in mind their expertise in relevant fields; 8. Teaching and learning medium needs to change to English gradually enabling graduates of the department to be successful in the job market as per the requirements of the students and other stakeholders; 9. The Department should establish its graduate profile so that it can be used as a yardstick when designing programme and its curriculum. The profile should be linked to the program learning outcomes; 10. Collaboration between the department and other relevant Institutes/Organizations should be initiated to help the students to be in touch with the real life working experiences; 11. Courses should be designed with emphasis of field and research orientations. This can be achieved by incorporating field attachment, report writing and community service-oriented projects, dissertation/thesis-based project works identifying community problem;

12. The Department should provide support to the students in extra- and co-curricular activities. There should be available funds allocations for field trips and the

31 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

excursions. Which can be tailored through either by the department/university/private organisation or on students’ own initiatives.

Criteria 3: Student Admission, Progress and Achievements

Commendation

1. There is clear admission procedure, along with entrance test designed and conducted centrally which seems transparent and competitive; 2. Students are provided with clear introduction about programs of the respective Departments that are run centrally when they first enter to the university;

Affirmation

1. Although the admission processes is transparent but the department can propose to the University authorities to include some specific segments to attract potentials students,

Recommendation

1. Course files should be maintained by the faculty members for each and every course offered in a program of the department. The contents should include detailed lesson plan, records of student performance in various evaluation components, minutes of quality circle meetings (QCM), question papers of all the evaluation components, etc. to monitor the progress of the students; 2. The department should initiate the process of making a digital data base of the students to monitor the progress and achievements;

Criteria 4: Physical Facilities

Commendation

1. Most of the faculty members have single seating rooms except for few members, who share the office space;

32 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

2. Department has four class rooms, two big rooms equipped with the seating arrangements and multimedia projection system and two small size rooms with limited seating arrangements without any technical supports; 3. There are two big galleries belongs to the faculty; 4. There is a specious seminar library with a good number of collections of books and journals, a group discussion room for the students, a faculty meeting room, a small dining room for faculty members and a computer lab for the students and a IT service room for the faculty members;

Affirmation

1. Limited number of class rooms but they are not well equipped with technical and necessary facilities.

Recommendation

1. Class rooms needs to be well furnished in term of multimedia projection system, sound system, sufficient lightings and fans; 2. Seminar library needs to be well furnished with furniture and fixtures. It has to be equipped with IT facilities and easy access to the on-line e-reading materials too; 3. A good number of well configured PC need to be installed in the computer lab along with the internet and printing facilities for the students. Stable, uninterrupted internet facilities are crucial for the healthy growth of teaching-learning process; 4. The two big galleries belong to the faculty can be used for multi-purpose activities, such as conducting big classes, invited lectures/seminar by some rearrangements and refurbishments; 5. The IT support installation is necessary for all the faculty members in their respective office rather than a common IT room for them. It will enhance the creditability of the department; 6. Common room facilities should be provided to the female students;

Criteria 5: Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Commendation

1. Students have expressed their satisfaction on the teacher’s friendliness and approachability;

33 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

2. Students’ attendance is kept regularly, which serves as reference to determine students’ eligibility for the examination; 3. The class observed was interactive, conducted mostly in Bangla language. Students seem to enjoy the class; 4. In some courses there are said to be using limited multimedia facilities;

Affirmation

1. 1.Most of the teachers are available to the student and are willing for the academic discussion; 2. Although there is class roaster in the department which need to be followed strictly; 3. Assessment of dissertation/thesis is in place

Recommendation

1. The lesson plan and appropriate handouts should be given to the students before the classes as for the standard practice for quality teaching; 2. Trainings should be arranged for the faculty members to ensure the standard and innovative assessment tools. (refer to Bloom’s taxonomy – IQAC); 3. The University should establish a teaching-learning improvement center for trainings related to pedagogy and educational innovation; 4. Formal feedbacks from the students need to be taken seriously for the improvements and effective teaching-learning process; 5. Guest/invited lectures from the professionals of different academic/research instructions need to be arranged regularly; 6. Students should be provided with more research/project learning along with classical and contemporary texts on the subject; 7. Lecture plan should be well distributed ahead of the commencement of the courses. So that there will be no extra pressure and load on the part of the students; 8. Cancellation of classes should be notified well in advance which will help students to utilize their time constructively; 9. The current process of the evaluation of dissertation/thesis at BSS and MSS level needs to be relooked keeping in mind the standard practices of defense (viva- voce);

34 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

10. The results processing should be automated and need to be speed up in order to publish within the stipulated time frame;

Criteria 6: Student Support Services

Commendation

1. There is a central medical center with very good health facilities for the students with adequate number of medical personnel; 2. There are also good sports facilities and opportunities for students;

Affirmation

1. There is scope to improve and encourage more extra and co-curricular activities by establishing different clubs such as music club, dance club, with proper infrastructure facilities. 2. Limited student counseling services are provided at the department with a formal position of the student counselor;

Recommendation

1. There should be a student support advisory system. The support should include students’ career counseling, academic and personality development, societal values, morality, ethics and focusing on skill development;

2. An Alumni association should be more active and involvement in the developmental activities of the department;

3. The university should consider the setting up of a specific office to cater to the needs of job placement for the future graduates of the university. This office will function to link employers with students, and provide training for interviews, writing resume etc.

Criteria 7: Staff and Facilities

Commendation

35 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

1. A good number of qualified teaching staffs are and supporting staffs are available. They are dynamic and motivated with good research capabilities.

Affirmation

Recommendation

1. The non-academic staff should be provided with appropriate training to keep them updated on recent university developments as well as on skill development; 2. Academic staff needs training in Outcome Based Education, Benchmarking and other aspects of curriculum design, teaching-leaning and assessment, and Teaching Pedagogy; 3. Teaching staff members who have attended any kind of training should be asked to conduct the same training at the department so that many other can be benefited; 4. There should be a mechanism for the assessment of teaching quality by the students or peers (course feedback). Current practices only involve unstructured mechanism such as observation and discussion with students; 5. The dissatisfaction prevailing in the department among faculty members needs to be immediately addressed;

Criteria 8: Research and Extension

Commendation

1. There are evidences that a good number of teachers are involved in various research activities which are a healthy sign for the growth of the discipline; 2. A good number of quality publications are produced from the Department of Anthropology; 3. The department is actively pursuing to organize seminars/conferences from time to time and many teachers also participate in national/international conferences 4. Research degree programs, such MPhil and PhD are pursued in the department;

Affirmation

1. A good number of research projects have been implemented which includes the running research project under HEQEP.

36 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

Recommendation

1. More emphasis on collaborative research with forging Universities/research institutions need to be enhanced keeping in mind the capability and capacity building of the faculty members. 2. Focused thrust areas of research should be identified taking into consideration of the strength of the faculty members. In fact, department can initiate to form cohesive research groups involving faculty members and research students.

3. Senior faculties should be given more responsibilities with MPhil and PhD Research scholars

Criteria 9: Process Management and Continuous Improvement

Commendation

1. The review system set up to update the syllabus is place and reviewed regularly;

2. Under the IQAC, the self-assessment process of the department has been initiated;

Affirmation

1. The detailed of SWOT analysis in the SAR indicates that the Department of Anthropology’s seriousness on continual reflections of their academic activities. However, it has to be improved to reflect all the QA components to sustain further growth.

Recommendation

1. The Department of Anthropology should begin and maintain KPI-culture to ensure the long-term institutional development and improvement;

37 | P a g e

External Peer Review report of the Department of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University

2. The department may take initiatives to review its existing policies and procedures, especially as related to matters mentioned in this report, which are very important for the better program management and QA;

3. The IQAC needs to play a very important role in ensuring that academic and non- academic of the Department of Anthropology is well-trained and well-versed in teaching-learning, pedagogy and assessment-related matters and office procedures.

------sd------

Prof. Dr.Sanjeev Kumar Prof. Dr. M. AshrafulAlam Prof. Dr. Farid Uddin Mahajan Additional Director, IQAC Ahamed Dept. of Public Administration Shahjalal University of Science Department of Anthropology Himachal Pradesh University, and Technology, Sylhet, University of Chittagong Shimla, India Bangladesh Subject Expert, Member, Overseas QA Expert Local QA Expert, Member, EPRT EPRT Team Leader, EPRT

38 | P a g e