IMS Unison University SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS (SoLA) BACHELOR OF ARTS (HONORS) PROGRAM GENERAL PREAMBLE The objective of any program at Higher Education Institute is to prepare their students for the society at large. The IMS Unison University envisions all its programs in the best interest of their students and in this endeavor it offers a new vision to all its Undergraduate courses. It imbibes a Learning Outcome-based Curriculum Framework (LOCF) for all its Undergraduate programs. The LOCF approach is envisioned to provide a focused, outcome-based syllabus at the undergraduate level with an agenda to structure the teaching-learning experiences in a more student-centric manner. The LOCF approach has been adopted to strengthen students‘ experiences as they engage themselves in the program of their choice. The Undergraduate Programs will prepare the students for both, academia and employability. Each program vividly elaborates its nature and promises the outcomes that are to be accomplished by studying the courses. The programs also state the attributes that it offers to inculcate at the graduation level. The graduate attributes encompass values related to well-being, emotional stability, critical thinking, social justice and also skills for employability. In short, each program prepares students for sustainability and lifelong learning. Outcome based learning is the principal end of pedagogical transactions in higher education in today‘s world in the light of exponential changes brought about in science and technology, and the prevalent utilitarian world view of the society. Since humanities is among the most questioned disciplines, it is imperative to perspectivise discipline-specific studies at the UG and PG levels. Humanities has ever been in crisis in the West, which has impacted social perception beyond the western shores including India, though the Indian mind, before the advent of colonization, related literature to ‗kavya satya‘ (poetic truth), which was different from other forms of truth, and hence not comparable to others. But humanities, poetry to be precise, has found its defendants in all ages. To speak of human values in an age in which humanities as a discipline itself is in a state of crisis may appear paradoxical. However, the present century has increasingly realized the interconnectedness of all elements in the universe and interrelatedness of lives. The present crisis of humanities emanates from the predominance of science and technology in particular because it contributes to human conditions and comfort in tangible terms and thereby changing the human condition with material inventions. The Bachelor of Arts (Honors) Program with Major and Minor options Curriculum 32 [Effective from Academic Session 2020-21] IMS Unison University resultant utilitarian society likes to invest in science and technology because it takes care of provisions for life. Humanities, especially literature, on the other hand, takes care of vision. But its impact is intangible and immeasurable in terms of quantity. Humanities or literary discourse brings about qualitative changes that remain immeasurable, but for its manifestation in human conduct that may be observed and experienced, but not quantified. However, what gets obviated in the process is that both of them i.e., science and technology and humanities-- are complementary, though those fascinated with tangible outcomes do tend to gloss over it. Fortunately, institutions of repute in management, also science and technology have again started paying attention to humanities and social sciences, at least symbolically. LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR THE BA (HONS) PROGRAM The BA (Hons) graduate will demonstrate the following qualification descriptors: 1. Comprehension of theoretical and practical knowledge of the subject matter of the chosen discipline/field. 2. Awareness of the various methods used in the discipline such as lab and field experimentation, observation methods, field studies, surveys, analysis, review, testing and interviewing skills. 3. Training in using self-report measures of literary or textual investigation, communication skills, counselling, and scientific writing for publication in scientific journals. 4. Planning the research, identifying the problem or research query, doing a review of literature, designing the research, and deciding the method and analysis tools. 5. Enhanced skills to optimize self-understanding, growth and development. 6. Competence in terms of applying analytical and psychological skills, techniques of data collection, assessment and evaluation at an individual and group level. 7. Proficiency in using various software and techniques of quantitative and qualitative analysis. LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR THE BA (HONS) PROGRAM 1. DISCIPLINARY KNOWLEDGE Ability to understand core psychological concepts, models, classical theories, varied perspectives, evolution of the field, new researches being carried out, as also knowledge of the sub fields of psychology. 2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS Acquiring the skill for self-presentation and self-management, communicating effectively in writing and orally, asking questions, conveying information to others in a simple and unambiguous way, active listening, giving and receiving feedback, making presentations, and report writing. Bachelor of Arts (Honors) Program with Major and Minor options Curriculum 33 [Effective from Academic Session 2020-21] IMS Unison University 3. CRITICAL THINKING The ability to engage in independent thinking, identify, construct and evaluate arguments, solve problems systematically, reason clearly, rigorously question ideas and critique theories and researches in psychology. 4. PROBLEM SOLVING Applying one‘s knowledge to solve real life issues and problems of society at large, finding solutions that are context-specific, being able to use technology, use of methods such as simulation, brainstorming, and experimentation. 5. ANALYTICAL REASONING The ability to break complex problems into simpler components, scrutinize a situation, inductive and deductive reasoning, drawing inferences. 6. RESEARCH RELATED SKILLS The ability to plan, design and conduct research while adhering to ethical guidelines, is critical for psychology graduates, as the participants are human. This also includes collecting data using qualitative and quantitative research methods. 7. COOPERATION/TEAM WORK Working in groups for projects, presentations and practical, knowledge sharing and appreciation of diversity- essential attributes for a graduate in psychology. 8. SCIENTIFIC REASONING The values of accuracy, objectivity, scepticism, and open mindedness are desirable to instill in graduates of psychology to develop a scientific temperament. Towards this end, breaking stereotypes, thinking out-of-the-box, imagining, analyzing and trying alternatives, and questioning conclusions based on newer evidence is required. 9. REFLECTIVE THINKING Awareness of one‘s own knowledge, assumptions and past experiences, interpreting and evaluating as one responds to new experiences will help a graduate in psychology to create meaning, solve problems and plan. It also includes becoming aware of one‘s strengths and weaknesses, having insight into the trajectories of life and plan so as to move further in the desired direction. The use of introspection may be helpful in not only constructing experience, but also distancing students from social pressure, take different perspectives, and take responsibility for their actions. 10. INFORMATION/DIGITAL LITERACY The ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information is required. This includes searching through legitimate online resources, creating digital content such as email, blogs and videos, and sharing it. 11. SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING Taking initiative for one‘s own learning, diagnosing their own learning needs, implementing appropriate learning strategies is desirable for a psychology graduate. Keeping a journal, setting goals, planning, taking action, and evaluating outcomes will help this process. 12. MULTICULTURAL COMPETENCE An ability to incorporate socio-cultural context in scientific inquiry, understanding psychological realities in varies cultural contexts, appreciating the non-universality of principles and theories, awareness of indigenous Indian perspectives, as also the ability to relate to others from diverse backgrounds is required. 13. MORAL AND ETHICAL AWARENESS Training students to become ethical and morally sound psychologists is important. This includes teaching the APA Ethics Code, understanding the Bachelor of Arts (Honors) Program with Major and Minor options Curriculum 34 [Effective from Academic Session 2020-21] IMS Unison University issue of plagiarism, appreciation of rights and dignity of participants as a researcher, and upholding values in academic work. Students should also be able to explore the world of marginalized people with empathy and compassion, and also develop an understanding of social injustice and strive for justice. 14. LEADERSHIP QUALITIES The ability to articulate, motivate oneself, inspire others, organize and plan well, have a sense of abundant positivity that energizes everyone around them, having a clear sense of purpose, self-awareness and adaptability. 15. LIFELONG LEARNING Approaching life with curiosity and wonder, pursuing knowledge, learning how to learn will enhance active citizenship, personal development and self- sustainability. This will turn mistakes into possibilities and