New Delhi: The syllabus standing committee of Delhi University on Wednesday refused to approve several papers proposed to be introduced in the postgraduate curricula, including those focused on Pakistan, China and Islam. The political science and sociology departments have been asked to rework the content. The proposed papers include Pakistan and the World, State and Society in Pakistan, Islam and International Relations, Religious Nationalism and Political Violence, and China’s Role in the Contemporary World. A paper titled Autonomy of Corporate Scams was also removed, along with a chapter, The Moharram Procession of Mumbai, from the book, Handbook of Religion and the Asian City: Aspiration and Urbanisation in the Twenty-First Century.Confirming the removals, dean of students K Ratnabali said, “We don’t mind students being taught about our neighbouring country Pakistan, but India should be the focal point. Instead of Pakistan and the World, it could be about India’s relationship with Pakistan and the mediation efforts our country has undertaken. Similarly, instead of Islam and International Relations, why not teach students about all religions in a comparative framework?”She further questioned the framing of papers such as China and the World, saying that students would benefit more from a focus on India-China relations. “We have asked the departments to reframe their syllabi and bring them back on July 1,” she added. The committee will reconvene on July 1 to review the proposals.
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