The Peace and Conflict Studies curriculum offers an interdisciplinary understanding of violence, inequality, migration, gender, and global justice through anthropological, sociological, legal, and political perspectives. Students examine direct and structural violence, social inequalities of class, caste, race, gender, and ethnicity, and the links between migration, conflict, and peacebuilding. The programme integrates theories of conflict resolution, human rights, gender justice, and global citizenship, emphasizing practical approaches to peacemaking and policy formation. Through case studies, simulations, field research, independent study, and critical analysis, students develop analytical, ethical, and research skills essential for addressing contemporary conflicts and promoting sustainable peace at local and global levels.
This course introduces students to interdisciplinary frameworks for understanding violence, conflict, and peace from psychological, social, political, and anthropological perspectives. It examines direct and structural violence through global case studies, including interpersonal, intra-state, and inter-state conflicts, genocide, human rights violations, and resource-based violence. Students engage with theories of intergroup relations, obedience, bystander behavior, and structural inequality, alongside practical approaches to peacemaking and peacebuilding. Emphasizing experiential learning, simulations, and conflict analysis, the course develops strong analytical and research skills, enabling students to critically assess complex conflicts and explore realistic, context-sensitive strategies for conflict resolution and sustainable peace.
This course introduces students to the sociological study of inequality and its impact on everyday life across societies. It examines key parameters of social stratification—class, race, ethnicity, gender, and caste—through historical and contemporary perspectives. Drawing on classical and critical theories, including Marxist, feminist, anti-caste, and postcolonial thought, the course analyzes how power, privilege, and exclusion are structured and sustained. Through comparative case studies, visual media, and field research, students develop conceptual and analytical tools to interpret diverse forms of inequality and are encouraged to critically reflect on and propose innovative strategies to challenge entrenched social hierarchies.
Politics of Social Justice examines the evolution of justice from classical Western theories to contemporary and Indian perspectives. The course engages with key thinkers from utilitarian, libertarian, communitarian, Marxist, and feminist traditions to understand why justice must be viewed as social and political. It critically explores claims to justice based on race, caste, gender, and marginality, while linking democracy, morality, and the public good to global equality. Through discussions, readings, and visual materials, students develop reflective and critical perspectives on justice in diverse social contexts.
Shifting Homelands: Ideology, Migration and Conflict (Course Code: T6353) explores human mobility and its linkages to conflict, violence, and social transformation. The course examines migration across history—from early human movements and colonial diasporas to contemporary internal, international, and transnational migrations. Students analyze theoretical perspectives, push-pull factors, and the intersections of migration with economy, culture, gender, and identity. Emphasis is placed on understanding migration-related conflicts, structural violence, and policy frameworks for peacebuilding. Through interdisciplinary study and critical engagement, the course equips students with analytical skills to interpret migration as a natural and complex component of human societies.
Gender and Law examines the gendered dimensions of Indian law, highlighting historical biases and contemporary legal challenges. The course covers key areas such as marriage, family, reproductive rights, sexual harassment, LGBTQ+ rights, prostitution, and pornography, while also referencing international law where relevant. Students learn to critically analyze laws, understand their gender implications, and explore frameworks for achieving gender equality. Through lectures, discussions, group work, and case analysis, the course equips students to interpret legal texts, evaluate court decisions, and engage with the law as a tool for social justice and equality.
This course examines major theories and debates in global justice, tracing their emergence from political philosophy to contemporary global concerns. Students engage with thinkers such as Rawls and explore shifts from international to global justice in the context of globalization and global citizenship. The course addresses applied issues including poverty and inequality, gender justice, war and terrorism, environmental justice, human rights, and international institutions such as the UN and ICC. Through structured discussions, critical readings, and independent research projects, students develop analytical skills to evaluate global justice perspectives and apply them to real-world transnational challenges.
The Independent Study course offers students an opportunity to pursue an in-depth, self-directed exploration of a specific area of interest within anthropology under close faculty mentorship. Students design and implement a semester-long project involving focused reading, research, fieldwork, or creative production, with clearly defined goals and outcomes. Emphasizing initiative, critical inquiry, and reflective learning, the course develops advanced analytical skills such as evaluation, comparison, synthesis, and interpretation. Regular meetings with a faculty advisor provide guidance and feedback, while assessment is based on interim and final outputs, enabling students to demonstrate intellectual independence and sustained scholarly engagement.
