International Understanding for Human Unity

COURSE OUTLINE
BACKGROUND AND THE RATIONALE
With the amazing advancement of communications breaking the physical barriers between human societies today, one wonders if there has been a corresponding sea-change in the mindset of humans too. People have come to know more about the universe than about themselves. The emergence of the so-called 'global village' is yet to signify a substantial degree of human understanding at the cultural level.
What is particularly lacking is a critical understanding among persons, and between societies and cultures, regarding the raison d'etre of human existence. In other words, the foundations for a plural but integral global culture are yet to be consolidated.
A systematic study of human interaction is therefore necessary, keeping in view the present state of incomplete integration and the promises of transition into human unity.
Fortunately for us, Indian culture has a rich heritage of Vedantic wisdom which has highlighted various strategies for finding unity among all beings in this universe. With admiration but also with critical discrimination, we can usefully draw upon this important source of wisdom.
Hence the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture has launched an advanced multi-disciplinary course, open to the interested and enlightened public, to promote unity through dialogue and understanding.
OBJECTIVES
The Course will serve the following objectives:
Promote a high level of critical awareness of the basic unity underlying cultural diversity.
Foster unity retaining the essential elements of cultural diversity.
Assess the nature of the difficulties in upholding co-operation, understanding and mutual appreciation of various cultural systems.
Relate the modern realities with the rich insight of Indian philosophical (especially Vedantic) tradition.
Transmit the message of Human Understanding to a wider audience through the participants in the programme.
STRUCTURE AND METHODOLOGY
The Course has been designed in a manner that combines the spirit of Science with Humanistic reflection.
The Course-structure is by definition multi-disciplinary, giving the main branches of human knowledge their due share in the formation of a culture of global unity. Ingredients of the best insights from the social, physical, mental, moral, philosophical and legal sciences have been woven into the course-fabric. Certain activities in the spheres of Music, Medicine, Media reporting, Painting Environment awareness etc. also find due exposition in the programme.
The course will proceed with lectures, but will also hinge on vigorous classroom interaction. Study materials comprising lecture notes and references are distributed to help meaningful interaction during lecture sessions. Peer-group discussions, debates and even 'brain-storming' sessions may also be held to enliven the learning process.
DURATION
The Course will be of nine months' duration (starting from September), classes being held twice a week in the evening. There will be approximately 160 lecture-cum-interaction sessions in an academic year. Apart from Seminar participation provision is there for submission of end of session essay (optional).
CERTIFICATE
Course participants receive Certificates of Attendance indicating Grade awarded for essays at the Annual Convocation. The Certificate will be useful for career advancement of people in various professions.
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
The programme has received positive support from the UNESCO and the Ministry of Human Resources, Department of Education, Government of India. It is likely that it will attract wider public attention both at home and abroad.
FACULTY
Highly placed academics, opinion leaders, professionals, media persons as well as spiritual personalities constitute the faculty. Resource persons, both city-based and coming on invitation from outside the state and abroad, public dignitaries, high Officials from UNESCO and foreign missions,will be taking classes.
WHO CAN ENROLL?
The programme is a highly specialized academic exercise leading to an award of a Certificate of Excellence. As such persons having serious interest in international developments are most welcome to join the Course.
ENTRY QUALIFICATION
Graduates in any discipline, with a proven inclination to grasp international issues. Admission starts from the month of July and classes will start from the 1st week of September.
CLASS LECTURES
Classes will be held initially on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 5.30 p.m. and 7.30 p. m. In addition special lectures will be held on Saturdays by notification.
REGISTRATION AND FEES
Intending learners should register their names in the prescribed application form (available from the Institute office), stating their academic qualification and interest in international, social and cultural issues. The Course being a specialized one, the intake should initially be restricted to 100 per session. Prescribed fees payable for the entire programme at the time of registration. University/College students of sufficient merit may be considered for concessional fees.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Interested learners may contact the office on the 3rd floor of the Institute between 11.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. and between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. except Sundays.