Goa University is preparing to introduce a MA in womens studies from the academic year 2014-15

Updated on: Monday, June 03, 2013

Goa University (GU) is preparing to introduce a MA in women's studies from the academic year 2014-15. The content for the programme is being readied by the university, but the course cannot be launched in the coming academic year 2013-14 for want of staff.

"The Centre for Women's Studies (CWS) was sanctioned for Goa University by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under its earlier plan period. It was expected that eventually, it would be converted into a full-fledged department. We have received some support from the UGC under the 12th plan period and we have decided to start a women's study programme," GU registrar Vijayendra Kamat said.

The course will require additional financial support, which the university is seeking from the state government for appointment of at least two to three faculty members to begin the course. At present, the centre for women's studies operates under a lone faculty person.

The functions of the CWS are currently limited to carrying out research, documentation and advocacy in the area and networking with organizations committed to women's empowerment at the state, national and international levels.

UGC's mandate for departments of women's studies requires them to introduce a masters level course in women's studies 'with a full complement of core and optional courses and a dissertation'. The requirement states that the core courses will be in feminist theory and methodology with special reference to their contributions to general theory and methodology.

The optional courses may cover the range being developed at one of the 60-odd women's studies centres set up under the UGC programme across India, depending upon the competence, interest and thrust of different centres.

At present various universities follow different systems with varying weightage for elective courses. This relative proportion will have to be worked out by each university according to its requirements.

Goa University is preparing to introduce a MA in womens studies from the academic year 2014-15

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