COURSE ABSTRACT

Programme BACHELOR OF DESIGN

Name of the Course SLA-I (INTRODUCTION TO INDIAN CULTURE)
Name of the Discipline FOUNDATION STUDIES
Usual time of occurrence SEMESTER - I
Course Category TH
Duration 1 Week
Credits 2

Relevance
The course aims to focus on the visual aspects of the Indian culture with a special reference to the
distinction that is commonly made between “classical” and “folk”. The course will examine the notions
of “Indian” and “Culture” and what we really mean when we say that there is a “tradition” of Indian
aesthetics. It would seek to problematize the issues within a broad framework of traditional theories like
Rasa-Bhava, sthapatya, citrakala, and their repercussions at the grassroot level: the folk. It would also
seek to enquire about the concept of “Indianness” and as to how it raises relevant questions of our own
identity.
The course seeks to focus on, therefore:
• Concepts and actual practices within the broad framework of India
• The generality and the specificity of Indian visual culture
• The possibilities of looking at culture in alternative ways
• Awareness of the form and content of past, present and future trends in cultural aesthetics
Objective
The course intends to create a blend of theory and practice as it is amply evinced in the Indian
tradition. It aims to:
• To arouse an interest in the aesthetic criteria of Indian visual art forms;
• To necessitate a discussion and debate on the accepted norms of “tradition”;
• To create an awareness of the multi-layered nature of Indian culture;
• To explore the possibilities of alternative ways of looking at culture;
• To provide a healthy mix of theory and praxis as found in culture;
• To enable the learner to graduate to the level of production from mere acquisition.
Course Contents
Story behind stories, Oral tradition of learning, Indian aesthetics, palette, iconography, utility or beauty,
symbols of Indian beauty , Traditional Ecology ,Sacred groves, Indian medicine and material medical,
Classical Dance forms, community dances, language of mudra, Music Hindustani , Karnataka, folk,
festive, Ethics and value systems Pancha tantra, Chanakya, Manu, epics, Celebrations and rhythm of
seasons, History and geography through food and cuisine, Interpersonal relationships, samskara and
value systems, Composite Culture and continuity of tradition.
Day 1: Exploring the notions of ‘Indian’, ‘Culture’, ‘Civilisation’, ‘Tradition’‘; Shastriya, Margi, Desi;
Dominant and Subaltern Cultures.
Presentation on Indian Painting, Sculpture and Architecture followed by
discussion Film Screening and discussion
Day 2: Presentation on Crafts as repositories of culture, narrative traditions
Film Screening and discussion. Students given a set of readings to read, the ideas of which
they have to present in groups
Day 3: Discussion on Indian Civilisation and society, performing arts. Film screening and discussion.
Day 4: Visit to a museum and students work on reflective note on the museum visit
Day 5: Summing up. Presentations of students’ diaries and discussions
Methodology
The course would follow the following modes:
• Lecture-cum-demo
• Discussion and debate
• Some basic readings/library work
• Turn-in assignments
• Or project work in groups
• Museum visits
• Film screenings
• Visual quizzes
• Worksheets
Evaluation Criteria
Sr. No Evaluation Criteria Description
1 Reflective Thinking Ability to reconsider concepts, ideas, design issues and evaluate them.
2 Communication Ability to transmit ideas through different medias.
Attendance and Time Regularity, punctuality of attendance and time management.
3
Management
Quality of class participation and interaction with fellow students and
4 Participation
faculty.
Level of understanding and comprehension, linking new learning to the
Conceptual Clarity and existing knowledge for better organization of information. Ability to
5
Comprehension understand concepts comprehensively, remember and articulate them.