MULTI DISCIPLINARY COURSES (MDC)

Gauhati University::NEP-2020::FYUGP::
Multi Disciplinary Courses:
Semester-1: MDC-1
Semester-2: MDC-2
Semester-3: MDC-3

Disciplines:
1. Natural and Physical Sciences
2. Mathematical Sciences
3. Library, Information and Media Sciences
4. Commerce and Management
5. Humanities and Social Sciences
6. Information and Communication Technologies
7. Life Sciences
8. Earth Sciences

 Generic in nature-Content
 Three papers in the pipeline
 Credit: 3 each
 No practical Components

Discipline wise Paper Names::

1. Natural and Physical Sciences

MDC-1: Introduction to Natural and Physical Sciences

MDC-2: Natural and Physical Sciences in Everyday Life
MDC-3: Applications and Prospects of Natural and Physical Sciences

2. Mathematical Sciences

MDC-1: Foundations of Mathematical Sciences- I

MDC-2: Foundations of Mathematical Sciences - II
MDC-3: Foundations of Mathematical Sciences - III

3. Library, Information and Media Sciences

MDC-1: Foundations of Library and Information Science

MDC-2: Information Sources and Services
MDC-3: Fundamentals of Mass Media Studies
4. Commerce and Management

MDC-1: Basics of Commerce & Management

MDC-2: Personal Financial Management
MDC-3: Personal Income-tax Planning

5. Humanities and Social Sciences

MDC-1: Humanities & Social Sciences-I: Makers of Modern Assam

MDC-2: Humanities & Social Sciences- II: Democracy and Peoples’ Rights
MDC-3: Humanities & Social Sciences- III: Understanding Globalization

6. Information and Communication Technologies

MDC-1: Information and Communication Technologies-I

MDC-2: Information and Communication Technologies-II
MDC-3: Information and Communication Technologies-III

7. Life Sciences

MDC-1: Basics in Life Sciences

MDC-2: Life Sciences and Environment
MDC-3: Bioresources and Traditional Knowledge

8. Earth Sciences

MDC-1: Understanding Physical Formations of the Earth

MDC-2: Understanding the Changing Environment
MDC-3: Land and People of Assam
Syllabus::

1. Natural and Physical Sciences

MDC-1: Introduction to Natural and Physical Sciences

Unit 1: Structure and Constituents of the Material World—atoms, molecules, and

ions; Essential Elements; Structure and Bonding; Acids and Bases; Chemical
Formula and Equations; Night Sky.
Unit 2: Laws of Nature— Gas laws; Kinds of Forces; Equilibrium, Kinetics,
Osmosis; Heat and Thermodynamics; Electrical and Magnetic Behaviour of
Nature, Friction, Waves & Oscillations.
Unit 3: Properties of Matter— States and Strength of Materials, Optical properties-
- Emissions and Absorptions, Interference, Diffraction, and Polarization;
Nanomaterials; Smart Materials; Sounds and Musical Instruments.

MDC-2: Natural and Physical Sciences in Everyday Life

Unit 1: Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Amino Acids, Vitamins & Minerals, Foods
and Beverages; Germicides, Pesticides; Human Health; Patterns and Variations in
Nature.
Unit 2: Solutions and Colloids, Plastics, Cements, Glass, Soaps and Detergents;
Pollutants and Contaminants; Heavy Metal Poisoning; Poisonous Gases; Green
House Effect; Acid Rain, Corrosion.
Unit 3: Waste Water Treatment; Nuclear Energy; Conventional and Renewable
Energy Sources; Battery Basics; Future Fuels.

MDC-3: Applications and Prospects of Natural and Physical Sciences

Unit 1: Solar Light and Radiations; Introduction to Microscopic and Spectroscopic

Techniques; MRI and CT Scan; Fluorescence.
Unit 2: Sensors & Detectors; Telescopes; Images and Information;
Communications; Space and Atmosphere.
Unit 3: Measurements and Errors; Observation, Representation, and
Interpretation—Testing and Analysis; Evaluation and Conclusion.
2. Mathematical Sciences
MDC-1: Foundations of Mathematical Sciences- I

UNIT-I: Numbers, Division algorithm, Divisibility test, Test of prime numbers.

Definition of number system (decimal and binary), Conversion from decimal to
binary system and vice – versa. Indices, Logarithm and Antilogarithm, Laws and
properties of logarithms. No of contact hours: 10

UNIT-II: Percentage, Average, Discount, Profit & loss. Problems based on Age,
Time, speed & distance, Time & work, clock & calendar, Partnership, Ratio &
Proportions, Simple Interest and Compound Interest, Effective rate of interest,
Present value, net present value and future value, Annuities, Calculating value of
Regular Annuity, Pipes and Cisterns, Mixture and Allegation, Boats and Streams,
Races and Games. No of contact hours: 13

UNIT-III: Historical development of statistics, statistics in everyday life, statistics

through observed data, Scope, limitations, importance, and applications of statistics
in other fields, roles of computer in statistics. Statistical data: primary and
secondary data and methods of their collection. Time series data, qualitative data
and quantitative data. Data Representation: Frequency distribution, Graphical
representation of frequency distribution Histogram, Frequency polygon, Frequency
curve, Ogive. No of contact hours: 11

UNIT-IV: Data Analysis: Arithmetic mean, Geometric mean, Harmonic mean,

Median, Mode and their properties. Partition Values: Quartiles, Deciles,
Percentiles. Graphical location of Mode, Quartiles, Deciles and Percentiles.
No of contact hours: 11

Course Learning Out comes: This course will enable the students to:
(i) learn about numbers, conversion of decimal numbers in binary system and
binary to decimal system.
(ii) relate indices and logarithm /antilogarithm and learn about properties of
logarithms.
(iii) Learn basic mathematical tools to solve real life problems.
(iv) Know application of mathematical tools in decision making problems
(v) acquire the skill of statistical analysis of data from real life situation in a
scientific manner.
(vi) acquire knowledge on the basic aspects of statistical reasoning and
drawing conclusions
 Text Books:
1. Dinesh Khattar, The Pearson Guide to Objective Arithmetic for
Competitive Examinations, Pearson 2nd Edition 2008.
2. S.C. Gupta, V.K. Kapoor, Fundamentals of Mathematical Statistics, S.
Chand and Sons, 11th Ed 2002.
Reference Books:
1. R.V. Praveen, Quantitate Attitude and Reasoning, 7th Edition, PHI 2013.
2. A.M. Goon, M.K. Gupta and B. Dasgupta, Fundamentals of Statistics, Vol.
I & II, 8th Edn. The World Press, Kolkata, 2002.
3. Irwin Miller Marylees Miller, John E. Freund's Mathematical Statistics
with Applications, 8th Edition, Pearson 2014.

MDC-2: Foundations of Mathematical Sciences – II

UNIT-I: Mathematical reasoning: Meaning of mathematical statements, Negation,

Compound statements, Quantifiers, Converse and Contrapositive of the statement,
Implications, Validating statements. Sequence and Series (AP, GP), Logical
reasoning: Odd man out and series, Blood relations, Coding Decoding, Logical
sequence, Logical matching, Logical thinking, missing numbers, Logic puzzles.
No of contact hours: 11

UNIT-II: Factorial notations, Permutation & Combination (basic definition and

everyday problems), Pigeonhole principle, Mathematical Induction, Binomial
theorem (for positive index), Principle of Inclusion and Exclusion, Derangements,
Inversion formulae, Inequalities, Solution of inequations, Trigonometry, problems
based on height and distances. Mensuration, area, volume, surface area and
perimeter. No of contact hours: 12

UNIT-III: Measures of Dispersion - Range, Inter-quartile Range, Quartile

deviation, Mean Deviation, Standard Deviation, Coefficient of variation. Ideal
measures of Dispersion. Idea of Skewness and kurtosis (without moments). Idea of
Moment and Moment generating function.
No of contact hours: 12
UNIT-IV: Bivariate distribution, Scalier diagram, Correlation and regression, Karl
Pearson's Correlation coefficient and its properties. Two regression lines (without
derivation), principle of least squares and fitting of polynomials, Relation between
correlation coefficient and regression coefficients.
No of contact hours: 10

Course Learning Out comes: This course will enable the students to:
(i) understand the truth and false of a logical statement and solve logical
problems of real-life situation
 (ii) learn combinatorial ideas to solve algebraic and real life problems
(iii) learn techniques to solve daily life problems.
(iv) develop aptitude for applications of statistical techniques in Social
sciences & Humanities.
Text Books:
1. Seymour Lipschutz, Theory and problems of Set Theory and Related Topics,
2nd Edition, Schaum’s Series, McGraw Hill, 1998.
2. Dinesh Khattar, The Pearson Guide to Objective Arithmetic for Competitive
Examinations, Pearson 2nd Edition 2008.
3. Richard A. Brualdi, Introductory Combinatorics, 5th Edition Pearson Education
Inc., 2009.
4. S.C. Gupta, V.K. Kapoor, Fundamentals of Mathematical Statistics, S. Chand
and Sons, 11th Ed 2002.
Reference Books:
1. Ajit Kumar, S. Kumaresan, Bhaba Kumar Sarma, A foundation Course on
Mathematics, Alpha Science International Ltd, Oxford, UK. Frist Edition 2018.
2. R.V. Praveen, Quantitate Attitude and Reasoning, 7th Edition, PHI 2013.
3. A.M. Goon, M.K. Gupta and B. Dasgupta, Fundamentals of Statistics, Vol. I &
II, 8th Edn. The World Press, Kolkata, 2002.
4. Irwin Miller Marylees Miller, John E. Freund's Mathematical Statistics with
Applications, 8th Edition, Pearson 2014.

MDC-3: Foundations of Mathematical Sciences – III

UNIT-I: Set theory and its simple applications, Types of sets and their notations,
Subsets, Classes of Sets, Power Sets, Venn diagrams, Operations on sets, Ordered
pairs, Cartesian product of two sets. Finite sets, Fundamental Principle of Counting,
sum rule and product role of counting. Relations & Functions (definitions,
examples and solution techniques).
No of contact hours: 10

UNIT-II: Matrices and determinants: Addition, Subtraction and Multiplication of

matrices with their properties (only upto third order). Determinants with properties
and solution of systems of linear equations with the help of determinant (only upto
third order) problems related to economics and business.
No of contact hours: 10

UNIT-III: Differential Calculus: Basic concept of limit and continuity of a

function; derivative of a function, Rule of differentiation, Derivative as a Rate of
Change, Product Rule, Quotient Rule, Chain Rule, Derivatives of Logarithmic
Functions, Exponential Functions, Elasticity of Demand and supply. Second Order
Derivatives, Maxima and Minima of function related to cost, revenue and profit
functions. No of contact hours: 14
 UNIT-IV: Probability: Idea of Probability generating function and characteristic
function and its utility in statistics. Random Experiments, sample space, events and
algebra of events. Classical, statistical, and axiomatic of Probability. Conditional
Probability, laws of addition and multiplication, independent events, theorem of
total probability, Random variables: discrete and continuous random variables.
No of contact hours: 13

Course Learning Out comes: This course will enable the students to:
(i) Have knowledge and critical understanding, visualization, of basic concepts,
terms of sets
(ii) Know about counting principle
(iii) Learn about relation and functions
(iv) Learn matrices and determinants, solving systems of linear equations through
determinants
(v) Learn about derivative of different type of functions and application of
derivative in economics
(vi) Know about sample spaces, basic ideas of probability and its application in
practical problems

Text Books:
1. Seymour Lipschutz, Theory and problems of Set Theory and Related Topics, 2nd
Edition, Schaum’s Series, McGraw Hill, 1998.
2. C.E. Cullis, Matrices and Determinants, Vol 3, Cambridge University Press, 2013.
3. E. Haeussler, R. Paul and R. Wood, Introductory Mathematical Analysis for
Business, Economics, and the Life and Social Sciences, Pearson, 13th Edition, 2014
4. S.C. Gupta, V.K. Kapoor, Fundamentals of Mathematical Statistics, S. Chand and
Sons, 11th Ed 2002.
Reference Book:
1. A.M. Goon, M.K. Gupta and B. Dasgupta, Fundamentals of Statistics, Vol. I & II,
8th Edn. The World Press, Kolkata, 2002.
2. Irwin Miller Marylees Miller, John E. Freund's Mathematical Statistics with
Applications, 8th Edition, Pearson 2014.
3. Library, Information and Media Sciences
MDC-1: Foundations of Library and Information Science

Course Objectives: To make the learners aware of the Library and Information
Science subject, libraries in general and its relation and contribution to society.
Graduate Attributes: After completion of this course, you will be able to:
 Get acquainted with the library and information science subject and its
different dimensions;
 Explain the different types of libraries and their functions;
 Describe the role played by different organisations in the development of
libraries;
 Grasp the role of ILA, IASLIC, ALA and other library associations in the
promotion of libraries; and
 Get acquainted with the information and library related rules, regulations
and acts.
Detailed Syllabus
Unit 1 Library and Information Science: Library and Information Science (LIS)
as a subject, LIS as a profession, Professional skills and competencies,
professional ethics, and academic status of a librarian; library as a social
institution, linkage of LIS with other subjects, LIS education in India,
Career prospect in LIS, Librarians’ Day and National Library Week, World
Book Day.
Unit 2 Basics of Library: Definition, types. Concept, functions, authority,
collection, personnel, finance, services of academic, public, special,
national, school, archives, museum and oriental libraries. Library Acts in
India; RRRLF. Libraries for differently abled persons, children, women and
aged people. Library of Congress, National library of India; Depository
Libraries. Libraries under Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India.
Unit 3 Library and its Promoters and Associations: UNESCO, National
Knowledge Commission, India and National Mission on Libraries, India,
Library and Information Policy. Library associations at international (ALA,
CILIP, IFLA), national (ILA, IASLIC, IATLIS), state levels (ALA,
ACLA).
Unit 4 Library and Information related Regulations: The Press and
Registration of Books Act, 1867; the Delivery of Books ‘and Newspapers’
(Public Libraries) Act, 1954 and 1956; Information Technology Act, 2000,
Right to Information Act, 2005. Commissions and Committees in relation
to LIS.

MDC-2: Information Sources and Services

Course Objectives: To make the learners aware of the different sources of data
and information and make acquaintance with the different services provided by
 libraries and knowledge resource centres as well as to give an introduction to the
correlation between information services and media.
Graduate Attributes: After completion of this course, you will be able to:
 Describe the structure of different kinds of documentary sources useful
and accessible to a variety of users;
 Describe the need, use and functions of bibliographies;
 Grasp the process involved in providing reference and information
services;
 Comprehend the sources for different types of information;
 Enumerate different types of abstracting & indexing periodicals with
examples; and
 State the process involved in rendering biographical information services.
 Evaluate the different types of information sources and its application in
media
 Apply analytical thought during reception of information.

Detailed Syllabus
Unit 1: Basics of Reference and Information Sources: Nature of information,
characteristics, types and formats, non-documentary sources of information,
Documentary sources of information: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary,
reference sources of information, Evaluation of Reference Sources.
Misinformation, Disinformation, Fake news- identification and precautions
for media persons, Fact checking in media, issues of credibility.
Unit 2: Types of Reference and Information Sources: Dictionary, Thesaurus,
Encyclopaedia, Biographical, Geographical and Statistical sources of
information; Abstracting and Indexing, Citation Index and Bibliographical
Sources. Definition, features, types and origin;Different databases of E-
resources. Information sources for media persons.
Unit 3: Reference Service: Concept, types, functions, Reference enquiry, Reader’s
profile, Fact finding, Referral service, Alerting Services: CAS and SDI
services, interlibrary loan, Document Delivery Service; Documentation
Service,
Unit 4: Digital Reference Services: Concept, Definition, Characteristics,
Importance, and Types – Asynchronous and Synchronous; Web 2.0 and 3.0
services - Social Networking Services, Social tagging, Social Bookmarking,
RSS Feeds. Privacy and Security, Surveillance society, Media
Convergence, Digital media ethics, Digital content creation, Digital
Literacy.

MDC-3: Fundamentals of Mass Media Studies

Course Objectives: To introduce various aspects of mass media studies and its
implication and modifications in order to adapt to changing dynamics of the
media world.
Graduate Attributes: After completion of this course, learners will be able to:
 Comprehend different types of mass media
 Comprehend appropriate use of mass communication tools
 Describe the need, use and functions of ethical values related to the mass
media;
 Enumerate different tools and terms associated with mass media; and
 Express thoughts and ideas strategically

Detailed Syllabus
Unit 1: Basics of Mass Media Studies: Definitions of Mass Communication, Mass
Media: Types and Characteristics (Print, Electronic, Advertising, Public
Relations, Cinema, Traditional and Alternative media), Use of Mass media
for social development and social change: case studies (including gender,
children and sustainable development)
Understanding types of audience in Mass Media.

Unit 2: Indian Society and Mass Media: Indian society: Nature, Meaning and
Definition, Role of media in freedom struggle, post independent
development (economic and political history) and media, Foundations of
the Indian Constitution; Freedom of speech and expressions, Nation
building in India: problems and prospects from journalistic point of views

Unit 3: Mass Media and Assam: Mass Communicators of Assam (Srimanta

Sankaradeva, Lakshminath Bezbaroa, Jyotiprasad Agarwala, Bishnu Prasad
Rabha and Dr. Bhupen Hazarika). Contribution of press in language and
literature development in Assam (with focus on Arunudoi, Jonaki, Abahan,
Ramdhenu and post Ramdhenu era till contemporary period). Traditional
and community media in Assam

Unit 4: Foundations in Mass Media: Content generation (News, Letters to the

Editor, Articles, Features) for various media platforms (Print, electronic and
on-line platforms including blog, vlog, shorts etc.), Art of Anchoring,
Qualities of a successful mass media communicator, Basics Genres of film,
understanding the use of photography and documentary films in
documentation, Ethics in Media practise. Careers in Mass Media
4. Commerce and Management
MDC-1: Basics of Commerce & Management

Unit-1: Foundations of Business- Business, Trade and Commerce; Forms of

Business Organization; Private, Public and Global Enterprises; Business Services;
Emerging modes of business, Social Responsibilities of Business. (15 hrs)

Unit 2: Business Environment: meaning and features, Importance of business

environment; Dimensions of business environment – Economic environment,
Social environment, Technological environment, Political environment and Legal
environment ; Economic environment in India- Impact of Government Policy
changes on business and industry. (15 hrs)

Unit 3: Management – Meaning and Significance of management, Principles of

Management; Functions of Management- Production Management, Financial
Management, Human Resource Management and marketing Management; Process
of Management - Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Coordinating and
Controlling. (15 hrs)

Recommended Books:
1. Business Organisation and Management by P.C. Tulsian , Pearson
Education.
2. Business Environment by V. C. Sinha & Ritika Sinha, SPBD Publishing
House.
3. Business Environment by Amit Kumar, Sahitya Bhawan Publications.
4. Principles and Practice of Business Management by L M Prasad, Sultan
Chand & Sons.

MDC-2: Personal Financial Management

Unit 1: Basics of Personal Finance: Financial Goals – Short-term and long term,
Income and Expenditure Planning, Life-time financial planning, Investment Goals,
Return and Risk in Investment, Avenues of Investment – Investment in Physical
Assets and Financial Assets, Fixed income investments, investment in New Issue
Market and stock market, Investment in Insurance, annuities and Pension funds,
Investment in Gold and Bullions, Investment in Real Assets. (15 hrs)
Unit 2: Financial Markets and Instruments: Money Market, Capital Market,
Forex Market and Derivative Market; Money Market Instruments and features,
Capital Markets and Features, New Issue Market and Stock Market; New Issue
market- Issue Mechanism, Market Players, Understanding and Analyzing a
Prospectus, Secondary Market – Equity and Debentures, BSE and NSE, Index and
its uses; Basics of Insurance and Mutual Funds. (15 hrs.)
Unit 3: Stock Market Investment: Fundamental Analysis- Economic Analysis-
Industry Analysis and Company Analysis; Technical Analysis – Tools of technical
 analysis, Understanding various types of charts and patterns, Interpretation of
charts and investment decisions. (15 hrs.)
Recommended Books:
1. The Investment Game: How to Win, Prasanna Chandara, tata McGrawHill.
2. Security Analysis and Portfolio Management, S. Kevin, Prentice Hall India.
3. Fundamentals of Insurance, Inderjit Singh, Rakesh Kayal, S kaur and S
Arora, Kalyani Publishers.
4. Principles of Insurance, C Krishnaswamy, Excel Books.
5. Indian Financial System, Bharati Pathak, Pearson Education.

MDC-3: Personal Income-tax Planning

Unit 1: Personal Tax Planning- Meaning, Scope and importance, Different types
of taxes- Direct Taxes and Indirect taxes, Direct Taxes- Income tax and Wealth
Tax, Income-tax Act 1960 and its scope, Meaning of Income, Basis of Charge-
Person, Assessment and Previous Year, Assessee, Framework for Calculating
Personal Tax Liability- Different Heads of Income, Residential Status for the
purpose of Income Tax, Method of Accounting Recognized under Income tax Act.
(10 hrs.)
Unit 2: Computation of Income: Income under the Head ‘Salaries’ - Meaning and
scope of Salary, Different forms of salary and taxability, Income under the ‘Head
House Property’ - Tax Chargeability, Computation of Income from House property,
Let out property and Self Occupied Property, Income under ‘Capital Gains’ - Basis
of Charge, Computation of Short-term and Long-term Capital Gains, Income-tax
under the Head ‘Income from Other Sources’- Interest income, dividend, Clubbing
of Income, Gross Total Income, Permissible Deductions- Sec 80C to 80U, Tax
Liability. (20 hrs.)
Unit 3: Tax Planning and Filing Returns: Contribution to Recognised Provident
Funds, Deemed Self Occupied Property, Reduction through Deductions- Health
Insurance premium, Pay Rent and Save Tax, Tax-saving Investments, Medical
Expenses of Senior Citizen Dependents, Deduction on Home Loan Interest and
Principal Repayments, Old tax Regime and New Tax Regime, Senior Citizen Tax
Payers, 26 AS and Annual Information System, Filing Returns in due time,
Consequences of Not Filing Returns. (15 hrs.)
Recommended Books:
1. Students Guide to Income Tax by V. K. Singhania, Taxman.
2. Principles of Income Tax Law & Practice by Dr. Naveen Mittal, Cengage
Learning India Pvt. Ltd.
3. Swamy Income Tax on Salaries by Muthuswamy, Brinda, Sanjeev,
Swamy Publications.
5. Humanities and Social Sciences
MDC-1: Humanities & Social Sciences-I: Makers of Modern Assam

Unit I: Language, Literature & Culture

a. Architects of modern Assamese language & literature
AnandaramDhekiyalPhukan, LakshminathBezbaruah&BanikantaKakati
b. Architects of modern Assamese music & culture
Jyoti Prasad Agarawala, Bisnhu Prasad Rabha&Dr.Bhupen Hazarika
Readings:
AnandaramDhekiyalPhukan:
AmalenduGuha, Impact of Bengal Renaissance on Assam 1825-1875, The Indian
Economic and Social History Review, 1972.
Anandaram Dhekiyal Phukan, A Few Remarks on the Assamese Language and
vernacular education in Assam
Gunabhiram Barua, AnundaramDhekiyalPhukanarJivanCharitra:, Publication
Board Assam, 1971
Hiren Gohain, Origins of the Assamese Middle Class, Social Scientist, 1973
Maheswar Neog, AnandaramDhekiyalPhukan: Plea for Assam and Assamese:,
Assam Sahitya Sabha, 1977
Nanda Talukdar (ed), Ananda Ram DhekialPhukanarRachanaSangrah (9th
Edition): published by Khagendra Narayan Dutta Barua, Lawyers Book Stall, 1999
Prafulla Mahanta, AsomiyaMadhyabittaShrenirItihas:, Purbanchal Prakash,
Guwahati, 2021.
LakshminathBezbarua:
Hiren Gohain, Origin of the Assamese Middle class, Social Scientist, 1973
Lakshminath Bezbaroa, Mur Jivon Sowaran:, Lawyers Book Stall, 1999
Madhumita Sengupta, Becoming Assamese: Colonialism and New Subjectivities in
Northeast India, Routledge, 2016
Maheswar Neog, Lakshminath Bezbaroa; The Sahityarathi of Assam:, Gauhati
University, 1972
Maheswar Neog, Lakshminath Bezbarua: An Introduction, Assam Sahitya Sabha,
1968
Prafulla Mahanta, Asomiya Madhyabitta Shrenir Itihas:, Purbanchal Prakash,
Guwahati, 2021.
TilottamaMisra, Literature and Society in Assam, Bhabani Books, Guwhati, 2019

BanikantaKakati:
MaheswarNeog, Banikanta Rachanvali (2nd Edition), Publication Board Assam,
2002
Jagat Chandra Kalita (ed), Assamese: Its Formation and Development (4th Edition):
BanikantaKakati, LBS Publications
Jyoti Prasad Agarwala
Akhil Ranjan Dutta, Jyoti Prasad Agarwala: A Revolutionary Cultural Architect of
Twentieth century Assam, Social Change, 2012
Arup Kumar Dutta, Jyotiprasad: Prince of Beauty,Anwesha, 2003
Anil Roychowdhury, Axamiya Bhashar Darshan, AankBaak, 2016.
Dayananda Pathak, JyotiprasadAgarwala: Man and Mission, Publication Board of
Assam, 2007
Hiren Gohain (ed), JyotiprasadRachanavali (6th edition), Publication Board
Assam, 2003
SurjyaKanta Hazarika, Bhupen Hazarika Rachanavali(Vol 1, 2, 3), S.H
Educational Trust, 2008
BishnuRabha
Anil Roychowdhury, AxamiyaBhashar Darshan,AankBaak, 2016.
ArupjyotiSiakia, A Century of Protests: Peasant Politics in Assam Since 1900,
Routledge, New Delhi, 2014.
Ismail Hussain, Bishnu Rabhar Jivon Aru Darshan (2nd Edition), JyotiPrakashan,
2000
Rava Rachanavali Prakasan Sangha, Bishnuprasad RabhaRachanaSamahar, 2008
Surjya Hazarika (ed), Bhinnajanar Dristit Bishnu Prasad Rabha, S.H Educational
Trust, 2008
Bhupen Hazarika:
AkhilRanjan Dutta, Forcing Prison Doors: Socio-Cultural Mission of Bhupen
Hazarika, Social Change, 2012
Tarun Kalita, Manik Chandra Nath (eds), Dr. Bhupen Hazarika: A Multifaceted
Personality, TTN College Publication Board
Surjya Kanta Hazarika, Bhupen Hazarika Rachanvali (Vol 1, 2, 3), S.H Educational
Trust, 2008

Unit: Framers of the Political Foundations

a. Initial foundation: AsomChatraSanmilan& Assam Association
b. Consolidating the foundation: Tarun Ram Phukan&GopinathBardoloi
c. Tribal consciousness and their rights: Kalicharan Brahma
&BhimbarDeori
Readings
Asom Chatra Sanmilan and Assam Association:
Devabrata Sharma, AsomiyaJatigathanPrakriya Aru
JatiyaJanagosthigataAnusthanSamuh,EkalavyaPrakashan, 2022
Manorama Sharma, Student Power and Nationalism: An Assessment of the Assam
ChatraSanmilan, 1916-1939, in Student power in Northeast India: Understanding
Student Movements, Apurba K. Baruah (ed), Regency Publications, New Delhi,
2002.
PrafullaMahanta, AsomiyaMadhyabittaShrenirItihas:, Purbanchal Prakash,
Guwahati, 2021.
Shiela Bora, Trends in the Rise of Student Power in Assam 1916-1947, in Student
power in Northeast India: Understanding Student Movements, Apurba K. Baruah
(ed), Regency Publications, New Delhi, 2002.

Tarunram Phukan:
LaxmiNathTamuly, GopinathBordoloi (2nd Edition), Publication Board Assam,
2003
TarunramPhukanRachanvali: AxamPrakashanParishad, 2015
Gopinath Bordoloi:
Bordoloi Committee Report/ Sub-committee on the Northeast Frontier (Assam)
Tribal and Excluded Areas.
LaxmiNathTamuly, GopinathBordoloi (2nd Edition), Publication Board Assam,
2003
Nirode K Barooah,GopinathBordoloi, The Assam Problem and Nehru’s
Centre,Bhabani Publications, 2010
Nirode Kumar Barooah, GopinathBordoloi Aru Assam: Tetia Aru Etia, 2010
UdayonMisra, Burden of History, Oxford University Press, 2018

Kalicharan Brahma:
B. Narzary, M. Mitra,Journey Towards Enlightenment: Gurudev and Bodo Society,
GBD Publishers, 2004
Devendranath Sharma, GurudevKalicharan Brahma, Assam Sahitya Sabha, 1983
KumudRanjanBasumatary, GurudevKalicharan Brahma: The Emergence of Bodo
Ethnic Consciousness in early 20th century, International Journal of Humanities and
Social Sciences, 2017
M.K Brahma, GurudevKalicharan Brahma: His Life and Deeds, N.L Publications,
2001
Sujit Choudhury, The Bodos: Emergence and Assertion of an Ethnic Minority:
BhimbarDeuri
Dr.RatneshwarDeuri, JononetaBhimbarDeuri, Publisher AnjanliDeuri, 2018
IndibarDeori,JonogosthiyoSamasya: Atit, Bartaman Aru Bhabishyat, Bandhab,
2015
MadhabjyotiDeuri, AxomorTrankortaBhimbarDeuri, SamannayPrakashan, 2009
Munindra Das, AxamarNrigosthiyaUttaranarItihash: Samashya- Sangram- Praptil,
Banalata, 2020

Unit 3: Women Education, Politics and Literature

a. Baptist Missionaries & women education
b. ChandraprabhaSaikiani, AmalPrabha Das & Raja Bala Das
c. AsomLekhikaSamaroh

Baptist Missionaries and Women Education:

American Baptist work in Assam, India, 1926.
Anupama Ghosh,Evangelism in Assam: Schools and Print Culture 1830s-1890s,
Indian History Congress, 2014.
ArchanaChakravarty, History of Education in Assam 1826-1919, Mittal
Publications, 1989
Lakshahira Das, Development of Secondary Education in Assam,Omsons
Publications, 1990
Milton S Sangma, History of American Baptist Mission in North-East India (Vol
2), Mittal Publications, New Delhi, 1992
Suryasikha Pathak, Missionary Wives in the Evangelical Project in Colonial
Assam: Life and Times of Mrs P.H Moore, ICHR, Guwhati, 2008
 Chandraprabha Saikiani
AparnaMahanta, ChandraprabhaSaikiani:
SwadhinatapurbaAsamorStriSikshaaruNariJagaran, Anwesha Publications, 2014.
Hiranya Borah, Chandraprabha: The Iron Lady of Assam, Bluerose publishers,
2021
MadhurimaGoswami (ed),ChandraprabhaSaikiani: A Force in History, DVS
Publishers, 2020
Nandana Dutta (ed), Communities of Women in Assam: Being, Doing and Thinking
Together,Routledge, London, 2016
R Doley, N Choudhury, AgnikanyaChandraprabhaSaikiani: A Collection of
Articles, Tezpur University, 2014.
Amal Prabha Das
Smaranika: A Souvenir of AmalPrabha Das Birth Centenary Celebration, Sarania
Ashram, Guwatai, 2011
Samiran Das, Amalprabha Das: A Biographical Work, Kasturba Gandhi National
Memorial Trust, Guwahati, 2004/2011
Rajabala Das
Rajabala Das, Three Score Years and Ten: One Life Many Memories (An
autobiography of Rajabala Das translated by Aditi Choudhury), Handique Girls’
College, Guwahati, 2017
Pori Hiloidari, Assamese Women: The Pathbreakers, Handique Girls’ College,
Guwahati
Asom Lekhika Samaroh:
Nandana Dutta, Communities of Women in Assam: Being, Doing and Thinking
Together, Routledge, London, 2016

MDC-2: Humanities & Social Sciences- II: Democracy and Peoples’ Rights

Unit 1: Debates on Democracy

Is democracy only about elections & procedures?
Peoples’ rights and democracy
Dissent in democracy

Reading list:
Bhargava, Rajeev and Ashok Acharya. (2008). Political theory: An Introduction.
New Delhi: Pearson.
Heywood, Andrew. (2015). Political Theory. New York: Palgrave.
Gauba, O. P. (2021). An Introduction to Political Theory. New Delhi: Macmillan.
Ramaswamy, Sushila. (2014). Political Theory: Ideas and Concepts. New Delhi:
Macmillan.
Abbas, Hoveyda and R. Kumar. (2012). Political Theory. New Delhi: Pearson.
Held, David. (1989). Political Theory and the Modern State: Essays on State,
Power and Democracy, New Delhi: Maya Polity.
Held, David. (1991). Political Theory Today. California: Stanford University
Press.
Dahl, Robert. (1989). Democracy and its critics. London: Yale University Press.
Mckinnon, Catriona(ed). (2008). Issues in Political Theory. New York: Oxford
University Press.
Thapar, Ramila. (2020). Voices of Dissent: An Essay. New Delhi: Seagull Books.
Merriam, Charles E. (1941). The Meaning of Democracy. The Journal of Negro
Education. Vol. 10, No. 3.
Saffon, M.P. and Nadia Urbinati. (2013). Procedural Democracy, the Bulwark of
Equal Liberty. Political Theory. Vol. 41, No. 3
Wegner, G. (2009). Substantive versus Procedural Liberalism: Exploring a Dilemma
of Contemporary Liberal Thought. Journal of Institutional and Theoretical
Economics. Vol. 165, No. 3
Kampelman, Max M. (1970). Dissent, Disobedience, and Defense in a Democracy.
World Affairs. Vol. 133, No. 2.
Shiffrin, S. (2011). Dissent, Democratic Participation, and First Amendment
Methodology. Virginia Law Review, Vol. 97, No. 3

Unit 2: Constitution, Citizenship & Federalism

Constitution as a fundamental law
What is all about citizenship under democracy?
Why federalism matter in a plural society?

Reading list:
Bhargava, Rajeev and Ashok Acharya. (2008). Political theory: An Introduction.
New Delhi: Pearson.
Rajeev Bhrgava, Rajeev. (2008). Politics and Ethics of the Indian Constitution.
New Delhi: Oxford University Press.
Heywood, Andrew. (2005). Political Theory. New York: Palgrave.
Gauba, O. P. (2021). An Introduction to Political Theory. New Delhi: Macmillan.
Kymlicka, Will. (2002). Contemporary Political Philosophy: An Introduction.
New York: Oxford University Press.
Heywood, A. (2002). Politics. New York: Palgrave.
Levinson, B. (2005). Citizenship, Identity, Democracy: Engaging the Political in the
Anthropology of Education. Anthropology & Education Quarterly. Vol. 36, No. 4.
Young, Iris M. 1989. ‘Polity and Group Difference: A Critique of the Ideal of
Universal Citizenship’ Ethics. Vol. 99, No.2.
Watts. R. (2008). Comparing Federal Systems. Montreal: McGill Queen’s Univ.
Press.

Unit 3: Democracy and Peoples’ Rights in India

Right to livelihood: MGNREGA
Right to Information & Education
Right to Food

Reading List:
Laxmikanth, M. (2021). Governance in India. New Delhi: McGraw Hill.
 Basu, R. (2015). Public Administration in India Mandates: Performance and
Future Perspectives. New Delhi: Sterling Publishers
Singh, R.K. (2017). MGNREGA: The History of an Idea. Proceedings of the Indian
History Congress. Vol. 78, pp. 1070-1077
Pole, Kantrao P. (2015). The Role of MGNREGA in Rural Development: A Study of
Maharashtra. The Indian Journal of Political Science. Vol. 76, No. 3
Khanwalker, V. (2011). The Right to Information Act in India: Its Connotations and
Implementation. The Indian Journal of Political Science. Vol. 72, No. 2
Srivastava, P. and Claire Noronha. (2014). Institutional Framing of the Right to
Education Act: Contestation, Controversy and Concessions. Economic and Political
Weekly. Vol. 49, No. 18
Krishnan P. and Mangala Subramaniam. (2014). Understanding the State: Right to
Food Campaign in India. The Global South. Vol. 8, No. 2.
Ray, B. (2019). Rethinking Good Governance: Holding to Account India’s Public
Institutions. New Delgi: Rupa Publications.
Chakrabarti R. and k. Sanyal. (2016). Public Policy In India. New Delhi: Oxford
University Press.
Sharan, A., Upadhyaya and Ashild Kolas and Ruchita Beri (2023). Food
Governance in India: Rights Security and Challenges in the Global Sphere. New
Delhi: Routledge.

MDC-3: Humanities & Social Sciences- III: Understanding Globalization

Unit 1: Globalization: The Context

a. Disintegration of the Soviet Union & collapse of the socialist economy
b. Washington Consensus
c. Neoliberal approach to development
Reading List:
 Scheuermann, William. (2014). Globalisation. In Stanford Encyclopedia of
Philosophy. Retrieved from http://www.bibme.org/citation-
guide/apa/website/
 Steger, Manfred B. (2003). Globalisation – A Very Short Introduction.
Oxford: OUP.
 Ritzer, George. (2010). Globalisation: A Basic Text. Sussex: Wiley
Blackwell
 Lockwood, David (2000). The Destruction of the Soviet Union: A Study in
Globalization. Palgrave Macmillan
 Lechini, Gladys (2006). Globalization and the Washington Consensus: Its
Influence on Democracy and Development in the South.
 Nedevereen Pieterse, Jan. (2017). Neoliberal Globalization and the
Washington Consensus. 10.4324/9781315092577-5.
Unit 2: The Drivers of Globalization
a. IMF & the World Bank
b. Multinational Companies
c. Structural Adjustment Policies of the National Governments
Reading List:
  Ritzer, George. (2010). Globalisation: A Basic Text. Sussex: Wiley
Blackwell
 Stiglitz, Joseph (2002). Globalization and its Discontents. W. W. Norton &
Company.
 Heywood, Andrew. (2011). Global Politics. Palgrave Macmillan
 Oatley, T. (2006). International Political Economy: Interests and
Institutions in the Global Economy. New York: Pearson-Longman.
 Frieden, J. A. and D. A. Lake. 2000. International Political Economy:
Perspectives on Global Wealth and Power. New York: Bedford/St.
Martin’s.
Unit 3: Emerging Concerns under globalization
a. UN and SDGs
b. Gender Equity
c. Climate Crisis
Reading List:
 Ritzer, George. (2010). Globalisation: A Basic Text. Sussex: Wiley
Blackwell
 Held, David & McGrew, Anthony. (2002). The Global Transformations
Reader An Introduction to the Globalization Debate (Second Edition).
Polity Press.
 Newell, Peter. (2013). Globalization and Environment: Capitalism Ecology
and Power. Polity Press.
 Lee, Kelly. (2003). Globalization and Health: An Introduction. Palgrave
and Macmillan.
 Lingard, Bob. (2021). Globalization and Education. Routledge
Publications.
 Beneria, Lourdes, Berik, Gunseli, & Floro, Maria. (2016). Gender,
development and Globalization: Economics as if all people mattered.
Routledge Publiactions.

Further readings:
 Sandbrook, R. (2000). Globalization and the Limits of Neoliberal
Development Doctrine [Review of Development as Freedom, by A. Sen].
Third World Quarterly, 21(6), 1071–1080.
http://www.jstor.org/stable/3993558
 Beck, Ulrich. (1992). Risk Society: Towards a New Modernity. London:
Sage.
 Giddens, Anthony. (1999). Runaway World: How Globalisation is
Reshaping our Lives. London: Profile Books Ltd.
 Stiglitz, Joseph (2007). Making Globalization work. W.W. Norton &
Company
 Fernandez, John S. (1994). Globalization: Processes of Integration and
Disintegration. International Journal of Politics, Culture, and Society, Vol.
8, No. 2, pp. 203-223 (21 pages)
 World Bank: World Development Indicators (WDI) and poverty data:
http://databank.worldbank.org/ddp/home.do?Step=12&id=4&CNO=2
http://povertydata.worldbank.org/poverty/home
 IMF data: http://www.imf.org/external/data.htm
 OECD statistics: http://stats.oecd.org/
 WTO trade and tariffs statistics:
http://www.wto.org/english/res_e/statis_e/statis_e.htm
 Data on financial openness (Chinn & Ito Index)
http://web.pdx.edu/~ito/Chinn-Ito_website.htm
http://web.pdx.edu/~ito/trilemma_indexes.htm
 Economic sanctions episodes:
http://www.piie.com/research/topics/sanctions/sanctions-timeline.cfm
 Foreign aid statistics:
OECD:
http://www.oecd.org/document/49/0,3746,en_2649_34447_46582641_1_1
_1_1, 00.html
 World Bank’s WDI:
http://databank.worldbank.org/ddp/home.do?Step=12&id=4&CNO=2
 UN peace operations: http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/
6. Information and Communication Technologies
MDC-1: Information and Communication Technologies-I

Early History of Computer, Evolution of computing system, Generations of

Computer, Types of Computer.

Components of Computer System, Functionalities of a computer, Basic I/O

devices: Point and draw devices, Data Scanning device, Voice Recognition
Devices, Digitizers. Introduction to number system. Different computer software
and types, Classification of software, classification based on task, source and
licence, quality of a good software.

Introduction to IT revolution, Overview on development in the field of Information

Technology, Hardware and software development, Recent development in
Information Technology, Application of ICT in various disciplines, Basic concept
on innovation.

Concept of Internet; Uses of Internet; connecting to internet; ISP; Basics of internet

connectivity. World Wide Web and Websites; Web Browsing softwares, Search
Engines; Searching information in web. Understanding URL; Domain name; IP
Address; Basics of electronic mail; Email account; Sending and receiving emails;
Accessing sent emails; Email attachment.

Introduction to Storage Systems: Overview of storage hierarchy and storage

technologies, Characteristics of primary, secondary, and tertiary storage.
Introduction to cloud storage models (e.g., S3, Azure Blob Storage), Data
durability, availability, and scalability in cloud storage. Emerging Trends in
Storage: Flash-based storage technologies (e.g., SSD, NVMe).

MDC-2: Information and Communication Technologies-II

Concept of Digital Technology, Logic and Flow Chart; Networks, Examples of
Programming Languages.
Concept of Digital Technology: Number Systems, Digital Information
Representation and Transmission, Codes including UNICODE, Logic and Flow
Charts, concept of algorithm.
Computer Networks, LAN, WiFi and interconnected networks. Physical Media,
Network Devices. Chat and Video Conference over internet.
Programming concepts, programming languages.

MDC-3: Information and Communication Technologies-III

Social Media plateforms, Cyber Ethics, Cyber Laws, Databases, App, AI and ML
Major Social Media plateforms and their important functional and security
attributes. Cyber Ethics, Cyber Laws.
Definition and importance of DBMS, Evolution of data management systems,
Advantages and disadvantages of using DBMS, Conceptual, logical, and physical
data models. Database Security and Integrity, User authentication and
authorization, Concept of Data encryption and access control, Roles and
responsibilities of a database administrator, Backup and recovery strategies, Big
Data and data analytics.

Introduction to Apps and App Development, mobile operating systems (iOS,

Android, etc.), User Interface (UI) Design.

Definition and basic concepts of AI and ML, Historical overview of AI and ML,
Applications of AI and ML in various disciplines. Ethical and Social Implications
of AI, Impact of AI and ML on creativity, authorship, and artistic expression,
Cultural and societal implications of AI and ML in the society.
7. Life Sciences
MDC-1: Basics in Life Sciences
MDC-2: Life Sciences and Environment
MDC-3: Bioresources and Traditional Knowledge
8. Earth Sciences
MDC-1: Understanding Physical Formations of the Earth

Unit Contents Lecture

Unit-I Views on origin and age of the earth; Components of the earth 7
Origin of system and the characteristics of the Lithosphere from the
the Earth perspective of geological formations; Geological time scale
Unit-II General constitution of the earth; Layers of the earth and their 7
Internal composition and characteristics: Crust, mantle, outer core and
structure of inner core
the earth
Unit-III Definition of rock and mineral; Mineral: Properties and types; 6
Rocks and Rock: Classification and types
minerals
Unit-IV Landform and its classification; Geomorphic forces, associated 14
Landform processes and landform development: Endogenic and exogenic;
dynamics on Folding and faulting; Erosion, mass wasting and landslide;
the earth Earthquake and volcanic eruption-Causes, consequences and
distribution

Books Recommended:
1. Klein, C. and Philpotts, A. (2016). Earth Materials: Introduction to Mineralogy and
Petrology, 2nd edition, Cambridge University Press, 616p.
2. Patwardhan, A. M. (2020). The Dynamic Earth System. 4th edition, PHI Learning Pvt.
Ltd., 576p.
3. Plummer, C. C., Carlson, D., and Hammersley, L. (2015). Physical Geology., 15 th
edition, McGraw Hill, 672p.
4. Reynolds, S. and Johnson, J. (2021). Exploring Geology. 6th edition, McGraw Hill, 704p.
5. Singh, S. (2012). Geomorphology, Pravalika Prakashans, Allahabad, 652p.

MDC-2: Understanding the Changing Environment

Unit Contents Lect.

Unit-I Meaning of environment; Components of earth’s 8
Environment as s system environment system and their characteristics and
interrelationship: Lithosphere, Hydrosphere,
Atmosphere and Biosphere; Ecosystem, its
components and functioning; Concept of balanced
environment
Unit II Impact of natural environment on man and his 10
Changing man and activities (Agriculture, food, dress, house, power
environment relationship development, human adjustment in different
 environments); Population growth and environmental
changes; Impact of man on natural environment
(Deforestation, soil erosion, soil degradation,
depletion of mineral resources, air and water pollution)
Unit-III Global environmental changes: Global warming, 10
Environmental Ozone layer depletion, Climate change
changes and Environmental problems: Sea level change; Extreme
associated weather events; Land, air and water pollution;
environmental
Desertification; Deforestation, biodiversity loss and
problems
man-animal conflicts
Unit-IV Meaning of environmental management; 6
Environmental Management Conservation of natural environment and its
resources; Management of environmental problems;
Concept of sustainable development

Recommended Books:

1. S. C. Santra (2011): Environmental Science, New Central Book Agency

2. Michael Allaby (2000): Basics of Environmental Science (2nd Ed.), Taylor &
Francis
3. R. W. Jackson and J. M. Jackson (1998): Environmental Science – The natural
environment
and human impact, Longman
4. 4.D. D. Mishra (2019): Fundamental Concepts in Environmental Studies, S Chand
Publication

MDC-3: Land and People of Assam

Unit Contents Lect.

Unit-I Locational significance of Assam; Assam as an administrative 8
division - Pre and Post-Independence Changes; Present
administrative divisions

Unit II Physical Characteristics (Relief, drainage, climate and vegetation) 10

and associated problems (River-bank erosion, landslides and floods

Unit-III Natural resources (Forests, wildlife and biodiversity, mineral 8

resources)
Unit-IV Unit 4: Population (Trend of growth, spatial variation in growth, 8
density, ethno-religious and linguistic composition, age
composition, urbanization, literacy)

Books Recommended:

1. Bhagabati, A.K., Bora, A.K. and Kar, B.K. (edited), 2022: Geography of
Assam, Rajesh Publications, New Delhi (Revised & Enlarged Edition).
2. Bora, A.K. and Nath, M. (edited), 2022: An Illustrated Geography of Assam,
EBH Publishers (India), Guwahati.
3. Dikshit, K.R. and Dikshit, J.K., 2013: North-East India: Land, People and
Economy, Springer Science.
4. Taher, M. and Ahmed, P., 2007: Geography of North-East India, Mani
ManilPrakash, Guwahati.