University of Mumbai, Maharashtra (Mumbai University), General , Foundation Course- Contemporary Issues- III Syllabus

Unit 1 Human Rights Violations and Redressal
A. Scheduled Castes- Constitutional and legal rights, Forms of violations,
Redressal mechanisms. (2 Lectures)
B. Scheduled tribes- Constitutional and legal rights, Forms of violations,
Redressal mechanisms. (2 Lectures)
C. Women- Constitutional and legal rights, Forms of violations, Redressal
mechanisms. (2 Lectures)
D. Children- Constitutional and legal rights, Forms of violations, Redressal
mechanisms. (2 Lectures)
E. People with Disabilities, Minorities, and the Elderly population- Constitutional
and legal rights, Forms of violations, Redressal mechanisms. (4 Lectures)

Unit 2 Dealing With Environmental Concerns
A. Concept of Disaster and general effects of Disasters on human life- physical,
psychological, economic and social effects. (3 Lectures)
B. Some locally relevant case studies of environmental disasters. (2 Lectures)
C. Dealing with Disasters - Factors to be considered in Prevention, Mitigation
(Relief and Rehabilitation) and disaster Preparedness. (3 Lectures)
D. Human Rights issues in addressing disasters- issues related to compensation,
equitable and fair distribution of relief and humanitarian approach to
resettlement and rehabilitation. (3 Lectures)

Unit 3 Science and Technology – I
A. Development of Science- the ancient cultures, the Classical era, the Middle
Ages, the Renaissance, the Age of Reason and Enlightenment. (3 Lectures)
B. Nature of science- its principles and characteristics; Science as empirical,
practical, theoretical, validated knowledge. (2 Lectures)
C. Science and Superstition- the role of science in exploding myths, blind beliefs
and prejudices; Science and scientific temper- scientific temper as a
fundamental duty of the Indian citizen. (3 Lectures)
D. Science in everyday life- technology, its meaning and role in development;
Interrelation and distinction between science and technology. (3 Lectures)

Unit 4 Soft Skills for Effective Interpersonal Communication
Part A 
I) Effective Listening - Importance and Features.
II) Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication; Public-Speaking and Presentation
Skills.
III) Barriers to Effective Communication; Importance of Self-Awareness and Body
Language.
Part B 
I) Formal and Informal Communication - Purpose and Types.
II) Writing Formal Applications, Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Resume.
III) Preparing for Group Discussions, Interviews and Presentations.
Part C 
I) Leadership Skills and Self-Improvement - Characteristics of Effective
Leadership.
II) Styles of Leadership and Team-Building.