‘Rishihood Essentials’ are the University’s foundation courses for first-year undergraduate students. These courses are essential for building solid foundation for future academic and professional endeavors. As an impact-oriented university, we aim to create positive change in the world by equipping our students with the knowledge, skills and values they need to become change agents.
At Rishihood, we have identified three graduate attributes that we believe are essential for every student: curiosity (jigyasa), courage (chikeersha), and joy (anand). These attributes are important, and our foundation courses and pedagogy can help students inculcate them.
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“Science of Living” is a dynamic, transformative course aimed at helping undergraduate students understand and navigate the intricate tapestry of life. This course is an exploration into the depth and breadth of human existence, spiritual practices, and ancient wisdom traditions, focusing predominantly on Indic philosophies.
Drawing upon Dharmic principles and spiritual insights, we venture into the realms of our role in the universe, career selection, interpersonal relationships, the power of community, and challenges of contemporary life. We delve into divinity in action, contrasting experiences of joy and bliss, gratitude and grace, and understanding death and beyond. A central theme throughout the course will be self-inquiry – a deep contemplation on “Who am I?”
As an integral part of the course, students will also be introduced to a daily spiritual practice, enhancing self-awareness, fostering inner peace, and promoting overall well being.
‘Statistics and Data Science’ is a foundational course specifically tailored for beginners who are stepping into this intriguing world without prior exposure to advanced mathematics. This 2-credit course aims to unravel the fundamental concepts and tools of statistics and data science in a highly accessible and engaging manner, prioritizing visual understanding and real-life problem-solving over theoretical complexity.
Through this course, the instructor intends to cultivate the learner’s abilities to comprehend, analyze, and interpret data from the world around them, making informed decisions and inferences through ethical and accurate statistical procedures. By integrating hands-on projects with real-world data, the course will ensure a practical, application-oriented learning experience. The goal is to ignite the learner’s curiosity, foster a strong foundational understanding, and empower the learner with skills to explore deeper into this rapidly evolving discipline.
‘Understanding India’ is a comprehensive introductory course that immerses you in the unique ethos, essence, and expanse of Indian civilization. This course invites first-year undergraduate students to explore the antiquity and continuity of Indian civilization, tracing its profound influences and imprints across the globe.
Throughout this course, students will dive into the great books of India, glean contemporary lessons from the Ramayana, familiarize themselves with the philosophy and practices of Yoga and Ayurveda, and appreciate the aesthetics (Kala and Saundarya Bodh) rooted in Indian culture. Further, they will unravel the vibrant tapestry of Indian festivals and decode the cultural narratives presented in Indian cinema.
Designed to be enlightening and engaging, ‘Understanding India’ aims to foster a deeper appreciation for India’s cultural richness, philosophical depth, and global impact, equipping students with a broad-based understanding of this ancient civilization and its continuing relevance in the contemporary world.
‘Global Grand Challenges,’ is a course designed to immerse students in the multifaceted impacts of globalization on individuals, societies, and nations, while critically examining the role of various state and non-state actors in this era of increased global interconnectedness. The course aims to delve into the nuances distinguishing globalization, modernization, and westernization, and question if globalization is in conflict with diversity. Adopting a novel approach, this course puts a spotlight on the ‘Global Grand Challenges’ (GGCs) – critical issues that define our current times and future trajectories.
The primary objective of this course is to help students understand the profound influences of globalization on their personal and professional lives, while developing a comprehensive perspective on the pressing GGCs of our times.
This course introduces students to systems thinking, a holistic approach to understanding and analyzing complex systems. The course will focus on applying systems thinking to sustainability, examining how environmental, social, and economic systems interact and can be influenced to promote sustainable development.
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the various components of Indian polity, including the legislative, executive, and judiciary systems at both the central and state levels. Students will also examine the role of political parties, election processes, and local governance in India.
This 3-credit undergraduate course will explore the complex interplay between technology and society. Students will examine the history of technology, technological revolutions, and the role of technology in shaping social, economic, political, and cultural aspects of society. Through lectures, readings, case studies, and discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of how technology both drives and is both driven by societal needs and values.
“Professional Communication,” is a 3-credit course engineered to hone your skills in academic and professional communication. This course revolves around the core principles of brevity, clarity, and professionalism, aiming to equip aspiring professionals with the necessary skills to evaluate, edit, argue, and present various forms of communication effectively. The program also lays significant emphasis on visual communication, encouraging students to leverage graphical methods to enhance meaning and elicit potent responses from audiences.
As part of this course, students will work individually and in groups, fostering teamwork and promoting collaborative learning. Furthermore, the course will guide students in understanding and following the norms of referencing, recognizing and avoiding plagiarism, and evaluating sources of information. The primary objective of this program is to foster a curious mindset, independence, and a comprehensive understanding of professional communication, thus empowering students to communicate their ideas successfully in any setting.
This 2 credit-unique Leadership Colloquium invites first-year undergraduate students to engage with a diverse range of leaders from different domains. Over the course of 15 weeks, students will hear firsthand accounts of leadership experiences, challenges, and successes from guest speakers. The course will culminate in reflective assignments designed to encourage students to analyze and apply the insights shared.
Community Engagement is a 3-credit course designed to provide the undergraduate students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to actively participate and contribute to their communities. After immersing into community engagement activities, students will be able to develop an understanding of community dynamics, fostering ethical and responsible engagement and reflecting on personal values and professional development. The course aims to develop a sense of social responsibility and civic engagement among students, empowering them to create positive change and address.
