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GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Students
1.1 Residential Students: Residential students are those who reside in Suvidya College forming a religious community of the Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales.
1.2 Day Scholars: Day Scholars are those who attend the academic programme of the Institute but have their residence elsewhere, outside Suvidya College.
1.3 Special Students: Special students are those attend only a few courses, general, particular or special, that are organised by the Institute.
2. Admission
2.1 For admission to the 3 Year Degree Course in Philosophy [Y3PHIL], the applicant should be holding at least a Pre-University / Pre-Degree certificate or its equivalent from any standard university and should possess sound moral and physical health.
A student holding at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Maths/Science or its equivalent is eligible to seek admission for the 2 Year Degree Course in Philosophy [Y2PHIL].
2.2 A student must be presented either by his immediate Superior or by the Major Religious superior, as the case may be.
2.3 In addition to the above, candidates seeking admission to the Institute are expected to qualify themselves in an entrance test, the date of which is announced in the Institute’s Calendar.
2.4 The students on securing admission to the Institute are to fill in their Admission Forms and submit the same at the Office with the prescribed fee of Rs. 100.00 by the time of the Inauguration of the new academic year as notified in the Calendar.
3. Registration
3.1 At the end of every academic year all students who wish to continue their studies in Suvidya College for the following academic year, must file their Registration papers with the Suvidya College Office by the 15th March.
3.2 All new students, who have secured admission to the Institute, must file their Registration papers with a fee with the Suvidya College Office by the 30th May.
3.3 The registration fee for all students is Rs. 50.00 each.
4. Fees
4.1.1 Y3PHIL (Students doing their regular – three year programme – in Philosophy with B. A. will pay a sum of Rs 4.500/- (Rs. Four thousand and five hundred) only for the year 2007-08.
The break-up:
Philosophy Semester – Tuition fees, library fees,Examinations, handbook, Office and Students’ Activities... Rs. 3,500/-
B. A. Semester: tuition fees, library, office expenses (of the university) 1,000/-
Besides, the students, doing B. A. will be required to pay for the study materials, textbooks, and the University Fees for registration, examinations and other services as prescribed by the University.
4.1.2 Y2PHIL (those students following 2 year programme in Philosophy will pay a sum of Rs. 4,000/- for the year 2007-08.
The break-up:
For the two philosophy semesters of the year: tuition fees, Library fees, Handbook, Office, Examinations and students’ activities Rs. 4,000/-
(However, any student going for a second attempt at comprehensive examinations will pay a fee of Rs. 300/- for the oral and Rs. 100/- for the written.)
4.2 The fees are to be paid at the beginning of the academic year.
4.3 Special students:
Registration fee : Rs. 150.00
Tuition Fee : Rs. 200.00 per credit
Library Fee : Rs. 100.00 per month
Handbook : Rs. 50.00
5. Working days and Holidays
Suvidya College has five working days a week, Saturday and Sunday are without the regular Class. These days are considered study days to be used for extra-reading in the field of the subjects that are being treated in the classes to supplement and to acquire a deeper understanding of the same. This time could also be partly used for pursuing extra-curricular activities that will enhance one’s personal development. The occurrence of more than one holiday a week will make the Saturday of the week a working day.
6. Attendance:
6.1 The students must attend all lectures and carry out all prescribed academic assignments and exercises. For any period of absence, the Dean of Studies is to be informed through a letter countersigned by the respective House Rector or Superior.
6.2 Applications for longer periods of leave duly countersigned by the respective House Rector or Superior are to be made in writing to the Dean of Studies at least 3 days in advance. Unjustified absence will not be excused and may even lead to a student being debarred from the examinations.
6.3 Should a candidate be absent from lectures and academic exercises for more than a third of the semester, even if it is for legitimate reasons, he shall repeat the semester. As a rule no exceptions shall be made to this.
6.4 Any student who fails in four or more subjects in a semester shall repeat the semester.
7. Examinations:
7.1 Formal exams are required for all courses unless noted otherwise. Generally, there are two exam periods-mid semester and semester end exams. However exceptions may be made in particular circumstances and the exam be given at the conclusion of the course.
7.2 Any change in the examination order (which will usually be set by the Dean of Studies) or postponement of examination can be done only with the explicit permission of the Dean of Studies. Failure to appear for an examination without due permission from the Dean of Studies will be counted as a failure in that examination. This permission is to be obtained in writing through an application countersigned by the respective House Rector or Superior.
7.3 Those who fail to secure at least a pass in the examination of a particular subject, will have to re- appear for the same examination at or by the time scheduled for the same in the calendar. If the time is not given in the calendar then the time will be notified for the re-examination by the Dean of Studies.
7.4 The institution, as a policy, makes no provision for any student who has secured at least a pass in a particular subject, to go for a re-examination in the same subject, in view of improving his grade. Any exception in this regard can be made only by the Dean of Studies.
8. Grading system.
In keeping with the system that is being followed in the Indian secular universities, Suvidya College has the following grading system and it is out of 100 marks:
72 - 75 - “Summa Cum Laude”
70 - 72 - “Magna Cum Laude”
67 - 69 - “Cum Laude Probatus"
40 - 67 - “Probatus”
9. Suvidya College Degree / Diploma Certificates
Mark-sheets, and degree / diploma certificates will be issued by the Institute’s Office only at the written request of the candidate. This request should be addressed to the Dean of Studies. The following fees will be charged:
Mark-sheet
: Rs. 50.00
Institute's Degree Certificate : Rs. 100.00
Diploma Course Certificate : Rs. 100.00
B. Ph. Degree Certificate : (Subject to the conditions of the Institute, complying with the demands of the University of Urbaniana which issues the Degree Certificates)
10. Library
10.1 Suvidya College has built up a good library over the years. It began with collection of books from the Philosophate at Fatimagiri, Nilambur (1967-70). It has been much enlarged by further additions. It has now a collection of ca. 32,000 volumes most of which are on philosophy (both Western and Indian), Religion, Social Sciences and allied subjects. We are in regular receipt of about 40 philosophical and 30 other journals. There are also at least 25 Encyclopaedias on different fields of knowledge and a good number of multi-volumed works on various branches of Philosophy and Social Sciences. The Library, which is computerised, is managed by one of the regular staff members, who is assisted by a secretary and a few Students.
10.2 A Student may borrow eight books for a period of two weeks. All books should be returned before the vacation begins (in January) and by the end of April. During the Vacation as well as in the month of May the Library will remain closed. The explicit permission of the Librarian is required to retain a book during the above-mentioned periods.
10.3 The Reference-Hall is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10.45 p.m. Books from the Reference Shelves should not be taken out of the Reference Room. Strict silence is to be maintained in the Reference-Room.
10.4 The stack section of the library will be functioning during the regular working hours of the weekdays, during which transaction is possible. Access to the Library stacks can be had on all weekdays (Monday to Friday) between 13.30 and 14.30 hours. Besides, the Day-Scholars may have access to the library stacks on these days between 12.45 and 13.30 hrs as well.
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMME
1. Introduction
Suvidya College currently offers to the students a 3-year degree course in Philosophy and Bachelor of Arts [Y3PHIL]as well as a 2-year degree course in Philosophy [Y2PHIL]for those students who hold already a Bachelor’s Degree in arts/maths/Science.
A. 3-Year Degree Course in Philosophy [Y3PHIL]
Y3PHIL has a duration of 3 years and each academic year is divided into two semesters-thus six semesters in all; the first, third and the fifth are totally dedicated to philosophical studies. Introduced into philosophical reflections, the students study in depth all the important aspects of Systematic Philosophy, History of Western Philosophy, Indian Philosophy, Religions, Human and Social Sciences. The second, fourth and the sixth semesters are devoted to B. A. Studies (mainly studies in Human and Social Sciences).
First Semester
First year students are introduced to philosophical and critical reflection. They are also introduced to the use of correct methodology both in study and writing papers. Besides being introduced to the classical writings and thoughts of important philosophers (both ancient and modern), they also take several courses in Indian Philosophy, Logic, Christian Worship, Spirituality and General Psychology. In all, the students will take about 30 credits.
Third Semester
In the second year, the students complete 28 credits which are distributed as follows: 18 credits (Basic) and 10 credits (Optional) among which 2 credits are for a seminar.
Fifth Semester
In the final year, the students are required to take 22 credits (12 credits as Basic and 7 credits as Optional, and the dissertation which will carry 3 credits), which, together with the comprehensive examination, will help them integrate all related departments of philosophy and schools of thought, as well as acquire proficiency in philosophising and looking at reality critically.
Second, Fourth and Sixth Semesters
These 3 semesters are completely dedicated to the pursuit of studies for acquiring the Bachelor of Arts degree. In the selection of subject, however, special care is taken to choose those papers that treat Human and Social Sciences. These courses not only supplement the philosophical course done in the other 3 semesters, but also help the students to fulfil the requirements necessary for the graduation in Arts from a secular University. The students, having prepared the subjects according to the syllabus set by the University, will also appear for the University examination.
B. 2-Year Degree Course in Philosophy [Y2PHIL]
Y2PHIL has a duration of 2 years and is divided into 4 semester in all. In the first year the Y2PHIL students will cover about 42 credits which include also a 2-credit seminar for which a scientific paper will be required. In the first semester, the students are introduced to philosophical and critical reflection. They are also introduced to the use of correct methodology both in study and writing papers. Besides being introduced to the classical writings and thoughts of important philosophers (both ancient and modern), they also take several courses in Indian Philosophy, Logic, Christian Worship, Spirituality and General Psychology. In all, the students will take about 30 credits. In the second semester the students will be taken deeper into the History of Philosophy as well as some areas of Systematic Philosophy.
In the second year the students will do 25 credits which help them to complete their study of the different aspects of systematic philosophy, History of Philosophy – both western and Indian – Religions, Human and social sciences. During the second and fourth semesters, the students will have to do a number of optional courses where the students have vast freedom in choosing their areas of interest. However, the students will choose those areas of study which will complement their philosophical studies and seek the guidance of professors who will direct them in their research and comprehension. The institute visualises that these courses be conducted like seminars/colloquiums.
In the final semester the students will present the Dissertation according to the requirements of the Institute and at the year-end will appear for the two-tier comprehensive examination – oral and written.
2. Philosophy Programme
The philosophy programme offered in Suvidya College consists of about 77 credits. The courses are organised in the form of lectures, discussions, seminars, extension lectures and Papers.
Of the total number of credits required in the 3 philosophy semesters, a certain number of credits (each credit equalling 15 hours) are set aside for the Introductory Courses while the others are for Systematic Philosophy, History of Western Philosophy, Indian Philosophy, Religions, Human and Social Sciences, Seminars and Papers.
2.1 Basic and Optional Course System
Suvidya College follows the Basic and Optional Course System for second and third year students. In the case of Y2PHIL the students will be required to attend already in the second semester a number of optional courses as set by the Institute. The students are given a fixed number of credits as basic courses, both in the second year and third year. For the rest of the required number of credits for the particular year, the students are free to choose from a number of optional courses offered that year.
The students, with special aptitudes and liking for certain subjects, may choose from those optional courses offered in the areas of Philosophy, Religions, Human and Social Sciences and Languages. This choice will enable the students to go deeper into a specific area of their interest. The choice is to be made and the list submitted to the Dean of Studies for approval, on or before the time indicated in the Calendar. Once the students have chosen the optionals and their choices have been approved by the Dean of Studies, any change in the subject chosen can be made only with the explicit permission of the Dean of Studies.
2.2 Seminar
During the third semester, the Second year philosophy students are expected to do two credits on a chosen topic. This seminar will be counted among the optionals which the students have chosen during the year. Since a number of seminars will be offered at the same time the students must choose one in which to enrol.
The number of participants for a particular seminar will be fixed by the professor organising the seminar. The modalities, procedures and requirements may vary, according to the nature of the Seminar.
The two-credit seminar will include an in-depth study of the subject treated. This seminar includes required readings as well as critical evaluation and scientific exposition of one’s reflections and findings.
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2.3 Term Paper
In the final year, the students are expected to submit a Term Paper (Dissertation) which will carry three credits, the marks of which will be counted for the average. If the students wish, work on the term paper may be begun at the end of the second year in the case of Y3PHIL and already at the beginning of the third semester in the case of Y2PHIL. After finding a director and fixing the topic, the approval of the Dean of Studies is to be sought on or before the established date given in the Calendar.
2.4 Comprehensive Examination
At the end of the Philosophy Course, the students who have completed all the requirements of the philosophy course in the College, will appear for the comprehensive examination. In compliance with the requirements of the Pontifical University of Urbaniana, Rome, Suvidya College has introduced a two-tier system of comprehensive examination, viz. an oral and a written.
Oral Comprehensive Examination: It will take place before a board of three professors where the students have the opportunity to demonstrate their grasp of the courses completed during the prescribed semesters. This oral examination lasts for 30 minutes and accounts for 15% of the total of the marks. The themes, on which the students will be examined, will cover all the basic courses in Philosophy offered in the College. The theses will be given to the students approximate to the date noted in the calendar.
Second attempt at Comprehensive Examinations:in cases where a student does not get a pass in the comprehensive examination (conducted during the scheduled examination time of the Institute), the Institute gives him yet another chance to appear for the comprehensive exam. The student concerned, however, is expected to make an application for the examination and submit the same at the Dean's Office along with the prescribed fee for the examination. The supplementary examination will take place only after a period of at least two months from the first session of the examinations. The date of examination will be announced by the office, if not otherwise already published in the Handbook and Calendar.
The student who gets a pass in the second appearance will also be promoted to the Degree Certificate of the Institute. On the other hand, even in the second attempt, if the student fails to secure a pass, then he forfeits further attempts and consequently the Degree Certificate. In such cases the student will be eligible only for the Diploma in Philosophy, issued under the conditions of the Institute.
2.4 Public Speaking
Recognising the importance attached to communication skills, especially in the expression of ideas, the Institute has made the following provisions for first year students to improve those skills.
The first year students by themselves form a group and are initiated as beginners in the art of public speaking. This orientation to the art of speaking lays emphasis on the right use of diction, phonetics, effective means or techniques of communication and such other areas that are of interest to a public speaker.
The students will also be initiated into the art of critical evaluation of speeches by introducing them to certain norms and criteria for evaluation. This coaching in public speaking for the first years will take place on certain working days of the week and on these days the classes will be re-arranged to accommodate the public speaking programme.
To give them an opportunity to display the techniques and skills they have attained in the art of speaking, the students are given the chance to present speeches in public. The speeches will be either re-production of the texts (from famous speakers) already given out or on any topic, which the speaker will, with the approval of the animator, prepare. Accordingly, the students will take care to make a practical application of the same in those sessions. In the preparation of the speeches the students should keep in mind the following:
- selection of the topic (interesting and relevant) and its philosophical development.
- faithfulness to the factor of time (ca. 5 minutes)
- the type of the audience to which the speech is to be addressed.
In the delivery of the speech, the speaker is to be systematic and faithful to the techniques of public speaking. All the speakers will be critically evaluated. The course in public speaking carrying one credit will be evaluated and marks awarded considering the participation in the class, delivery of the speech, and critical evaluation and performance of each speaker.
2.5 Courses in Languages
The Institute also offers optional courses in some classical (like Latin and Sanskrit) and modern (like German and French) languages to the Second and Third year students. An acquaintance with these languages is expected to enable the students to a better and comprehensive understanding of the development of the philosophical thought.
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