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Academics

Field of Study: Social Sciences

Learn about India’s impressive history and demographic diversity through coursework, lectures, and volunteer service activities at New Delhi’s International Summer School (ISS). With majestic landmarks, divergent places of worship, and countless museums, Delhi's visual riches complement a set curriculum of coursework taught in English. At the end of this exciting 6-week summer, you’ll present a final research report or project and return home with a deep understanding of India.

Unique study opportunities

  • Get an introduction to India while learning in an English-language program.
  • Learn alongside international and local students interested in education, diplomacy, and leadership.
  • Take classes on Indian economy, politics, history, culture, heritage, and development and sustainability.
  • Gain fieldwork experience outside the city in a unique community service initiative of your choosing.

Language

Language of Instruction: English

Language Study: None

While language study isn’t a part of the regular curriculum, you’ll be continually engaged in short lessons on conversational Hindi for beginners. These lessons do not award credit.

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take five courses for a total of 12 quarter/8 semester UC units. 
  • Enroll in all program courses and participate in all program activities.

Current Program Courses

The program curriculum is organized in two sections.

Section 1: Classwork in New Delhi

During the first four weeks of instruction, you’ll learn about contemporary India in four courses:

  1. Politics, Governance, and International Relations
  2. Growth, Development, and Sustainability
  3. Gender, Culture, and Society
  4. Technology, Innovation, and the Future of Work

The courses are taught by local faculty and include guest lectures by renowned experts in their field. Each course is 2 quarter/1.3 semester UC quarter units and assessed through a literature review and short research paper. You must take these courses for a letter grade.

Section 2: Fieldwork outside the city

During the final two weeks, you’ll participate in a community development initiative exploring a topic of your choice. The fieldwork done during this experience is interactive and engaging, while at the same time fostering a spirit of volunteerism. The majority of service placements are in rural educational settings. You might also see local government in action and interact with the area's tribal communities. This section of the program counts as a fieldwork course that is 4 quarter/2.7 semester UC units. You can take this for either a letter grade or as pass/no pass.

Additional or optional coursework, internships, and research for academic credit are not possible on this program.

 

Catalogs and resources

Academic culture

Regularly supported by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, this program is highly focused on introducing India to promising students from all over the world. In supplemental course seminars and workshops, you’ll have the chance to interact with eminent speakers and experts in their respective fields, visit important historic and cultural sites, and develop your leadership potential.

The service module (fieldwork course) builds on the class material, but is tailored toward your specific interests and values. Journal entries, blogs, group project submissions, and other research work will weigh into your assessment for this segment of the program.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Grades are primarily based on attendance and participation, literature review, and a short research paper. Grades are typically available in late October.