Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bhubaneswar has redefined BTech. Now it is not just about electronics, civil, and computers, it is also about dance.
Yes you read it right.
IIT Bhubaneswar has introduced Odissi dance as a subject.
IIT, which is known to give the world its best engineers, is now working to give best Odissi dancers too.
It is no joke.
Don’t take it lightly. It will not any alternate subject but will be a ‘breadth’ course holding 12 credits to it.
What is a breadth course?
Breadth courses are general education courses. All the students have to take it up to obtain academic exposure at the introductory level. It may include sports, environment, dance etc.
Curriculum:
In the first year all the students will learn Odissi as an extra-curricular activity of one credit. It will include NSS, NCC, yoga, badminton, volleyball and cricket.
The students have to pass the exam to get their degree.
In the second and third years, the students can take up Odissi as an elective breadth course.
Other courses will include financial management, international relations and entrepreneurship. Both the semesters will have three credits. It will be mandatory to clear BTech.
In the last year, the students can either continue or opt out.
What if you continue?
If the student decides to continue it in the final year, he/she will get a diploma in dance along with the degree.
Why did they add dance in the course?
The director Rajakumar while explaining why it was important to introduce classical dance said, “Dance can broaden horizons of students studying specialised course.”
Who will teach the students?
IIT dean academic affairs N CSahoo said, “The institute had involved noted Odissi exponents Kum Kum Mohanty and Iliana, among others to design the Odissi curriculum and its examination pattern. We have hired trainers for the courses. The Odiss study would include classroom teaching, activities while the exams would include written tests as well as demonstration of techniques.”
The question is will it help in building the already built IIT brand or will it have negative impact?