10th Curriculum Integration: Forum One with Sudeep Chakravarti
On February 12, 2024, the Department of English and Humanities organized the first forum of the 10th DEH Curriculum Integration Program where Mr. Sudeep Chakravarti, Associate Professor and Director, Center for South Asian Studies, was invited as the guest speaker to expound on the theme of the term's CI program, “Navigating Geopolitical Realities: The Role of Language and Literature.” Mr. Chakravarti focused on how language and literature contribute to understanding and maneuvering within geopolitical landscapes.
Hosted by Mr. Golam Kader Zilany, Senior Lecturer, DEH, coordinator of the CI Program this term, the event commenced with a cordial welcome extended to the speaker, faculty members, and attending students. Subsequently, Mr. Zilany delivered a concise overview of the Curriculum Integration's objectives, delineating the term’s thematic focus. Additionally, he elucidated the historical and scholarly underpinnings illustrating the role of language and literature in fostering comprehension and navigation within geopolitical contexts.
Mr. Chakravarti commenced an insightful and illuminating discourse by initiating a transfer of significant information from the root question: “What is geopolitics?” He provided the context, historical overview, aspects of geopolitics, and most importantly how it functioned. Mr. Chakravarti also highlighted the main theme of the CI, the crucial act of language, tone, and literature in geopolitics. Maps, the impact of British rule in South Asia, Rohingya issues, and the role of borders were all discussed by Mr. Chakravarti for a better understanding of the concept. He also suggested some possible books and movies for more comprehensive study, including his book, The Bengalis: A Portrait of a Community.
After Mr. Chakravarti’s brilliant presentation, Mr. Zilany invited Dr. Shamsad Mortuza, Professor and Special Advisor to the ULAB Board of Trustees, to share some insights and reflections on Mr. Chakravarti's presentation.
The event concluded with a lively question and answer session that was crucial to furthering the understanding of the concept of geopolitics amongst the students.
The Department organizes the Curriculum Integration Program every term and focuses on crucial, real-world, concepts that students grapple with to come to a better understanding of the world around them and are able to apply their learning from their courses to explain them.
The forum is available for viewing at the DEH YouTube Channel.
Report by Kazi Bushra Orpy (203013003)
