Delhi University introduces BA Education elective Adolescent Education in India (DSE 10), addressing adolescence, relationships, sexuality, and mental health with interactive learning, projects, and films.
Delhi University has launched a new elective paper, Adolescent Education in India (DSE 10), as part of its BA Education programme. The course has been designed to engage students with the complexities of adolescence, making conversations around growing up more relatable while addressing the physical, emotional, and social challenges that young people face.
The university noted that the course seeks to provide an inclusive space where difficult but essential subjects can be openly discussed. Moving beyond theoretical frameworks, it focuses on practical engagement, encouraging students to reflect critically on issues that define adolescence in India today.
One of the central components of the paper is the theme of “Growing Up and Relationships.” This module delves into the everyday experiences of adolescents, examining the challenges of forming relationships, navigating peer pressure, and confronting identity crises. It also touches upon the influence of family, school, and community in shaping the adolescent journey.
The course further opens space for dialogue on sexuality and mental health, issues that are often overlooked in conventional curricula. By addressing topics such as substance abuse, gender discrimination, mental well-being, and societal stigma, the course aims to foster empathy, awareness, and sensitivity among students. Such conversations, according to faculty, are essential in equipping future educators with the skills to engage with adolescents more meaningfully.
In addition to classroom discussions, the elective emphasizes practical learning methods. Film screenings act as catalysts for discussions on marginalization, vulnerability, and resilience. Some of the films selected for the course include Salaam Bombay by Mira Nair, which portrays the lives of street children; Smile Pinky by Megan Mylan, an Oscar-winning documentary that captures the transformative journey of a girl born with a cleft lip; The Blue Umbrella by Vishal Bhardwaj, which highlights innocence, jealousy, and belonging; and Children of Heaven by Majid Majidi, a moving depiction of sibling love and hardship. Other films such as Bhavna Talwar’s Dharm and Rahat Kazmi’s Am I Next? further enrich the discourse, introducing students to diverse perspectives on childhood, faith, gender, and justice.
Through its blend of theory, practice, and cultural representation, Adolescent Education in India (DSE 10) positions itself as more than just an elective. It is a step toward acknowledging adolescence as a critical stage in personal and social development, deserving of academic attention and empathetic exploration.
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Featured image credits- Time of India
Madhav Choudhary
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