Bond enters canon

October 6, 2000

The English classics curriculum at Delhi University is to be reduced to make room for more contemporary texts, including popular fiction, in a move that has raised eyebrows in conservative academic circles.

The new undergraduate reading list includes Salman Rushdie, Gabriel Garc!a M rquez, Sylvia Plath - and Ian Fleming and Agatha Christie. Also joining the canon is science fiction, with Isaac Asimov making an entry into the classroom, much to the dismay of the old-fashioned English "lit" set.

This is by far the most radical revision in Delhi University's 100-year history. It is expected to set the tone for other universities.

The revision is a response to the persistent demand for a fresh look at how English is taught in India. Generally, the changes have been welcomed, but there is a view that the university has gone a bit too far.

"It is pushing the pendulum to the other extreme. We do need a less stuffy curriculum, but not by dumbing it down," a senior professor said.

Even some students are unenthusiastic about having to read Ian Fleming and Agatha Christie as "literature".

Register to continue

Why register?

  • Registration is free and only takes a moment
  • Once registered, you can read 3 articles a month
  • Sign up for our newsletter
Please
or
to read this article.

Sponsored

Featured jobs

See all jobs

With big trees comes great responsibility

UCT postgraduate researcher, Witness Kozanayi, investigated how commercialisation of baobab products has affected the trees – as well as the communities around them.

Promoted by University of Cape Town
Sponsored
ADVERTISEMENT