Postgraduate Diploma in Indigenous Studies (PGDIS)

Postgraduate Diploma in Indigenous Studies (PGDIS)

About this program

Postgraduate Diploma in Indigenous Studies (PGDIS) is an advanced course for those who completed their graduate level degrees including BTh/BD/MDIV/ and equivalent degrees. It is a foundational course for students who are intending to pursue their PhD in Indigenous knowledge.

Objectives of the Programme

An overall objectives of the programme are to promote Indigenous Knowledge and equip students with necessary knowledge and skills for effective leadership and contribution in the church and society. Detailed objectives of the courses are given in the detailed Syllabi.

Structure of the Programme

Post Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Studies is a 32 credit hours programme covering 12 months or Two Semesters commencing from August 2020 to June 2021. The programme combines both theory and practical methods of learning including a study tour to neighbouring states and countries. The approach is necessarily interdisciplinary and the preferred methodologies are Constructivist Grounded Theory and Critical Indigenous theory. There are five foundational courses, two compulsory and sixteen electives from optional courses. Dissertation is compulsory for all the students in the second semester.

Requirements for Graduation

  • Students must satisfy the University requirement of 32 Credits in total
  • Students must attend Orientation Programme at the beginning of their programme
  • Students must produce a field research report in 500 words at the end of the course
  • Students must clear their papers within 12 months from the date of registration
  • Students must complete a dissertation of 10,000 words by the end of the course.

Faculty

There are Thirteen faculty members out of which, Three Core faculty, Seven Visiting Faculty, Two Seminar resource persons and Three Local Mentors. Except the local mentors, all the Thirteen teaching faculty members are PhD degree holders including two celebrated scholars from the UK and US.

Fee Structure

ParticularAmount in Rs.Payment Date (For Semester 1)Payment Date (For Semester 2)
Application Fee200Time of application 
Registration Fee500 + GSTTime of Uni Registration 
University Course Fee4000 + GSTTime of Uni Admission 
Convocation Fee3500 Time of Convocation
Accumulative Transcript1000 After Convocation
Graduation Certificate1500 Time of Convocation
Semester Fee8000Semester Registration in AugustSemester Registration in December
Establishment Fee3000Time of Registration 
Total27,200 (incl GST)15,70011,500

Semester wise subject distribution and credit hours

Semester 1 (16 Credits)
CodeCourse AllotmentCRTimeTeacher
PGDIS C001Research and Writing Skills2AugJH/JJ
PGDIS F001Indigenous Methodologies2AugJH/JK/DS
PGDIS F002Intro to Indigenous Knowledge2SeptJK/RM
PGDIS F003Intro to Indigenous People’s History2OctDr JH
PGDIS F004Foundation for Indigenous People’s Identity4NovJH/JG
PGDIS F005Documentation of Indigenous Wisdom2DecBS
PGDIS E001Myth, Meanings and Indigenous Epistemology2DecPH
Semester 2 (16 Credits)
CodeCourse AllotmentCRTimeTeacher
PGDIS E002Indigenous Arts and Christian Theology2Jan/FebJK
PGDIS E008Indigenous Knowledge for Ecological healing2Jan/FebJH
PGDIS E006Indigenous People, Land and the Biblical World2Feb/MarPH/RM
PGDIS E014Indigenous People of NEI and World Christianity2Mar/AprJH/DS
PGDIS E015Indigenous People and Alternative Communication2Apr/MayZL
PGDIS DissDissertation6May-Jun 
Reference
Jangkholam – JH BL Nongbri – BN Ray Minniecon – RM
James Krabil – JK Songram Basumatary – SB David Smith – DS
Peter Haokip – PH Biby Sami – BS Zamminlien Lhungdim – ZL
John Jeacocke – JJ

Learning Objectives

  • PGDIS degree holders are eligible to apply for ThM-PhD Integrated Programme of MLCU or any other Doctoral Programmes as approved by the University.
  • They could also apply for lateral entry into Master programmes at MLCU and do a PhD.

Requirements

  • BA/BD/MDiv/MTh/B.Th (Catholic Seminary Degree) or equivalent with work experience
  • Experienced Ordained pastors/Evangelists/NGO workers
  • Members of Village Authority/CSOs etc who have completed their graduation or equivalent
  • Clearance of Entrance Examinations/Tests consisting Commitment for higher education, General Knowledge, and English Language.

Subjects

All Levels

PGDIS 501 – Indigenous Research Methodologies (2 Credits)

BKI being a centre for specialized Indigenous Studies, a special …

200.00

PGDIS 501 – Indigenous Research Methodologies (2 Credits)

3 Lessons
6 hours
All Levels
What you'll learn
The students became aware of why and how the context influences the development of its methodologies
The students are in a position to identify and appreciate which methodology might suit their situation best
The students acquired adequate knowledge and demonstrate skills in handling the subject matter
All Levels

PGDIS 502 – Intro to Indigenous Knowledge (2 Credits)

Indigenous knowledge is a body of knowledge build up by …

200.00

PGDIS 502 – Intro to Indigenous Knowledge (2 Credits)

1 Lesson
All Levels
What you'll learn
Students acquired knowledge and appreciate Indigenous Knowledge
Students got exposed to a wider context of indigenous knowledge
Students learned to appreciate and start using their own traditional wisdoms
All Levels

PGDIS 503 – Foundation for Indigenous History (2 Credits)

It is a popularly known fact that history is the …

200.00

PGDIS 503 – Foundation for Indigenous History (2 Credits)

4 Lessons
All Levels
What you'll learn
Students are aware of the absence of Indigenous history in text books and its impact on the society
Students are convinced of the need for Indigenous history
Students learned to appreciate the sources for Indigenous history
Students acquired the necessary knowledge and techniques to construct Indigenous history
All Levels

PGDIS 504 – Foundations for Indigenous People’s Identity (2 Credits)

BKI as a centre for integrated studies takes faith and …

200.00

PGDIS 504 – Foundations for Indigenous People’s Identity (2 Credits)

All Levels
What you'll learn
The students gained knowledge about the complexities of faith and identity
The students identified the place and role of faith in ethnic conflicts or vice versa
The students received basic biblical foundation and demonstrate skills to deal with issues surrounding human identity from a Biblical point of view
The students learned to accept and enrich their identities without risking peaceful co-existence
All Levels

PGDIS 506 Myth, Meanings and Indigenous Epistemology (2 Credits)

The question of knowledge, knowing and the way of knowing …

200.00

PGDIS 506 Myth, Meanings and Indigenous Epistemology (2 Credits)

All Levels
What you'll learn
The students learned and appreciated myths
The students acquired knowledge and skills to read and understand myths
The students learned to use myths as one of the tools to impart knowledge
All Levels

PGDIS 550 Indigenous Arts and Christian Theology (2 Credits)

Unlike some cultures where verbal communication dominates mediums of communication, …

200.00

PGDIS 550 Indigenous Arts and Christian Theology (2 Credits)

All Levels
What you'll learn
The students learned and appreciate Indigenous arts
The students acquired relevant skills to read and interpret meanings in Indigenous arts
The students learned to use Indigenous arts as one of the tools to impart knowledge
All Levels

PGDIS 551 Indigenous People, Land and the Biblical World (2 Credits)

For Indigenous people, their land is part of their identity. …

200.00

PGDIS 551 Indigenous People, Land and the Biblical World (2 Credits)

All Levels
What you'll learn
The students became aware of issues surrounding land and land holding systems among Indigenous people
The students gained knowledge about the theology of land and human responsibility
The students acquired knowledge and skills to address issues concerning land ownership claims and counter-claims among indigenous communities
All Levels

PGDIS 552 Indigenous Knowledge/Wisdom and Ecology (2 Credits)

Indigenous people are natural experts to address ecological crises for …

200.00

PGDIS 552 Indigenous Knowledge/Wisdom and Ecology (2 Credits)

All Levels
What you'll learn
The students became aware of the seriousness of global ecological crises
The students became familiar with Indigenous wisdoms that have direct links to ecology
The students learned and appreciate incorporating indigenous wisdoms in addressing ecological issues
All Levels

PGDIS 553 Indigenous People of NEI and World Christianity (2 Credits)

With the development of what is now known as ‘World …

200.00

PGDIS 553 Indigenous People of NEI and World Christianity (2 Credits)

All Levels
What you'll learn
The students learned and appreciate the place and role of Indigenous Knowledge in World Christianity
The students are enabled to identify transforming elements of Indigenous Knowledge for the enrichment of World Christianity
The students acquired skills to incorporate Indigenous Knowledge in their life and work
All Levels

PGDIS 554 Indigenous People and Alternative Media (2 Credits)

Media and culture are inseparable. At the same time Indigenous …

200.00

PGDIS 554 Indigenous People and Alternative Media (2 Credits)

All Levels
What you'll learn
The students learned and appreciate the place and role of Alternative Media in contemporary society
The students acquired knowledge and skills to evaluate Alternative Media
The students demonstrate ability to smoothly handle issues questions regarding Indigenous way of communication.