CCRS PROPOSAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION I: CENTRE FOR CULTURE AND RESILIENCE STUDIES (CCRS) .................. 2 1.1. THE NEED ...................................................................................................................................... 2 1.2. MISSION, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES...................................................................................... 2 1.3. PRESENT CCRS FELLOWS........................................................................................................ 3 1.4. FORMATION OF THE ADVISORY BOARD........................................................................... 4 1.5. THE PROGRAMMES .................................................................................................................... 4 SECTION II: THE DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY ................................................ 5 2.1. BACKGROUND .............................................................................................................................. 5 2.2. VISION AND VALUES ................................................................................................................. 5 2.3. VISION STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR 2035....................................................................... 6 2.4. PERSPECTIVE PLAN ................................................................................................................... 7

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CCRS PROPOSAL

SECTION I: CENTRE FOR CULTURE AND RESILIENCE STUDIES (CCRS)

1.1. THE NEED There is a need, throughout the academia in Bangladesh, among community of practitioners, academicians, researchers and students, for an action-oriented knowledge, skills, research and evaluation approach to improve the understanding of disaster and climate resilient development, building capacities of the public and civil society professionals on pro-poor, environment friendly, gender sensitive, climate resilient and low carbon development program design, implementation, monitoring and impact assessment. A related need is for DU teachers and university students to be involved in meaningful and mutually rewarding ways in action research and evaluation activities in public and private sectors. Drawing on the anthropological wisdom that cultural expression radiates cultural energy, CCRS believes that culture can be mobilized as a source of motivation that inspires people to confront problems, identify solutions and participate in implementation. CCRS perceives culture, a different form of capital, as an impetus for growth, social change and community resilience. The term resilience, however, refers to broad range of academic issues including the ability of a system (natural, built and cultural), groups, community or society exposed or susceptible to shocks (economic, social political, environmental etc.) to protect, absorb, accommodate to and recover from the effects of the shocks in a timely and efficient manner, including through the preservation and restoration of ecosystems from dynamic changes in relation to shocks and aftermath without compromising (and potentially enhancing) long term prospects. Resilience is not a fixed end state, but is a dynamic set of conditions and processes. The factors that influence resilience are shown in Figure 1.1. 1.2. MISSION, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The Culture and Resilience Studies was established in the fall of 2012, by Dr. Saifur Rashid and Hasan Shafie to address the needs identified above. The proposed Centre for Culture and Resilience Studies (CCRS) will be a collaborative enterprise involving faculties and students in various departments at University of Dhaka, other public and private universities, and research institutions in Bangladesh. Mission: The mission of the Centre for Culture and Resilience Studies (CCRS) will be to foster a knowledge based society to build a resilient nation in relation to identity, environmental, climatic, social and economic policies and practices through academic and investigative research activities. Goal: The goal of CCRS will be to contribute to knowledge which will help to improve to deal any future challenge in the area of cultural identity, environment, economy and society . Page 2 of 7

CCRS PROPOSAL

Objectives: The objectives of CCRS will be to: o Provide opportunities for post graduate students and professionals from all organizations and all universities in Bangladesh and other countries to engage in academic and action research activities in the diverse fields of resilience. o Explore and examine issues related to the culture and resilience o Conduct collaborative research and academic programme with other educational, research and development organizations focused on the field of resilience. o Disseminate research findings and share conceptual ideas on resilience practices and policies to a wide audience, through publications, presentations, seminars, workshops and other methods. 1.3. PRESENT CCRS FELLOWS The Centre for Culture and Resilience Studies (CCRS) will have a Director, Professor (Dr.) Saifur Rashid, Ph.D., professor and member of the faculty in the Department of Anthropology. The CCRS will have a Head of Programmes, Hasan Shafie, Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology. The Senior Fellows will include, Dr. Shaila Sharmeen, Mr. Raasheed Mahmood, and SM Arif Mahmud of the Department of Anthropology. Ms. Sumaiya Habib, Mr. Sayed Arman Hossain, Mr. Fahmid Al Zaid, Mr. Tarek Hasan, and Mr. Touhid Imam will serve as Research Fellows. Professor (Dr.) Shahed Hassan, Professor (Dr.) Shaheen Ahmed, Professor (Dr.) Zahidul Islam, Professor (Dr.) Ahsan Ali, Ms. Nasima Sultana and Dr. Farhana Begum will be members of the Advisory Board of CCRS. The Advisory Board will provide input, guidance and advice to the Director. The Board will be chaired by the Chairperson of the Department of Anthropology and will include representatives from various Departments, Institutes and Centers at different universities, research institutes and development agencies working in Bangladesh. The Board will also provide direction and policy advice to the Director and Head of Programmes. The Center will also be staffed by other faculties, Department Assistants and University Assistants. Page 3 of 7

CCRS PROPOSAL

1.4. FORMATION OF THE ADVISORY BOARD

DESIGNATION Chairperson Member Secretary TYPES AND CATEGORIES Chairperson of the Department of Anthropology and Director of CCRS. Head of Programmes of CCRS. Department of Economics. Department of Geography. Department of Development Studies; Department of Peace and Conflict; Department of Population Science and Department of International Relations. Department of Soil Science; Department of Oceanography; Renewable Energy Research Centre and DRTMC. Department of Sociology; Department of Public Administration; and Department of Political Science Climate Change Adaptation Climate Change Mitigation Disaster Risk Reduction, Mitigation Environment/Ecology/Ecosystem Human Rights, Gender and Justice Migration, Globalization, Diversity, Community Adaptation Governance Department of Anthropology. Total Members NUMBER OF MEMBERS 01 Ex-Officio 01 01 01 02 Nominated by respective Departments, Institutes and Centers SELECTION CRITERION

Members from Departments, Institutes and Centers

02

01 01 01 01 01 01 01 01 03 17

Members from Reputed Scholars/ Professionals/ Practitioners from Various Institutions Members

Nominated by the Academic Committee of the Department of Anthropology

1.5. THE PROGRAMMES The Centre will conduct, promote and support a number of activities in two interrelated areas. The areas of activity are: (1) Academic Programmes and (2) Professional and Applied Engagements.

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CCRS PROPOSAL

SECTION II: THE DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY

2.1. BACKGROUND Anthropology is a relatively new academic discipline in Bangladesh, which has attracted a large number of undergraduate students interested in developing their skills and understanding of culture and society. The Department of Anthropology at the University of Dhaka was established in 1992. The first course was offered in the autumn of 1993 and the first 3 year Bachelor of Social Science and 1 year Master of Social Science Degrees was awarded in 1996 and 1997. Since 1992, more than one thousand students have received Bachelor of Social Science and Master of Social Science degrees. During the same period, more than 25 students were awarded PhD and MPhil degrees. The University of Dhaka has now one of the oldest and most successful undergraduate and postgraduate Anthropology programs and there is growing interest among students in taking up anthropology as the subject of study. Since its inception, the Department of Anthropology has sought to achieve the highest possible distinction for teaching and scholarly research and has accomplished this by extending boundaries of knowledge in both traditional and new fields in the social sciences. We promote the highest academic standards in our teaching, our scholarship, and the connections we build between them. Synchr onized with our institutions rich heritage, the Department is committed to produce the countrys leader in all facets, from classroom instruction to national policy setting. Our values-based commitment is to create an optimal learning environment for all students from all over the country and help expand the horizons of knowledge and culture among students, colleagues, and the general citizenry. We devote all of our resources and energies to developing strong mission-driven programs of scholarship (research and creative activities) in the acquisition, synthesis, dissemination, and creation of new research knowledge, coupled with the application of knowledge, and the invigoration of undergraduate and graduate education. The following academic plan provides a strategic approach for improving the already high standing of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Dhaka over the next twenty five years. 2.2. VISION AND VALUES The Department, by acting on our values in every respect, will come to occupy a unique position of strength and visibility among the institutions of higher education in Bangladesh and internationally. The Department of Anthropology will continue to be the first-choice department among all other public and private universities in Bangladesh for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of the largest university.

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Individualized Attention: Providing the supportive learning environment through an innovative general education program, strong student-faculty-staff connections, superior student services, and a focus on each student as an individual, with unique educational needs and potential. The Department is dedicated to placing the learner at the center of teaching and scholarship. Active Pursuit of Learning and Scholarship: Working with students as partners in their educational development inside and outside of the classroom, so that students come to appreciate learning as an active and lifelong process; contributing new knowledge through research, creative artistry, and other forms of individual scholarship in which all students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate. Diversity: Encouraging community and an informed respect for differences among students, faculty, and staff by fostering an inclusive environment characterized by ethical behavior and social justice that prepares students to be fully engaged participants in a global society; a diverse faculty and staff mentoring a diverse student population, enhancing pedagogical, research, and service functions. Innovation: Supporting disciplinary excellence and personal growth of students, faculty, and staff through knowledge development and innovative applications in undergraduate and graduate study, pedagogy, research, creative activities, and public service. 2.3. VISION STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR 2035 Through the Mission, Vision, Goals and Actions of the Departments Strategic Plan, our Department of Anthropology will be recognized in 2035 as: A Department that prepares students to be successful in a globally competitive and culturally diverse environment, while serving the University-related needs of its faculty, staff and alumni; A branded national leader in anthropology academic programs, scholarship, services and related publications that reflect the Universitys heritage; An academically entrepreneurial Department, with an emphasis on reviewing current offerings and exploring new academic opportunities, including the possibility of additional professional research centers; A leader in global partnership with innovative academic, corporate and governmental organizations; A top choice of employers as they search for highly qualified individuals who can become outstanding employees in Bangladesh and beyond; A Department that prepares students for the active civic engagement that is important in a liberal democratic society; A department that offers a diverse spectrum of academic, cultural, social and athletic activities.

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2.4. PERSPECTIVE PLAN GOALS
Goal 1: The Department of choice for students, faculty, staff, and citizens Goal 2: The national leader known for excellence in undergraduate and graduate education in Anthropology Goal 3: The educational environment that fosters creativity and growth among its students, faculty, staff, and alumni Goal 4: Academically entrepreneurial Department exploring new academic & research opportunities Goal 5: The first choice of employers in recruiting students who will be successful as professionals

YEAR 2015
Increasing the percentage of students who indicate the Department would have been their firstchoice. Increasing admission standards of the Department. Increasing retention and graduation rates. Providing off-campus experiential learning and research opportunities for students. Increasing support for library collections, courseintegrated instruction, and reference services. Providing resources that support student and faculty research and scholarly activity. Increasing library access and support for researchlevel books, databases, and journals. Increasing the number & value of scholarships. Reviewing/adjusting course scheduling patterns. Promoting a campus climate of inclusion, understanding, and appreciation. Accelerating the activities of Chittagong Hill Tracts Recourse Centre Establishing a Development and Climate Change Research Centre at the Department. Setting up ICT laboratory Meeting critical needs of our Country and regional needs. Increasing alumni employment. Increasing external funding for the Department.

25 YEARS PERSPECTIVE PLAN YEAR 2025

Increasing graduate-student stipends to competitive international levels. Increasing resources to support academic research. Improving faculty and staff salaries and compensation. Increasing support for student, faculty, and staff publications and presentations. Increasing the number of students actively engaged in research and creative activities. Increasing opportunities for faculty and staff professional development and support. Supporting scholarly activity and development Increasing departmental grants funding. Support for faculty seeking extramural funding. Increasing resources for faculty recruitment and the number of tenured positions. Implementing partnerships for student learning.

YEAR 2035
Achieving optimal enrollment targets for graduate students. Increasing the resource base for graduate student recruitment. Providing on- and off-campus graduate degree and certification programs serving working professionals. Fostering an inclusive environment with ethical behaviors and social justice that prepares students to be engaged in a global society. Decreasing the student-to-faculty ratio. Supporting externally funded centers and institutes for discipline-specific and multidisciplinary research. Enhancing a healthy, safe, and environmentally sustainable campus. Increasing student awareness of career and advanced educational opportunities.

Establishing an Ethnographic Departmental premise.

Artifacts

Museum

at

the

Establishing a Laboratory for Physical and Medical Anthropology.

Instilling the value of learning as an active and life-long process. Seeking discipline-based accreditations. Supporting workforce training and development. Providing extended learning and continuing education opportunities.

Expanding service and outreach activities. Providing leadership in educational initiatives.

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