Introduction to Creative Writing and Translation Studies as an elective subject at Senior Secondary level

As you may be aware, the Central CBSE Board of Secondary Education has, in recent years, introduced a number of new courses such as Biotechnology, Fashion Studies, Multimedia & Web Technology and Entrepreneurship at the Senior School level with the object of addressing emerging needs of the student community. In pursuance of this policy of expanding the choice of subjects for students, particularly in non-conventional spheres of knowledge and skills that have bright employment prospects, the CBSE Board has decided to introduce a course in ‘Creative Writing and Translation Studies’ as an optional elective under academic subjects at senior secondary level. It can be offered by students as one of the four elective subjects and also as an additional elective subject at +2 stage in combination with any subjects that are already available in the Scheme of Studies of the CBSE Board. The subject is be introduced from the academic session 2007-08. There are many students who are imaginative and have a flair for language. Presently such students do not get specialized inputs to develop and sharpen their creative skills because the conventional language curricula focus by and large on generic linguistic skills. The course in Creative writing and Translation Studies aims at equipping the students-with higher order skills such as critical analysis, deconstructing texts and interpretation that would help them gain an insight into the creative processes undertaken by writers of fiction and non fiction. Further students will also be introduced to endurance of language and techniques needed for different genres such as short stories, screen plays, poetry drama, biography etc. This would enable them to sharpen their skills of creative expression through various modes. Keeping in view the rising demand for good translators and interpreters in a globalized world, the course also aims at sensitizing students to basics skills in translation studies. Those who develop an interest in this field will be able to pursue specialized courses in translation at University tevel. The syllabus and details of course materials will be available on CBSE website: www.cbse.nic.in shortly. Teachers who are presently teaching English at senior secondary level and are proficient in Hindi can take up the teaching of this subject. professionals who are already engaged in the area of translation or interpretation and have a post-graduate degree in English with a good working knowledge of Hindi may also be hired to teach the subject. Schools which are interested in introducing the course from the academic session 2007-08 at class XI may write to the undersigned giving their willingness for the same. They will also be required to apply for approval of the additional elective subject online and pay a fee of Rs. 1000/- (one thousand only) for the same.