Psychology

The Psychology Department at Kirti M. Doongursee College, established in 2003, is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and applied psychology. The department explores the complexities of human behavior, cognition, emotions, and mental health through a multidisciplinary approach through student centric teaching methods and participative activities.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To mould students into rational thinkers, competent performers and socially aware citizens.

Vision: To impart quality education among students to develop scientific understanding of human behavior, promoting mental health, and refine research skills.

Objectives:

  • To provide comprehensive understanding of human mind behavior.
  • To train students in research methodologies to conduct scientific studies.

 The major highlights of the department is the organization of the student centric teaching  approach and application based activities. All the activities are planned carefully to felicitate learning ensuring high level of motivation in the students.

  • Knowledgeable and Dedicated Staff
  • Field Visits and Guest Lectures
  • Theoretical as well as Vocational Courses
  • Career Guidance
  • Constant Encouragement and Guidance to Students to Participant in Various Academic and Extracurricular Activities
  • Study Tour

The course in psychology offers a Major in Psychology under NEP 2020 with its first batch getting the degree in A.Y. 2025-26. The course includes various papers of psychology and other areas of learning giving them an opportunity to acquire knowledge through participative learning. Each semester has 22 credits the students need to acquire in their choice of subject combination under NEP.

  • SYLLABUS
  1. SYBA 2024-25 (NEP):
  2. FYBA 2024-25 (NEP): 
Bachelor of Arts
 
Semester Paper No. Paper Name Unit No & Name
Semester – I Paper No. I Introduction to Rural Development Unit-1: Rural Development
  • Definition of rural development
  • Concept of rural development
  • Nature & scope of rural development
  • Introduction to rural development
  • Importance of rural development
  • Various programs for rural development
Unit-2: Rural Society
  • Concept of rural society
  • Nature of rural society
  • Characteristics of rural society
Unit-3: Rural Social Institution
  • Family – concept & nature, function & family, changing pattern of family
  • Caste – concept, nature, types, changing pattern of caste
  • Class – History, changing pattern & theories of caste (intro)
Unit-4: Social Change
  • Concept of social change
  • Factors of social change
  • Obstacles in the progress of social change
  • Role of NGO in bringing social change
  • Need of people’s participation in rural social change
Semester – II Paper No. I Issues Related to Rural Development Unit-1: Democratic Decentralization and Revenue Administration in Maharashtra
  • Historical background of Panchayat Raj System in India
  • Concept of Panchayat Raj
  • Structure and functions of Panchayat Raj in Maharashtra
  • Introduction to revenue administration and scope of revenue administration
  • Structure and functions of revenue administration in Maharashtra
Unit-2: Introduction to Rural Economy
  • Rural economy in India: Nature and changing pattern
  • Role of agriculture in rural development
  • Patterns of land holding
  • Types of agricultural labors and their problems
  • Importance of natural resources and agricultural allied activities in rural development
Unit-3: Rural Infrastructure
  • Concept of rural infrastructure
  • Role of rural infrastructure in rural development
  • Transport and communication
  • Drinking water and sanitation
  • Electrification
  • Marketing
  • Finance
Unit-4: Key Issues of Rural Communities
  • Poverty
  • Education
  • Health
  • Indebtedness
  • Agrarian crisis and farmer’s suicides
Semester – III Paper No. II Rural Society Unit-1: Indian Rural Society
  • Tribal community (Definition & characteristics)
  • Rural community (Definition & characteristics)
  • Urban community (Definition & characteristics)
Rural-Urban Continuum
  • Concept, examples, impact of rural community on urban community
Problems of Weaker Sections
  • Schedule Caste (Problems, remedial measures & constitutional provisions)
  • Schedule Tribes (Problems, remedial measures)
  • Problem of Women (Responsible factor, remedial measures)
Unit-2: Rural Institutional System
  • Religion (Concept, features, main factors, function, importance)
  • Education (Concept, objectives, function & importance in rural development)
  • Cooperation (Concept, features, merits & demerits, importance in rural development)
Unit-3: Social Change
  • Concept of social change
  • Reason for social change
  • Change in rural social life
Unit-4: Concepts Related to Social Change
  • Sanskritization (Concept, features, factor responsible for Sanskritization, limitation of Sanskritization)
  • Westernization (Concept, features, nature, impact of westernization on Indian society)
  • Modernization (Concept, nature, causes, process of modernization in rural area)
Semester – IV Paper No. II Development Strategies Unit-1: Study of Agriculture Policies
  • Schemes implemented by agriculture department
  • Schemes implemented by Panchayat Raj
  • Schemes implemented by department of tribal development
Unit-2: Agricultural Development
  • National agricultural policy 2007 & food security
  • Irrigation & water management
    • Importance of irrigation in agriculture
    • Source of irrigation
    • Methods of irrigation (modern & conventional)
  • Agricultural universities & KVK
    • Establishment
    • Importance & need
    • Function
Unit-3: Sources of Rural Employment
  • Self Help Group
    • Concept
    • Origin & development
    • Features
    • Importance in rural development
  • Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission (MSRLM)
    • Features of scheme
    • Concept of Dashsutri
    • Self Help group & Dashsutri
  • Agro based industries
    • Concept, types, function, importance in employment generation
    • Problems of agro based industries
Unit-4: Tourism Development
  • Rural tourism (concept, nature, importance, limitation)
  • Agro tourism (concept, nature, importance, merits & demerits)
  • Environmental tourism (concept, nature, need & importance)
Semester – IV Paper No. III Laws Related to Rural Development Unit-1: Law Related to Panchayat Raj in Maharashtra Historical background Mumbai gram panchayat act 1958 Maharashtra zilla parishad & panchayat samiti act 1961 73rd constitutional amendment Unit-2: Land Reform Legislation Land holding & land reforms Tenancy act Land calling act Consolidation of land holding act Unit-3: Law Related to Rural Development Employment guarantee scheme (Maharashtra state) Sanitation campaign Drinking water scheme Right to information act Unit-4: Law Related to Natural Resources Maharashtra water irrigation act Maharashtra forest conservation act Social forestry act Maharashtra soil conservation act
Semester – V Paper No. IV Agriculture and its Significance in Rural Development Unit-1: Agriculture Definition – History – Nature – Feature of Agriculture Scope and Role of Agriculture in Indian Economy Causes of Low Agricultural Productivity in India and Measures to Increase Agricultural Productivity Unit-2: Land Constituents of Land and its Natural Characteristics and Types of Soil Soil Erosion – Types – Causes, Consequences – Remedial Measures Soil Testing – Need, Importance in Agriculture Unit-3: Significance of Inputs in Agriculture Seeds – Traditional and Non-Traditional and its Importance Types of Fertilizers and Pesticides, its Importance and Consequences Agricultural Equipment – Traditional and Non-Traditional Unit-4: Farm Business Management Meaning, Objectives, and Nature Principles of Farm Business Management Factors of Agricultural Production
Semester – V Paper No. V Rural Marketing and Finance Unit-1: Rural Marketing
Concept and Characteristics of Rural Marketing
Scope and Significance of Rural Marketing
Problems of Rural Marketing and Remedial Measures

Unit-2: Agriculture Marketing
Concept, Nature, and Types of Agricultural Marketing
Functions of Agricultural Marketing
Significance of Agricultural Marketing in Rural Development

Unit-3: Marketing Risks and Uncertainties
Features of Agricultural Products
Concepts of Marketable Surplus and Marketed Surplus – Causes of Low Marketed Surplus
Risks and Uncertainties – Types, Remedial Measures

Unit-4: Agencies in Agricultural Marketing
Marketing Intermediaries
Agricultural Agencies:
1. Food Corporation of India (FCI)
2. Agriculture Produce and Marketing Committee (APMC)
3. National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED)
Semester – V Paper No. VI Applied Agriculture Unit-1: Applied Agriculture
Definition, Nature, and Scope
Significance of Allied Activities in Applied Agriculture
Its Significance in Rural Development

Unit-2: Agro-Ecology
Definition, Nature, and Scope
Zero Budget Farming and Bio-farming
Mixed Cropping Pattern

Unit-3: Horticulture
Concept and Nature of Horticulture
Significance of Horticulture and Floriculture in Rural Development
Various Techniques and Factors of Horticulture

Unit-4: Forestry
Concept and Types of Forestry
Importance of Forestry
Government Role and People’s Participation to Promote Forestry
Semester – V Paper No. VII Rural Resource Management Unit-1: Rural Resources
Concept of Resources – Types of Resources
Renewable Resources, Non-renewable Resources
Need for Conservation of Resources

Unit-2: Land
Formation of Land, Features of Land, and Land Use Pattern
Conservation and Quality of Land
Measures for Land Development

Unit-3: Water Resources
Concept of Water Resources, Distribution of Water, Properties, and Importance
Scarcity of Water, Measures for Water Scarcity
Water Conservation, Government Schemes

Unit-4: Solid Waste Management
Concept of Bio Waste, Solid Waste, History
Problems of Solid Waste and Consequences
Management of Solid Waste – Types, Sources, Methods
Semester – V Paper No. VIII Emerging Issues in Rural Development Unit-1: Rural-Urban Regional Imbalance
Provisions for Rural Development in Five-Year Plans
Negligence of Rural Development
Present Status of Rural Development

Unit-2: Co-Operative Sector
Concept and Importance of Co-operative Sector
Types of Co-operative Societies
Causes of Decline of Co-operative Sector and Remedial Measures

Unit-3: Shrinking of Agricultural Land
Acquisition of Land for Infrastructure Development, Housing, and SEZ
Impact of Acquisition of Land on Farmers
Project Affected People’s Movement

Unit-4: Water Pollution
Causes of Water Pollution
Impact of Water Pollution
Remedial Measures to Control Water Pollution
Semester – V Paper No. IX Social Work for Rural Development Unit-1: Voluntary Sector
Concept of Voluntary Work – Volunteer, Voluntary Organization, and Its Various Types
Nature of Voluntary Sector
Features of Voluntary Sector

Unit-2: Emergence of Voluntary Sector
Emergence and Development of Voluntary Sector in India with Special Reference to Maharashtra
Role and Significance of Voluntary Sector
Principle and Practices of Management of Voluntary Sector

Unit-3: Activities of Voluntary Sector
Principal Activities of Voluntary Organization
Key Issues Before Voluntary Sector
N.G.O. and People’s Participation

Unit-4: Registration Process of Non-Government Organization
Laws Regarding Registration of N.G.O.
Requirements of Documents for Registration
Revenue Sources and Expenses of N.G.O.
Semester VI Paper No. IV Agriculture and its Significance in Rural Development Unit-5: Review of Agriculture Policies
Green Revolution – Concept, Principles, Consequences and Evaluation
Green Revolution Pre and Post
In the Era of Liberalization Policy 1991 and Onwards

Unit-6: Agricultural Education Extension and Research
Indian Council of Agriculture and Research (ICAR)
Role of Agricultural Universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK)
Structure and Functions of Department of Agriculture – Govt of Maharashtra

Unit-7: Recent Trends in Agriculture
Sustainable Agriculture
Organic Farming
Green House and Tissue Culture

Unit-8: Agricultural Related Activities
Group Farming – Concept and Importance
Food and Fruit Processing Industries – Nature and Importance
Women Participation in Agricultural Sector
Semester VI Paper No. V Rural Marketing and Finance Unit-5: Rural Finance
Rural Finance – Concept, Nature and Types
Rural Indebtedness – Causes, Consequences and Remedial Measures
Sources of Rural Finance – Institutional and Non-Institutional

Unit-6: Financial Institutions
Co-operative Financial Institutions – PCCS, DCCB, and SCCB
Role of NABARD in Rural Development
Regional Rural Banks

Unit-7: Micro Finance
Concept, Origin and Scope of Micro Finance
Significance of Self Help Group in Rural Development
Self Help Group – Bank Linkages

Unit-8: Problems of Rural Finance
Problems Related to Agriculture Credit Supply
Remedial Measures and Promotion of Rural Credit
Crop and Livestock Insurance and Its Importance
Semester VI Paper No. VI Applied Agriculture Unit-5: Animal Husbandry
Concept and scope of Animal Husbandry – Goat, Sheep, Cattle, etc.
Significance of Animal Husbandry in rural development.
Low productivity of Indian cattle – Causes and Measures.

Unit-6: Poultry
Concept and Essential Factors of Poultry Farm.
Significance of Poultry Business in Rural Development.
Government Schemes for Promotion of Poultry Farming.

Unit-7: Fishery
Concept, Nature, and Scope of Fishery.
Various Types of Fishery and Government Schemes for Promotion of Fishery.
Significance of Fishery in Rural Development.

Unit-8: Processing of Agro-Allied Products
Concept and Nature of Processing of Agro-Allied Products.
Types of Agro-Allied Products.
Importance of Processing of Agro-Allied Products.
Semester VI Paper No. VII Rural Resource Management Unit-5: Human Resources
Concept and Nature of Human Resources.
Factors of Human Resource Management.
Population Explosion – Education, Health-Related Problems.

Unit-6: Development of Infrastructure
Transport and Communication (Electronic Media).
Rural Housing and Rural Electrification.
Water Supply and Pure Drinking Water.

Unit-7: Science and Technology for Rural Development
Use and Importance of Technology for Rural Development.
Issues Regarding Use of Science and Technology in Rural Regions.
Role of Information Technology in Rural Development.

Unit-8: Rural Energy Resources
Concept, Importance, and Scope.
Traditional Rural Energy Sources and Their Limitations.
Non-Traditional Energy Sources.
Semester VI Paper No. VIII Emerging Issues in Rural Development Unit-5: Land Pollution
Concept and Various Causes of Land Pollution.
Consequences of Land Pollution.
Remedial Measures for Land Pollution.

Unit-6: Pressure of Population on Agricultural Land
Concept and Types of Rural Unemployment.
Causes and Consequences of Sub-Division and Fragmentation of Land.
Migration – Types, Causes, and Remedial Measures.

Unit-7: Rural Poverty
Concept of Poverty.
Causes and Consequences.
Remedial Measures.

Unit-8: New Economic Policies and Its Impact
LPG as Manifestation in New Economic Policy.
Impact on Agriculture and Rural Area Artisans.
Opening of Rural Areas to Capitalist Classes in Banking and Marketing.
Semester VI Paper No. IX Social Work for Rural Development Unit-5: Professional Social Work
Concept, Definition, Characteristics, Objectives.
Steps of Social Work.
Social Worker – Approach, Skills, and Techniques.

Unit-6: Scope and Field of Social Work
Field of Social Work – Primary and Secondary.
Family Welfare, Child Welfare, Youth Welfare, Women Welfare, and Welfare of the Aged and Handicapped, Community Development.
Medical Social Work, Labour Welfare, Crime and Correctional Services.

Unit-7: Principle and Method of Social Work
Case Work and Group Work.
Community Organization.
Social Work Research, Administration, and Management in Social Work.

Unit-8: Social Research
Concept and Features of Social Research.
Importance and Motivating Factors of Research.
Report Writing.

2024-25

  1. The Jungle Farm Visit, Aswali, Bordi :

On 21 and 22 August 2024, we returned to The Jungle Farm in Aswali, Bordi, to expand on previous learning in a real-world context. This extended field trip offered deeper exploration of rural life and ecological psychology, including observing wildlife, interacting with farming communities, and analyzing psychological principles in natural settings. The experience emphasized experiential learning and solidified prior insights.

  1. Visit to Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Jidd Vishesh Shala, Thane :

On 4 October 2024, our visit to Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Jidd Vishesh Shala in Thane focused on understanding child development in children with special needs. By engaging with students and educators, participants observed tailored teaching methods and developmental milestones. The visit fostered sensitivity, deepened understanding of inclusive education, and highlighted the importance of supporting diverse learning needs.

  1. Visit to American Library – Dosti House :
    Finally, on 14 November 2024, the Psychology Department visited the American Library – Dosti House to familiarize students with a public circulating library and its wealth of research resources. Participants learned how to navigate library systems, access academic texts, journals, and databases, and employ library-based research methods. The visit underlined the value of structured research tools for academic growth and discipline in study.
  1. Conducting Effective Interviews:

Department of Psychology along with department of English and History conducted a session on 5th July, 2024 in the class E4 at 11 am. To help students understand the importance of understanding non-verbal cues in the interviews, make them identify the hindrance in conducting an interview and the methods to overcome them and to help students identify the incongruity in the communication and analyze and respond accordingly. The session was taken by the Guest Ms. Priya Tarade, Assistant Professor at D.G. Ruparel College. The session helped them develop effective communication skills, enhancing their interviewing abilities.They learned to analyze the meaning of the verbal statements uttered and non verbal cues displayed by the interviewees.

2023-24

  1. Suicide Prevention Workshop :

Suicide Prevention Workshop: The department of Psychology organized a workshop on ‘Suicide Prevention’ on 21/08/2023 in 2.6 classroom to make the participants aware of the sensitivity of the topic of suicide and understand how to deal with emergency situations. The Workshop was held by Ms. Siddhi Kalbhor, Psychologist at NGO – Sisters Living Works. Ms Siddhi has completed her post graduation in counselling and has been working in this area since a year. Through interactive discussions and scenario-based activities, attendees learned to recognize warning signs, offer initial support, and connect individuals in crisis with professional help, empowering them with both knowledge and empathy.

  1. Mental Health Session under Nav‑Kirti :

On 21 October 2023, during the Nav‑Kirti program, we hosted a Mental Health Session emphasizing the vital role of mental wellbeing in a holistic, healthy lifestyle. Participants explored practical techniques—such as stress management, mindfulness, and emotional self-care—to sustain their psychological health. The session seamlessly combined theory and application, helping individuals integrate easy-to-maintain mental health practices into their daily lives.

  1. Peer-to‑Peer Teaching‑Learning Session :

Our Peer‑to‑Peer Teaching–Learning Session held on 31 January 2024 aimed to foster deeper learning and mutual support among students. Through structured peer presentations and collaborative exercises, participants honed teaching and listening skills, enhanced understanding of subject matter, and built cohesion. The activity demonstrated the power of cooperative learning, encouraging harmony and enhancing each student’s comprehension.

  1. Visit to The Jungle Farm, Aswali, Bordi :

From 8 to 9 February 2024, we took students to The Jungle Farm in Aswali, Bordi, Maharashtra, offering them an immersive experience connecting with nature and rural life. Surrounded by jungle flora and fauna, participants studied human–animal interactions, rural psychology, and environmental awareness. This hands-on exposure cultivated curiosity, context‑rich learning, and an appreciation for the interdependence of humans and nature.

  1. Premarital Counselling Workshop :

On 12 March 2024, the Premarital Counselling Workshop guided students through the psychology of choosing a compatible partner. The session addressed common myths, emphasized rational decision-making, and highlighted emotional intelligence and communication as foundations for healthy relationships. Students learned practical strategies to evaluate compatibility and approach relationships with clarity and intention.

  1. Student Name: Ms. Disha Poojary

TYPE OF ACHIEVEMENT: Topped the entire FYBA course in the academic year 2023-24.

2. Student’s Name: Ms. Disha Poojary, Ms. Prajakta Chari, Ms. Sharvari Karnik, Ms. Jahnavi Nair

TYPE OF ACHIEVEMENT: 1st Prize at Avishkar Research Convention (College-Level) in the academic year 2023-24

3. Student’s Name :Ms. Disha Poojary, Ms. Prajakta Chari, Ms. Sharvari Karnik, Ms. Jahnavi Nair

TYPE OF ACHIEVEMENT: Selection for the final round at Zonal Level of Avishkar Research Convention (University-Level) in the year 2023-24

SR. NO. NAME DESIGNATION
1 Dr. D V Pawart Principal of Kirti College
2 Prof. Nitin Kharat Assistant Professor at Kirti College
3 Prof. Gaurav Raut Assistant Professor at Kirti College
4 Mr. Shubham Sonavane Assistant Registrar at SNDT University

The Department of Psychology has a strong vision of contributing to the growth of students through departmental activities. Keeping this in mind the Department of Psychology organizes activities under srujan in such a manner that helps students learn and facilitate their understanding. The major highlight of the Department of Psychology is the Workshop organized and conducted by students for other students (peer to peer) where students learn the skills of managing an event and the skills to conduct a workshop.

2024-25: 

In this academic year the SRUJAN FESTIVAL took place on  29th and 30th September, 2024 in room 2.8 and JSKBS Hall from 9.30 am onwards.

  1. Psychological Testing and Gaming Booth:

On the first day, the students set up a structure in classroom 2.8 at 09.30 am for the testing and game booth where students and teachers from various departments came for the psychological testing. Total two games were used to describe underlying mental processes- Nine-Dot Game and The Stroop Effect. And a test on Resilience was administered to identify the level of Resilience the participants had. Total 60 students took the tests and played the games and left the booth happily. At 12.30 pm, the booth was closed by the students and the two-days Srujan Festival of psychology department adjourned. The testing booth on the first day made students collect more knowledge and skill on psychological testing and various games before conducting them.

2. Workshop on Procrastination:

The workshop on the second day received overwhelming response from the students from various streams. Total 65 participants attended the workshop. The workshop focused on the skill of ‘Dealing with Procrastination’ which is a key factor in maintaining both physician and psychological well being. Procrastination is associated with fewer mental health-seeking behaviors, including delays in seeking professional help. All of this leads to greater distress, which is why it’s important to identify and address procrastination. Students tried to address the same with the help of strong theoretical support and some interesting and interactive techniques. The feedback of the session was collected at the end of the session. The workshop on Procrastination allowed participants to look at various difficult situations from different and optimistic perspectives and deal with procrastination to improve the quality of life. The workshop also allowed student organizers of the psychology department to master their public speaking and conquer their stage fear.

2023-24: 

In this academic year the SRUJAN FESTIVAL took place on 13th and 14th September, 2023 in room 2.8 from 9.30 am onwards.

  1. Workshop on Assertiveness: The workshop on the first day received overwhelming response from the students from various streams. Total 58 participants attended the workshop. The workshop focused on the skill of ‘Assertiveness’ which is a key factor in maintaining interpersonal and intrapersonal peace and relationships. Assertiveness is the skill of communicating one’s thoughts, ideas and opinions to others firmly without hurting oneself and even others. Students tried to address the same in the context of aggressive and uncomfortable situations using role plays and various games which made it more interactive and liked by the students. The feedback of the session was collected at the end of the session. The workshop on assertiveness allowed participants to look at various difficult situations from different and optimistic perspectives and deal with them with effective communication. The workshop also allowed student organizers of the psychology department to master their public speaking and conquer their stage fear

Psychological Testing Booth: On the second day, the students set up the stall-like structure in classroom 2.8 at 09.00 am for the testing booth where students and teachers from various departments came for the psychological testing. Total two tests were used – Locus of Control and Big-Five personality inventory. Total 58 students took the tests and left the booth happily. At 01.00 pm, the booth was closed by the students and the two-days Srujan Festival of psychology department adjourned. The testing booth on the second day made students collect more knowledge and skill on psychological testing before conducting the tests. Both the days of Srujan fest observed excellent teamwork and co-operation among the psychology students of FYBA and SYBA.

Faculty

Prof. Komal M. Kadam 

Assistant Professor, HOD (June 2023-Present)

M.A. Applied Psychology, NET, PhD Scholar

Psychopathology, Psychological and Clinical Assessment, Social Psychology

Prof. Pranjal Gaonkar (CHB)

Assistant Professor

M.A.

Prof. Apurva Rathod (CHB)

Assistant Professor

M.Sc. Psychology and Contemplative Studies

Personality Psychology, IKS, Cognitive Psychology