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B-A in English at Saint Girdhar College
Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English at Saint Girdhar College Vidisha?
This English Literature program at Saint Girdhar College, affiliated with Barkatullah University, focuses on an in-depth study of global literary traditions with a significant emphasis on Indian writing. It delves into various literary forms, periods, and critical theories, preparing students for careers requiring strong analytical, communication, and creative thinking skills. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for language experts and content creators in the diverse Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from diverse 10+2 backgrounds with a passion for literature, critical analysis, and cultural studies. It suits individuals aspiring for careers in teaching, journalism, content writing, publishing, civil services, or higher academic pursuits. It also benefits those seeking to enhance their language proficiency and communication skills crucial for success in any professional field.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as educators, journalists, technical writers, editors, content developers, and public relations specialists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The strong foundation in critical thinking and communication also aids in competitive exams like UPSC and state PSCs, and opens avenues for MA and PhD degrees.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Reading Habit and Comprehension- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with prescribed texts and supplementary readings. Focus on understanding plot, character, themes, and literary devices. Maintain a reading journal to summarize and reflect on what you read, which strengthens retention and analytical skills.
Tools & Resources
College Library Resources, Online literary archives (e.g., Project Gutenberg), Reading journals/apps
Career Connection
Develops critical reading, comprehension, and analytical skills essential for any career requiring information processing and understanding complex narratives, from content analysis to research.
Master Academic Writing and Essay Structuring- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly practice essay writing, focusing on clear argumentation, evidence-based analysis, and proper academic formatting (e.g., MLA style). Seek feedback from professors and peers to refine your writing style and scholarly voice. Join writing workshops if available.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), Grammarly, Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Crucial for success in academic submissions and vital for careers in journalism, content creation, research, and technical writing where articulate and structured communication is paramount.
Actively Participate in Literary Discussions and Societies- (Semester 1-2)
Join the college''''s literary society or form a reading group. Actively participate in class discussions, presenting your interpretations and engaging with diverse perspectives. This builds confidence in oral communication and debate.
Tools & Resources
College Literary Society, Debate Clubs, Book discussion forums
Career Connection
Enhances public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork skills, valuable for roles in teaching, public relations, media, and any collaborative professional environment.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections and Research- (Semester 3-5)
Begin connecting literary studies with other disciplines like history, sociology, psychology, and philosophy. Identify areas of interest for potential minor research projects or academic papers. Attend college seminars or webinars on interdisciplinary topics.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, College research databases
Career Connection
Fosters a broader intellectual outlook, crucial for competitive exams (UPSC), advanced research, and for positions requiring holistic problem-solving and understanding complex societal issues.
Engage in Content Creation and Digital Storytelling- (Semester 3-5)
Start building a portfolio of creative or analytical content, such as blog posts, short stories, poetry, or critical reviews. Explore digital platforms for publishing your work and gain exposure to online content ecosystems.
Tools & Resources
Blogging platforms (WordPress, Medium), Canva for visual content, Social media for audience engagement
Career Connection
Directly prepares for roles in digital marketing, content writing, social media management, and online journalism, highly sought after in India''''s digital economy.
Seek Mentorship and Networking Opportunities- (Semester 3-5)
Connect with professors, alumni, and professionals in fields related to English literature. Attend career fairs, alumni talks, and industry events (online or offline). Informational interviews can provide insights into career paths.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College Alumni Network, Departmental mentorship programs
Career Connection
Opens doors to internships, job opportunities, and invaluable career guidance, building a professional network that is critical for placements in the Indian job market.
Advanced Stage
Undertake an Internship in a Relevant Industry- (Semester 6 (Summer break before or during))
Secure an internship in a publishing house, media company, NGO, educational institution, or content writing firm. This practical experience applies theoretical knowledge, develops professional skills, and adds significant value to your resume.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, Naukri.com internships, College placement cell
Career Connection
Provides real-world experience, making you industry-ready. Often leads to pre-placement offers or enhances your employability significantly for final placements.
Intensive Preparation for Higher Education or Civil Services- (Semester 5-6)
Based on career goals, dedicate time to preparing for entrance exams for MA/PhD programs (e.g., NET, SET) or civil service examinations (UPSC, MPSC). Enroll in coaching classes or join study groups focused on these exams.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Online coaching platforms, Study circles
Career Connection
Directly supports aspirations for academic careers (professorship, research) or prestigious government positions, highly valued career paths in India.
Develop Advanced Communication and Presentation Skills- (Semester 5-6)
Participate in national-level paper presentations, literary festivals, or public speaking competitions. Focus on refining your presentation delivery, storytelling abilities, and the art of persuasive communication.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters International (if available nearby), Online public speaking courses, Departmental presentation opportunities
Career Connection
Cultivates leadership and impactful communication, skills crucial for managerial roles, teaching, corporate training, and any professional setting requiring strong interpersonal influence.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Higher Secondary Examination) from a recognized board, as per Barkatullah University norms.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 40 (for Major English Literature subjects only) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAELIT101 | English Literature (Introduction to Literary Forms and Terms) | Major Core | 4 | Introduction to Literature, Literary Forms (Poetry, Drama, Prose, Fiction), Literary Terms (Figures of Speech, Rhyme, Rhythm), Elements of Fiction (Plot, Character, Setting), Dramatic Terms (Dialogue, Monologue, Soliloquy), Types of Comedy and Tragedy |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAELIT201 | English Literature (Poetry and Drama) | Major Core | 4 | Medieval Poetry (Geoffrey Chaucer), Renaissance Poetry (William Shakespeare, John Donne), Elizabethan Drama (Christopher Marlowe, William Shakespeare), Jacobean Drama (Ben Jonson), Metaphysical Poetry, Revenge Tragedy |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAELIT301 | English Literature (18th Century English Literature) | Major Core | 4 | Age of Reason and Enlightenment, Augustan Poetry (Alexander Pope, John Dryden), Restoration Comedy (William Congreve), Rise of the English Novel (Daniel Defoe, Jonathan Swift), Satire and Mock-Epic, Sentimentalism in Literature |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAELIT401 | English Literature (Romantic and Victorian Age) | Major Core | 4 | Romantic Movement (Wordsworth, Coleridge, Keats, Shelley), Gothic Novel (Mary Shelley), Victorian Poetry (Alfred Tennyson, Robert Browning), Victorian Novel (Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy), Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Social Commentary in Victorian Literature |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAELIT501 | English Literature (Indian Writing in English) | Major Core | 4 | Early Indian English Writers, Modern Indian English Poetry (Rabindranath Tagore, Sarojini Naidu), Indian English Novel (Mulk Raj Anand, R.K. Narayan, Raja Rao), Indian English Drama (Girish Karnad), Thematic Concerns of Indian English Literature, Literary Nationalism |
| BAELIT502 | English Literature (American Literature) | Major Core | 4 | American Romanticism (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Walt Whitman), Transcendentalism, Realism and Naturalism, Modern American Fiction (Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner), Harlem Renaissance, Symbolism in American Literature |
| BAELIT503 | English Literature (Literary Criticism) | Major Core | 4 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Neoclassical Criticism (Dryden, Samuel Johnson), Romantic Criticism (Wordsworth, Coleridge), New Criticism (I.A. Richards, T.S. Eliot), Reader-Response Criticism, Marxist Criticism |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAELIT601 | English Literature (Postcolonial Literature) | Major Core | 4 | Postcolonial Theory (Edward Said, Homi K. Bhabha, Gayatri C. Spivak), African Literature (Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka), Caribbean Literature (V.S. Naipaul, Derek Walcott), South Asian Literature (Salman Rushdie, Amitav Ghosh), Diaspora Literature, Subaltern Studies |
| BAELIT602 | English Literature (Contemporary Literary Theories) | Major Core | 4 | Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Deconstruction (Jacques Derrida), Cultural Studies, Gender Studies and Queer Theory, Ecocriticism, Digital Humanities |
| BAELIT603 | English Literature (Research Methodology in English Literature) | Major Core | 4 | Introduction to Research Design, Review of Literature and Hypothesis Formulation, Data Collection Methods (Qualitative, Quantitative), Academic Writing and Style Guides (MLA, APA), Citation and Referencing, Thesis and Dissertation Formulation |
