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BA in History at Swami Vivekanand Government Post Graduate College, Harda
Harda, Madhya Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is History at Swami Vivekanand Government Post Graduate College, Harda Harda?
This History program at Swami Vivekanand Government Post Graduate College, Harda, focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of Indian and World history from ancient times to the contemporary era. It emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and an analytical approach to historical events, crucial for navigating complex societal and political landscapes in India. The program''''s blend of theory and practical work prepares students for diverse roles where historical context is vital.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any stream seeking entry into civil services, archival management, journalism, or teaching, which are high-demand fields in India. It also suits individuals with a keen interest in cultural heritage, social studies, and those aspiring to pursue postgraduate research in humanities. Students passionate about understanding societal evolution and its impact on modern India will find this specialization enriching.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as historians, archivists, museum curators, archaeologists, journalists, educators, or civil servants in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 Lakhs to 4.5 Lakhs annually, with significant growth potential in government and academic sectors. The program provides a strong foundation for competitive examinations like UPSC and State PSCs, crucial for coveted government roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Historical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding ancient and medieval Indian history comprehensively. Utilize textbooks, reference books from the college library, and online resources like ''''Indian Culture Portal'''' to grasp timelines, key figures, and major events. Participate in group discussions to clarify concepts and perspectives.
Tools & Resources
College Library, NCERT History Books, Indian Culture Portal, Study Groups
Career Connection
A solid foundation is essential for competitive exams like UPSC/PSC, providing the factual base for descriptive answers and prelims.
Develop Critical Reading and Note-Taking- (Semester 1-2)
Practice critical analysis of historical texts and develop efficient note-taking methods (e.g., Cornell Notes, mind maps). Don''''t just memorize dates; understand causes, effects, and interpretations. Regularly review notes and cross-reference with multiple sources.
Tools & Resources
Highlighters, Notebooks, Digital Note Apps (e.g., Notion), Academic Journals (JSTOR for basics)
Career Connection
Enhances analytical skills vital for research, journalism, and academic writing, improving problem-solving abilities.
Engage in Local History Exploration- (Semester 1-2)
Utilize practical/field projects to explore the local history of Harda and surrounding areas. Visit historical sites, interview elderly residents for oral histories, and consult local archives. Document findings meticulously and practice presenting them.
Tools & Resources
Local Museums/Archives, Interview Guides, Audio Recorders, Smartphone Cameras
Career Connection
Builds practical research skills, archival experience, and community engagement, valuable for heritage management and local government roles.
Intermediate Stage
Deepen Understanding of Modern Indian & World History- (Semester 3-4)
Focus on analyzing the complexities of modern Indian history, including nationalism, colonialism, and socio-economic changes. Simultaneously, delve into global historical movements (e.g., Industrial Revolution, World Wars) to understand their interconnectedness. Participate in debates and essay competitions.
Tools & Resources
Advanced History Textbooks, Documentaries (e.g., History Channel, PBS), Online Courses (NPTEL, Coursera), Debate Clubs
Career Connection
Crucial for understanding contemporary global issues, preparing for international relations roles, and providing depth for competitive exam essays.
Cultivate Research and Historiography Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in research methodology courses, learning about different schools of historiography and ethical research practices. Practice source criticism, referencing, and academic writing by attempting small research papers beyond curriculum requirements.
Tools & Resources
Academic Style Guides (Chicago Manual), Zotero/Mendeley, Research Journals, Library Databases
Career Connection
Prepares for advanced academic pursuits (MA, PhD), professional research, and positions in archives or think tanks.
Network and Attend Academic Events- (Semester 3-4)
Connect with professors, visiting lecturers, and senior students. Attend history seminars, workshops, and webinars organized by the department or other institutions. These interactions can provide insights into career paths and research opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Notices, University Event Calendars, Professional Networking Platforms (LinkedIn), Academic Conferences (online/offline)
Career Connection
Expands professional contacts, leads to mentorship opportunities, and exposes students to diverse career possibilities in academia and beyond.
Advanced Stage
Undertake an Independent Dissertation/Project- (Semester 5-6)
Choose a compelling research topic, develop a detailed proposal, and execute a comprehensive dissertation in the final semester. Seek regular feedback from your faculty mentor and dedicate significant time to primary source analysis and structured writing.
Tools & Resources
Faculty Mentor, Archival Resources, Statistical Software (for quantitative history), Academic Writing Tools
Career Connection
Showcases advanced research capabilities, crucial for postgraduate admissions, research grants, and demonstrating subject matter expertise to employers.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 5-6)
Alongside academic studies, dedicate time to preparing for civil services or other government job exams (e.g., UPSC, MPPSC). Focus on general studies, essay writing, and current affairs relevant to historical, social, and political contexts. Join a study group or coaching if feasible.
Tools & Resources
Previous Year Question Papers, Current Affairs Magazines, Online Mock Tests, Coaching Institutes
Career Connection
Directly targets high-demand government jobs, offering stable and prestigious career paths in India.
Explore Digital Humanities and Public History- (Semester 5-6)
Investigate emerging fields like Digital Humanities, which uses computational tools for historical research, or Public History, which focuses on presenting history to broader audiences. Consider creating historical blogs, podcasts, or digital archives for public engagement.
Tools & Resources
Digital Archiving Tools, Blogging Platforms, Podcast Recording Software, Social Media for History Dissemination
Career Connection
Opens up new career avenues in digital content creation, museum technology, and heritage communication, aligning with modern skill demands.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 from a recognized board in any stream with minimum passing marks.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 132 (for a typical BA degree under NEP 2020, including Major, Minor, Vocational & Foundation courses) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHIS101T | Major: History of Ancient India (Up to 1200 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Sources of Indian History, Pre-historic Period, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Age, Rise of Mahajanapadas, Mauryan Empire, Gupta Empire and Post-Gupta Period |
| BAHIS101P | Major: History Practical/Field Project - History of Local Area/Archaeological Site | Practical/Project | 2 | Local History Research Methods, Archaeological Site Study, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing, Presentation Skills |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHIS201T | Major: History of India (1200 A.D. to 1757 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Khalji and Tughlaq Dynasties, Bhakti and Sufi Movements, Mughal Empire: Babur to Aurangzeb, Rise of Maratha Power, Art, Architecture and Society during Sultanate and Mughal periods |
| BAHIS201P | Major: History Practical/Field Project - Local Historical Personalities/Monuments | Practical/Project | 2 | Biographical Research, Monument Study, Primary and Secondary Sources, Oral History Collection, Documentary Creation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHIS301T | Major: History of India (1757 A.D. to 1950 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire and Rise of British, Revolt of 1857, Rise of Indian Nationalism, Gandhian Era and Freedom Struggle, Partition of India and Independence, Constitutional Development |
| BAHIS301P | Major: History Practical/Field Project - Study of Historical Documents/Archives | Practical/Project | 2 | Archival Research Techniques, Document Analysis, Paleography Basics, Historical Data Management, Exhibit Curation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHIS401T | Major: World History (1453 A.D. to 1945 A.D.) | Core (Major) | 4 | Renaissance and Reformation, Industrial Revolution, Age of Revolutions (American, French), Imperialism and Colonialism, First World War, Second World War |
| BAHIS401P | Major: History Practical/Field Project - Comparative Study of World Civilizations | Practical/Project | 2 | Cross-cultural Analysis, Chronological Study, Impact of Global Events, Comparative Research Methods, Digital Storytelling |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHIS501T | Major: Social & Economic Changes in Modern India | Core (Major) | 4 | Land Revenue Systems, Commercialization of Agriculture, Industrialization and its Impact, Tribal and Peasant Movements, Socio-Religious Reform Movements, Development of Education and Press |
| BAHIS502T | Major: Historiography and Research Methodology | Core (Major) | 4 | Meaning and Nature of History, Schools of Historiography, Sources and their Critiques, Steps of Historical Research, Bibliography and Footnotes, Oral History and Digital History |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHIS601T | Major: Contemporary World History (1945 A.D. to Present) | Core (Major) | 4 | Cold War and its Phases, United Nations Organization, Non-Aligned Movement, Decolonization in Asia and Africa, Collapse of Soviet Union, Globalization and New World Order |
| BAHIS602PR | Major: Dissertation/Project Work (History) | Project | 6 | Topic Selection and Research Proposal, Data Collection and Analysis, Academic Writing and Referencing, Thesis Structure and Presentation, Viva Voce Preparation |
