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BA-HONS-HISTORY in History at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College

Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, a premier institution located in New Delhi, stands as a co-educational constituent college of the University of Delhi. Established in 1959, ARSD College is recognized for its academic strength, offering 28 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across Arts, Science, and Commerce. The college holds an A++ NAAC accreditation and secured the 5th position in the NIRF 2024 rankings for colleges, highlighting its commitment to excellence and strong placement record with a median UG salary of ₹6.00 LPA.

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Delhi, Delhi

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About the Specialization

What is History at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College Delhi?

This History program at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, affiliated with the University of Delhi, offers an in-depth exploration of human societies, cultures, and political landscapes across various epochs. It provides a comprehensive understanding of Indian, European, and East Asian history, emphasizing critical analysis and interdisciplinary perspectives. The program is highly relevant in India for careers in civil services, journalism, heritage management, and research, fostering a nuanced understanding of national and global developments.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for curious fresh graduates who possess a keen interest in historical inquiry, critical thinking, and a desire to understand the complexities of the past. It attracts students aspiring for careers in academia, civil services, archival management, and cultural diplomacy. Individuals with a strong background in humanities and a passion for socio-political analysis will find this course particularly enriching.

Why Choose This Course?

Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archivists, museum curators, journalists, content writers, and researchers. Many also excel in competitive examinations for civil services (UPSC, State PSCs). Entry-level salaries can range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience in research institutions, media houses, or government bodies. The analytical and research skills developed are highly valued across various sectors.

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Student Success Practices

Foundation Stage

Cultivate Strong Research and Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)

Develop a systematic approach to reading historical texts, primary sources, and academic journals. Practice critical evaluation of sources and effective note-taking. Utilize college library resources and online academic databases regularly.

Tools & Resources

ARSD College Library, Delhi University Library System, JSTOR, Project MUSE, Google Scholar, Zotero (reference management)

Career Connection

Essential for all history-related careers, particularly research, academia, civil services, and journalism, where source analysis is paramount.

Master Academic Writing and Argumentation- (Semester 1-2)

Focus on structuring essays, developing clear arguments, and supporting them with evidence. Seek feedback from professors on assignments and participate in writing workshops. Understand different historical interpretations and learn to articulate your own.

Tools & Resources

College writing centre (if available), faculty office hours, academic writing guides, peer review sessions

Career Connection

Crucial for academic success, research reports, policy briefs in government, and impactful communication in media and public relations.

Engage Actively in Departmental Activities and Discussions- (Semester 1-2)

Participate in departmental seminars, history society events, and classroom discussions. Form study groups with peers to debate historical theories and interpretations. This enhances understanding and builds a supportive academic community.

Tools & Resources

ARSD History Department''''s notice boards, student societies, peer study groups, online discussion forums

Career Connection

Develops communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to articulate complex ideas, valuable for all professional environments, especially teaching and public service.

Intermediate Stage

Explore Interdisciplinary Connections and Electives- (Semester 3-5)

Strategically choose Generic Elective (GE) and Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) that complement your historical interests, such as Political Science, Economics, Archaeology, or Museum Studies. This broadens your perspective and skill set.

Tools & Resources

DU''''s list of GE/SEC options, academic counselors, discussions with faculty from other departments

Career Connection

Opens up diverse career paths like heritage management, historical journalism, policy analysis, and interdisciplinary research.

Undertake Research Projects and Dissertations- (Semester 3-5)

Actively seek opportunities to work on small research projects with faculty or begin planning for a dissertation/research paper in your areas of interest. This involves deep diving into specific historical periods or themes.

Tools & Resources

Faculty mentors, specialized library collections, primary source repositories, academic conferences (if applicable)

Career Connection

Essential for postgraduate studies, academic research, and developing in-depth subject expertise required for think tanks or specialized historical roles.

Engage with Heritage and Archival Institutions- (Semester 3-5)

Seek internships or volunteer opportunities at national archives, regional museums, archaeological sites, or cultural heritage organizations. This provides practical exposure to historical preservation, documentation, and interpretation.

Tools & Resources

National Archives of India, National Museum, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Delhi State Archives, various NGOs working in heritage

Career Connection

Directly relevant for careers in museum curation, archival management, conservation, heritage tourism, and cultural policy.

Advanced Stage

Prepare Systematically for Civil Services or Postgraduate Entrance Exams- (Semester 6)

Dedicate time for focused preparation for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services or entrance tests for MA/PhD in History. This involves revising core concepts, practicing answer writing, and staying updated on current affairs.

Tools & Resources

Coaching institutes (optional), previous year''''s question papers, current affairs magazines, study groups

Career Connection

Directly targets high-profile careers in Indian administration, foreign service, academic research, and higher education.

Develop Specialized Communication and Digital History Skills- (Semester 6)

Learn to present historical research effectively through presentations, public speaking, and digital platforms. Explore tools for data visualization, digital archiving, and creating historical narratives for broader audiences.

Tools & Resources

Presentation software, graphic design tools, blogs/websites, social media for academic outreach, digital humanities workshops

Career Connection

Highly valuable for journalism, content creation, documentary filmmaking, public history initiatives, and educational technology roles.

Network with Alumni and Industry Professionals- (Semester 6)

Connect with ARSD and DU History alumni working in diverse fields. Attend career fairs, departmental alumni meets, and professional seminars to gain insights, seek mentorship, and explore potential job opportunities.

Tools & Resources

LinkedIn, college alumni network platforms, departmental events, professional associations related to history and heritage

Career Connection

Facilitates job search, provides career guidance, opens doors to hidden opportunities, and builds a professional support system.

Program Structure and Curriculum

Eligibility:

  • Passed 10+2 (Senior Secondary) or equivalent examination from a recognized Board with minimum 40% marks in aggregate. Specific entrance test (CUET) scores are required for admission.

Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters

Credits: 112 Credits

Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%

Semester-wise Curriculum Table

Semester 1

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
BAH HIS DSC 1History of India - I (Earliest Times to c. 300 CE)Core4Sources and Historiography, Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Cultures, Neolithic and Chalcolithic Phases, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic and Later Vedic Cultures
BAH HIS DSC 2Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Ancient World (c. 3500-1500 BCE)Core4Bronze Age Civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt, China), Pastoral Nomadism, Early Greek Societies, Roman Republic and Empire, Transition to Early Medieval Societies
Student''''s Choice: Generic Elective - 1Elective4
BAH AECC EVSEnvironmental ScienceAbility Enhancement Compulsory Course4Natural Resources and Ecosystems, Environmental Pollution, Global Environmental Issues, Environmental Ethics and Legislation, Human Population and Environment
Student''''s Choice: Value Added Course - 1Value Added Course2
Student''''s Choice: Skill Enhancement Course - 1Skill Enhancement Course2

Semester 2

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
BAH HIS DSC 3History of India - II (c. 300 CE to c. 1200 CE)Core4Guptas and Vakatakas, Post-Gupta Kingdoms (Harsha), Regional Kingdoms of Early Medieval India, Cholas and Pallavas in South India, Arab Conquest of Sindh
BAH HIS DSC 4History of India - III (c. 1200 CE to 1550 CE)Core4Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Expansion and Consolidation of the Sultanate, Emergence of Provincial Kingdoms, Bhakti and Sufi Movements, Foundation of the Mughal Empire
Student''''s Choice: Generic Elective - 2Elective4
BAH AECC COMMEnglish Language / MIL CommunicationAbility Enhancement Compulsory Course4Reading Comprehension and Analysis, Writing Skills (Essays, Reports), Listening and Speaking Skills, Grammar and Vocabulary, Communication Strategies
Student''''s Choice: Value Added Course - 2Value Added Course2
Student''''s Choice: Skill Enhancement Course - 2Skill Enhancement Course2

Semester 3

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
BAH HIS DSC 5Rise of Modern West - I (c. 15th to 18th Century)Core4Renaissance and Reformation, European Overseas Expansion, Mercantilism and Absolutism, Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment Thinkers
BAH HIS DSC 6History of India - IV (c. 1550 CE to 1750 CE)Core4Mughal Consolidation under Akbar, Mughal Administration and Economy, Religious Policies (Sulh-i Kul), Decline of the Mughal Empire, Emergence of Regional Powers (Marathas, Sikhs)
BAH HIS DSC 7History of India - V (c. 1750 CE to 1857 CE)Core4Decline of Mughal Rule, Rise of Independent States (Bengal, Awadh), British Conquest and Expansion, Colonial Administration and Policies, Economic Impact of British Rule, Revolt of 1857
Student''''s Choice: Generic Elective - 3Elective4
Student''''s Choice: Value Added Course - 3Value Added Course2
Student''''s Choice: Skill Enhancement Course - 3Skill Enhancement Course2

Semester 4

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
BAH HIS DSC 8Rise of Modern West - II (c. 18th to 20th Century)Core4French Revolution and its Aftermath, Industrial Revolution and Social Change, European Nationalism and Nation-States, Imperialism and Colonialism, World War I and its Causes
BAH HIS DSC 9History of India - VI (c. 1857 CE to 1950 CE)Core4Aftermath of the Revolt of 1857, Rise of Indian Nationalism, Gandhian Movements and Mass Mobilization, Constitutional Developments and Reforms, Partition of India and Independence
BAH HIS DSC 10History of Modern Europe - I (c. 1780s - 1939)Core4French Revolution and Napoleonic Era, Industrialization and Social Question, Liberalism, Socialism, and Nationalism, Unification of Germany and Italy, Imperialism and the Great War
Student''''s Choice: Generic Elective - 4Elective4
Student''''s Choice: Value Added Course - 4Value Added Course2
Student''''s Choice: Skill Enhancement Course - 4Skill Enhancement Course2

Semester 5

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
BAH HIS DSC 11History of Modern East Asia - I (c. 1840-1949)Core4China in the 19th Century (Opium Wars), Taiping Rebellion and Self-Strengthening Movement, Meiji Restoration in Japan, Rise of Chinese Nationalism (Sun Yat-sen), Japanese Imperialism in East Asia
BAH HIS DSC 12History of Modern Europe - II (c. 1919-1991)Core4Interwar Period and Rise of Fascism, World War II and its Consequences, The Cold War Era, Decolonization and its Impact, European Integration and the Fall of Communism
Student''''s Choice: Discipline Specific Elective - 1Elective4
Student''''s Choice: Discipline Specific Elective - 2Elective4

Semester 6

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
BAH HIS DSC 13History of India - VII (c. 1950 CE to 2000 CE)Core4Consolidation of the Indian Nation-State, Nehruvian Era and Non-Alignment, Political Developments (Emergency, Coalition Politics), Economic Planning and Liberalization, Social Movements and Identities
BAH HIS DSC 14History of Modern East Asia - II (c. 1949-2000)Core4Communist Revolution in China and Mao Zedong''''s Era, Post-WWII Japan and Economic Miracle, Korean War and Division of Korea, Deng Xiaoping''''s Reforms in China, South East Asia and the Vietnam War
Student''''s Choice: Discipline Specific Elective - 3Elective4
Student''''s Choice: Discipline Specific Elective - 4Elective4
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