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BA in English Hons at B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is English (Hons.) at B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This B.A. English program at B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology focuses on a comprehensive study of language, literature, and communication. It delves into the rich history of English literature, various literary forms, critical theories, and practical language applications relevant to the Indian context. The program aims to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication essential for diverse roles in the national landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong aptitude for reading, writing, and analytical reasoning. It suits individuals aspiring to careers in education, media, content creation, publishing, or civil services in India. It also benefits those seeking to enhance their general communication and critical analysis skills for further academic pursuits or professional development in various sectors.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue career paths in teaching, journalism, content writing, editing, technical writing, and public relations within India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 lakhs annually, with significant growth trajectories for experienced professionals in publishing houses, media companies, and educational institutions. The program also lays a strong foundation for competitive examinations and postgraduate studies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Reading & Comprehension Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate daily time to read diverse literary and non-literary texts beyond the syllabus. Focus on improving reading speed, vocabulary, and understanding complex arguments. Actively summarize chapters and discuss readings with peers to enhance comprehension and critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
Online literary magazines, e-books from Project Gutenberg, library resources, literary discussion groups, note-taking apps like Notion or Evernote
Career Connection
Strong comprehension is fundamental for success in any career requiring analytical skills, content creation, or research, directly impacting job performance in sectors like media, publishing, and civil services.
Master Foundational Grammar and Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Consistently practice grammar rules, sentence structuring, and paragraph development. Seek feedback on all written assignments and actively revise work. Participate in writing workshops or clubs to refine expression, clarity, and persuasive writing techniques.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Purdue OWL, Wren and Martin for grammar, peer review sessions, university writing center
Career Connection
Excellent written communication is crucial for roles in content development, professional correspondence, academic research, and effective organizational communication, making graduates highly employable.
Engage in Peer Learning and Academic Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss literary texts, theories, and concepts. Actively participate in classroom debates and seminars. Present research findings to peers and professors, practicing articulate expression and defending arguments.
Tools & Resources
Collaborative online documents (Google Docs), virtual meeting platforms, department-organized seminars, literary societies
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking, articulation, and teamwork, which are highly valued in roles requiring collaboration, public speaking, and leadership, such as teaching, journalism, and management.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Diverse Literary Genres and Critical Theories- (Semester 3-5)
Go beyond prescribed texts to explore a wide range of literary genres and periods, including world literature in translation. Deep dive into various critical theories (e.g., feminism, postcolonialism) and apply them to different texts to develop a nuanced understanding of literature.
Tools & Resources
Literary journals, online critical theory databases, MOOCs on literary theory, departmental workshops on critical approaches
Career Connection
Enhances analytical depth and perspective, crucial for careers in academia, advanced research, editing, and cultural commentary, providing a competitive edge in intellectual discourse.
Develop Specialized Communication Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Identify areas of interest such as technical writing, journalism, or creative writing and pursue additional courses or certifications. Practice writing for specific audiences and purposes, building a portfolio of diverse writing samples.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (Coursera, edX) in technical writing or journalism, local internships at media houses or content agencies, personal blog/portfolio website
Career Connection
Direct impact on securing roles in specialized fields like content marketing, digital media, technical documentation, and PR, demonstrating practical application of theoretical knowledge.
Engage with Industry Experts and Guest Lectures- (Semester 3-5)
Actively attend guest lectures, workshops, and seminars organized by the department featuring authors, journalists, editors, and communication specialists. Network with speakers, ask insightful questions, and seek mentorship opportunities to gain industry insights.
Tools & Resources
Departmental event announcements, LinkedIn for professional networking, industry conferences
Career Connection
Builds professional network, provides real-world perspectives, and can open doors to internships or entry-level positions, making the transition from academia to industry smoother.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Substantial Research Project- (Semester 6)
Choose a research topic in your area of interest and conduct an in-depth literary or linguistic study. Focus on developing a robust research methodology, rigorous analysis, and academic writing. Aim for a publishable-quality paper or thesis.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, MLA International Bibliography), reference management software (Zotero, Mendeley), university library resources, faculty mentors
Career Connection
Essential for academic careers, research roles, and demonstrating advanced analytical and writing capabilities to potential employers or for postgraduate applications.
Prepare for Competitive Exams and Further Studies- (Semester 6)
If aspiring for civil services (UPSC), NET/SET, or journalism entrance exams, begin dedicated preparation. Regularly solve past papers, take mock tests, and join relevant coaching classes. For postgraduate studies, research universities and application requirements.
Tools & Resources
Online test series, UPSC/NET preparation books, career guidance cells, university alumni network for mentorship
Career Connection
Directly facilitates entry into government services, higher education, or research institutions, significantly boosting long-term career prospects in India.
Build a Professional Portfolio and Personal Brand- (Semester 6)
Compile all significant academic projects, writing samples, research papers, and certificates into a professional portfolio. Create a strong LinkedIn profile showcasing skills and achievements. Practice interview techniques and public speaking for career readiness.
Tools & Resources
Online portfolio platforms (Behance, personal website), LinkedIn Learning for interview skills, university placement cell workshops
Career Connection
Crucial for effective job searching, impressing recruiters, and securing placements in diverse industries, highlighting practical capabilities and readiness for the professional world.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates for admission to the first year of the B.A. Degree Programme shall be required to have passed the Higher Secondary Examination of the (10+2) curriculum prescribed by the Government of Tamil Nadu Board or any other examination of any other University or authority accepted by the Board of Management of B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology as equivalent thereto.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 116 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSB 1181 | Communicative English | Core | 3 | Language Fundamentals, Functional English, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Presentation Skills |
| LAD 1181 | Tamil/Other Languages | Core | 3 | Basic Grammar, Literary Forms, Cultural Texts, Translation, Regional Literature |
| BAE 1101 | Introduction to English Language and Literature | Core | 4 | Literary Forms, Poetic Devices, Prose Styles, Drama Elements, Figurative Language |
| BAE 1102 | History of English Literature - I (Chaucer to Renaissance) | Core | 4 | Old English Period, Middle English, Renaissance Drama, Elizabethan Poetry, Prose of the Period |
| BAE 1103 | Essentials of English Grammar | Core | 4 | Parts of Speech, Sentence Structure, Tenses, Modals, Voice, Reported Speech |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSB 1281 | Professional English | Core | 3 | Business Communication, Report Writing, Email Etiquette, Interview Skills, Public Speaking |
| LAD 1281 | Tamil/Other Languages | Core | 3 | Advanced Grammar, Classical Literature, Modern Texts, Comparative Studies, Language Use |
| BAE 1201 | Phonetics and Phonology | Core | 4 | Speech Sounds, IPA, Vowels and Consonants, Syllable Structure, Intonation, Stress |
| BAE 1202 | History of English Literature - II (The Neoclassical and the Romantic Age) | Core | 4 | Augustan Age, Enlightenment, Romantic Poetry, Gothic Literature, Neoclassical Prose |
| BAE 1203 | Indian Writing in English | Core | 4 | Early Indian Writers, Post-Independence Writing, Major Themes, Literary Movements, Notable Authors |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAE 2101 | British Literature - I (Restoration to Romantic Period) | Core | 4 | Restoration Drama, Augustan Poetry, Rise of Novel, Romantic Movement, Lake Poets |
| BAE 2102 | Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism, Romantic Criticism, New Criticism, Feminist Criticism, Post-Structuralism |
| BAE 2103 | American Literature | Core | 4 | American Romanticism, Transcendentalism, Harlem Renaissance, Modern American Fiction, Contemporary Authors |
| BAE 2104 | Principles of Linguistics | Core | 4 | Language Origins, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics |
| BAE 2105 | Environmental Studies | Core | 3 | Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Pollution, Climate Change, Environmental Ethics, Sustainable Development |
| BAE 21E1 | Technical and Business Communication | Elective | 3 | Technical Reports, Business Letters, Presentations, Proposals, Digital Communication |
| BAE 21E2 | Introduction to Translation Studies | Elective | 3 | Translation Theories, Equivalence, Cultural Transfer, Literary Translation, Machine Translation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAE 2201 | British Literature - II (Victorian and Modern Age) | Core | 4 | Victorian Poetry, Novel, Modernist Movement, War Poetry, Absurdist Drama |
| BAE 2202 | World Literature in Translation | Core | 4 | European Classics, African Literature, Latin American Fiction, East Asian Literature, Translated Works |
| BAE 2203 | English Language Teaching | Core | 4 | ELT Methodologies, Language Acquisition, Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Assessment Techniques |
| BAE 2204 | Journalistic English | Core | 4 | News Reporting, Feature Writing, Editorial Writing, Interview Techniques, Media Ethics |
| BAE 22E1 | Introduction to Film Studies | Elective | 3 | Film History, Genre Analysis, Auteur Theory, Narrative Structure, Visual Language |
| BAE 22E2 | Creative Writing | Elective | 3 | Poetry Writing, Short Story Craft, Novel Structure, Playwriting, Character Development |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAE 3101 | Literary Theory | Core | 4 | Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Deconstruction, Marxism, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Gender Studies |
| BAE 3102 | Postcolonial Literature | Core | 4 | Colonialism, Orientalism, Hybridity, Diaspora, Subaltern Studies, Major Postcolonial Authors |
| BAE 3103 | Women''''s Writing | Core | 4 | Feminist Literary History, Women Poets, Novelists, Gender and Representation, Autobiographical Writing |
| BAE 31E1 | Soft Skills for Professional Success | Elective | 3 | Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Time Management, Leadership, Teamwork |
| BAE 31E2 | Academic Writing | Elective | 3 | Research Proposals, Essay Writing, Referencing Styles, Literature Review, Thesis Structure |
| BAE 31E3 | Digital Humanities | Elective | 3 | Digital Texts, Text Encoding, Data Visualization, Digital Archives, Computational Literary Analysis |
| BAE 31O1 | Open Elective | Open Elective | 3 | To be chosen from other departments as per institutional offering. |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAE 3201 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Research Design, Data Collection, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Report Writing, Ethics |
| BAE 3202 | Contemporary Literary Studies | Core | 4 | Eco-criticism, Graphic Narratives, Digital Literature, Climate Fiction, Globalisation and Literature |
| BAE 3203 | Shakespeare | Core | 4 | Tragedies, Comedies, Histories, Sonnets, Elizabethan Theatre, Dramatic Techniques |
| BAE 32P1 | Project | Core | 6 | Research Proposal, Literature Review, Methodology, Data Analysis, Thesis Writing, Presentation |
| BAE 32E1 | Cultural Studies | Elective | 3 | Culture Theory, Popular Culture, Media Studies, Identity, Representation, Globalization |
| BAE 32E2 | Professional Writing | Elective | 3 | Resume Writing, Cover Letters, Grant Proposals, Technical Manuals, Content Creation |
| BAE 32E3 | Children''''s Literature | Elective | 3 | History of Children''''s Lit, Genres, Bildungsroman, Fantasy, Morality Tales, Illustrative Books |
