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BA in English at Baba Ramdal Surajdev Smarak Mahavidyalaya
Ballia, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English at Baba Ramdal Surajdev Smarak Mahavidyalaya Ballia?
This English program at Baba Ramdal Surajdev Smarak Mahavidyalaya, affiliated with MGKVP, focuses on a comprehensive understanding of literature from various periods and cultures, with a strong emphasis on British, Indian, and European literary traditions. It explores critical theories, linguistic aspects, and prepares students for diverse roles in academia, media, and communication industries in India. The curriculum under the NEP 2020 framework integrates skill enhancement with core literary studies.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in literature, critical thinking, and effective communication. It suits individuals aspiring to careers in teaching, journalism, content writing, publishing, and civil services. It also benefits those looking to pursue higher studies in English literature or related fields, offering a strong foundation for academic and professional growth.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to develop strong analytical, research, and communication skills, highly valued in the Indian job market. Potential career paths include educators, editors, technical writers, public relations specialists, and competitive exam aspirants. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 - 4 LPA, with significant growth potential in publishing and media sectors. The program also aligns with requirements for UGC NET/JRF for academic careers.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immersive Reading and Critical Annotation- (Semester 1-2)
Develop a habit of reading beyond the prescribed texts, including classic works and contemporary Indian literature. Actively annotate texts, noting themes, literary devices, and personal reflections. Form reading groups to discuss interpretations and enhance comprehension.
Tools & Resources
College library, local public libraries, Project Gutenberg, online literary journals, peer study groups
Career Connection
Enhances analytical thinking, vocabulary, and understanding of diverse perspectives, crucial for content creation, journalism, and academic research.
Grammar and Writing Proficiency Workshops- (Semester 1-2)
Attend extra workshops or self-study modules focused on advanced grammar, sentence structure, and academic writing conventions. Practice essay writing, precis writing, and summarizing skills regularly. Seek constructive feedback from professors to improve.
Tools & Resources
Online grammar tools (e.g., Grammarly, Ginger), writing style guides (e.g., MLA, APA), university writing center (if available), English department faculty
Career Connection
Essential for all professional roles, especially in editing, technical writing, content development, and competitive exams requiring strong written communication.
Active Participation in Literary Societies- (Semester 1-2)
Join the college''''s literary society or initiate one. Organize and participate in debates, poetry slams, book reviews, and creative writing sessions. This practice builds public speaking skills, confidence, and exposes students to various literary forms and voices.
Tools & Resources
College cultural committees, local literary clubs, online platforms for poetry/story sharing, inter-college literary festivals
Career Connection
Develops presentation skills, networking abilities, and a deeper appreciation for literary expression, valuable for teaching, public relations, and media roles.
Intermediate Stage
Specialized Research and Project Work- (Semester 3-5)
Identify areas of specific interest within English literature (e.g., Postcolonial Literature, Indian English Fiction) and undertake small research projects. Learn to formulate effective research questions, gather credible sources, and present findings in academic formats.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, university e-library resources, subject-specific databases, faculty mentors
Career Connection
Crucial for postgraduate studies (MA, PhD), academic careers, and any role requiring in-depth analysis and evidence-based reporting.
Internships in Media/Content Creation- (Semester 4-5 (during academic breaks or part-time))
Actively seek internships with local newspapers, digital content agencies, publishing houses, or non-governmental organizations requiring communication support. Gain practical experience in writing, editing, proofreading, and content management in a professional setting.
Tools & Resources
Internship portals (e.g., Internshala, LinkedIn), college placement cell (if any), direct outreach to local businesses in Ballia/Varanasi region
Career Connection
Provides invaluable real-world experience, builds a professional network, and often leads to pre-placement offers in media, marketing, and publishing sectors.
Preparation for Competitive Exams- (Semester 4-5)
Begin systematic preparation for competitive examinations like UPSC (Civil Services), NET/JRF (for academia), or banking/SSC exams, which often feature strong English comprehension and writing components. Focus on general awareness, essay writing, and verbal ability.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes, online test series, previous year question papers, government job portals, English language proficiency tests
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for highly sought-after government jobs, academic positions, and other professional roles requiring high English proficiency and critical thinking.
Advanced Stage
Portfolio Development & Professional Branding- (Semester 6)
Compile a comprehensive portfolio of your best academic papers, creative writings, internship reports, and any published works. Develop a professional online presence, such as a strong LinkedIn profile, to showcase skills, achievements, and career aspirations. Practice mock interviews and group discussions.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, personal website/blog platforms, college career services, alumni network, online portfolio builders
Career Connection
Essential for effectively showcasing capabilities to potential employers, securing good placements, and building a professional reputation in chosen fields.
Advanced Communication & Presentation Skills- (Semester 6)
Participate actively in mock interviews, group discussions, and academic conferences. Focus on refining verbal communication, public speaking, and persuasive argumentation skills, which are critical for leadership roles and client-facing responsibilities in various industries.
Tools & Resources
College debate clubs, public speaking workshops, TED Talks for inspiration, Toastmasters International (if local chapter exists), peer feedback sessions
Career Connection
Highly demanded skills across all industries, particularly for roles in corporate communications, sales, marketing, human resources, and teaching.
Specialized Skill Development (e.g., Digital Content/Translation)- (Semester 6)
Acquire specific skills beyond core literature, such as digital content creation (SEO writing, social media content strategy), technical writing, professional editing, or translation. Take online certification courses to bolster expertise and broaden career prospects.
Tools & Resources
Coursera, Udemy, Google Digital Garage, specialized language institutes, freelance platforms for skill application
Career Connection
Opens up diverse career avenues in the rapidly growing digital economy, translation services, content marketing, and specialized communication roles, making graduates highly adaptable and marketable.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 pass from a recognized board (General eligibility for MGKVP affiliated colleges)
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 148 credits (for the entire BA degree under NEP 2020) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P020101T | Indian Classical Literature | Core (Major) | 4 | Indian Aesthetics, Sanskrit Drama (Abhijnanasakuntalam), Poetics (Bharat Muni''''s Natyashastra), Tamil Poetry (Silappadikaram), Classical Literary Theories |
| P020102T | English Prose | Core (Major) | 4 | Essay as a literary form, Bacon''''s Essays, Lamb''''s Essays, Steele and Addison, Critical Prose (Matthew Arnold) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P020201T | Indian English Literature | Core (Major) | 4 | Development of Indian English Poetry, Major Indian English Novelists, Indian English Drama, Indian English Short Stories, Critical approaches to Indian English Writing |
| P020202T | English Poetry | Core (Major) | 4 | Forms of Poetry, Elizabethan Sonnets, Metaphysical Poetry, Romantic Poets (Wordsworth, Keats), Victorian Poetry (Tennyson, Browning), Modernist Poetry |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P020301T | European Classical Literature | Core (Major) | 4 | Greek Tragedy (Sophocles'''' Oedipus Rex), Homer''''s Iliad/Odyssey, Roman Comedy (Plautus), Aristotle''''s Poetics, Classical epic conventions |
| P020302T | Literary Criticism | Core (Major) | 4 | Plato and Aristotle''''s critical theories, Horace (Ars Poetica), Longinus (On the Sublime), Sidney (An Apology for Poetry), Dr. Johnson (Preface to Shakespeare) |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P020401T | British Poetry and Drama 14th-17th Centuries | Core (Major) | 4 | Chaucer (Prologue to The Canterbury Tales), Elizabethan Drama (Marlowe, Shakespeare), Metaphysical Poetry, Jacobean Tragedy (Webster), Caroline Drama |
| P020402T | British Poetry and Drama 18th Century | Core (Major) | 4 | Augustan Poetry (Pope, Dryden), Restoration Comedy (Congreve), Sentimental Comedy, Rise of the Novel (Defoe, Swift), 18th Century Satire |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P020501T | British Literature 18th Century | Core (Major) | 4 | Romantic Age Poetry (Wordsworth, Coleridge, Shelley, Keats), Romantic Prose (Lamb, Hazlitt), Gothic Novel, Rise of Sensibility, Pre-Romanticism |
| P020502T | British Literature 19th Century | Core (Major) | 4 | Victorian Poetry (Tennyson, Browning, Arnold), Victorian Novel (Dickens, Eliot), Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Realism and Naturalism, Aestheticism |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P020601T | British Literature 20th Century | Core (Major) | 4 | Modernist Poetry (Yeats, Eliot), Modern Novel (Woolf, Joyce), Absurdist Drama (Beckett, Pinter), Postmodern Literature, Colonial and Postcolonial Studies, Critical Theory Application |
| P020602T | Literary Theory | Core (Major) | 4 | Formalism, Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Feminist Criticism, Postcolonial Theory |
