

B-A in English Literature at Babu Hariram Singh Mahavidyalaya, Mandari, Handia


Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English Literature at Babu Hariram Singh Mahavidyalaya, Mandari, Handia Prayagraj?
This English Literature program at Babu Hariram Singh Mahavidyalaya, affiliated with Prof. Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University, Prayagraj, focuses on developing a deep understanding of English language and literature across various periods and genres. It is designed to equip students with critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, which are highly valued in India''''s growing content creation, media, and education sectors. The program emphasizes a balanced study of prose, poetry, drama, and fiction, alongside critical theories.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong passion for reading, writing, and cultural studies, aspiring to careers in teaching, journalism, publishing, or content development. It also suits individuals seeking to enhance their analytical and communication prowess for competitive examinations in India. No specific prerequisites beyond standard 10+2 qualification are typically required, making it accessible for a broad range of students.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as content writers, editors, journalists, educators, public relations specialists, or civil service aspirants. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in publishing or media. The strong foundation in critical thinking also prepares students for higher studies like M.A. and Ph.D. in India or abroad.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Active Reading and Annotation Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Develop a habit of reading prescribed texts with critical engagement, highlighting key themes, literary devices, and authorial intentions. Utilize physical books for marginal notes or digital annotation tools like Hypothesis for collaborative learning. This builds a strong analytical base crucial for literary criticism and academic writing, improving comprehension and retention for examinations.
Tools & Resources
Personal Notebooks, Highlighters, Hypothesis (for digital annotation), University Library Resources
Career Connection
Strong analytical and comprehension skills are fundamental for any career in content, research, or civil services, enhancing performance in competitive exams and workplace communication.
Join Literary Societies and Debate Clubs- (Semester 1-2)
Participate actively in the college''''s literary society or local debate clubs to practice verbal communication, critical argumentation, and public speaking. Platforms like CollegeDekho or YouthSpeak forums often announce inter-college competitions. This enhances soft skills, boosts confidence, and provides networking opportunities essential for media and communication careers.
Tools & Resources
College Literary Society, Debate Clubs, YouthSpeak Forums, Local Toastmasters Clubs
Career Connection
Improved communication and public speaking are vital for roles in journalism, public relations, teaching, and corporate communications, making graduates more articulate and persuasive.
Master Foundational Grammar and Writing Mechanics- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to reinforce grammar rules, sentence structure, and essay writing techniques beyond classroom teaching. Utilize online resources like Grammarly, Purdue OWL, or local coaching centers for English proficiency. Strong fundamental writing skills are indispensable for all academic assignments, competitive exams, and professional content creation roles in India.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), Spoken English Coaching Centers, Reference Grammar Books
Career Connection
Flawless grammar and clear writing are non-negotiable for success in publishing, content writing, editing, and academic careers, ensuring professionalism and clarity in all written communication.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Literary Research and Critical Analysis- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond syllabus texts, explore secondary readings and critical essays on the studied authors and periods. Utilize university library resources, JSTOR, or Google Scholar for academic papers. This deepens understanding of literary theory, hones research skills, and prepares students for advanced academic pursuits or research-oriented content roles.
Tools & Resources
University Library Database, JSTOR, Google Scholar, Project MUSE
Career Connection
Advanced research and critical thinking are crucial for academic roles, research positions, and high-level content strategy, allowing graduates to produce insightful and well-substantiated work.
Undertake Short-Term Internships in Media/Publishing- (Semester 3-5)
Seek out internships with local newspapers, magazines, digital content agencies, or small publishing houses in Prayagraj or nearby cities. Platforms like Internshala or LinkedIn often list such opportunities. Practical exposure provides real-world application of communication skills, builds a professional network, and clarifies career interests in India''''s media landscape.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, LinkedIn, Naukri.com, College Placement Cell
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable practical experience, industry contacts, and a stronger resume, directly leading to better placement opportunities in India''''s media, publishing, and content sectors.
Participate in Creative Writing Workshops and Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Attend workshops on poetry, short story, or scriptwriting to refine creative expression and develop a unique voice. Submit entries to college literary magazines, university-level competitions, or online platforms like StoryMirror. This not only hones writing craft but also builds a portfolio, crucial for careers in creative content development and freelance writing.
Tools & Resources
College Literary Magazine, StoryMirror, Pratilipi, Local Writing Workshops
Career Connection
A strong creative portfolio and honed writing skills are essential for roles in advertising, scriptwriting, digital content creation, and freelance writing, demonstrating practical application of literary studies.
Advanced Stage
Develop a Specialized Literary Portfolio- (Semester 6)
Focus on a specific area of interest (e.g., Postcolonial Literature, Indian English Fiction, Literary Theory) and compile a portfolio of critical essays, research papers, or creative works related to it. This demonstrates expertise to potential employers or for higher studies applications, highlighting a unique academic profile.
Tools & Resources
Personal Website/Blog, Google Drive/Cloud Storage for Portfolio, Academic Journals
Career Connection
A specialized portfolio showcases expertise, making graduates highly competitive for niche roles in academia, research, specialized content creation, or for securing admissions to prestigious postgraduate programs.
Intensive Preparation for Competitive Exams/Higher Education- (Semester 6)
Dedicate final semesters to preparing for M.A. Entrance Exams (e.g., DUET, JNU CEE), UGC NET/JRF, or civil services examinations. Join coaching institutes in Prayagraj or Delhi, and practice mock tests rigorously. This is a common and crucial pathway for English Literature graduates in India seeking academic or government careers.
Tools & Resources
Local Coaching Institutes (e.g., for IAS, Bank PO, NET), Online Test Series (e.g., Unacademy, Byju''''s), Previous Year Question Papers
Career Connection
Success in competitive exams opens doors to prestigious government jobs, university teaching positions, or advanced academic research, offering stable and high-growth career trajectories in India.
Network with Alumni and Industry Professionals- (Semester 6)
Actively connect with program alumni and professionals in relevant fields (education, media, publishing) through university events, LinkedIn, or mentorship programs. Seek career advice, job leads, and insights into industry trends in India. Strong professional networks are often key to securing placements and future growth opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Alumni Association Events, Industry Conferences/Webinars, Mentorship Programs
Career Connection
Networking provides access to hidden job markets, mentorship, and industry insights, significantly boosting placement chances and long-term career progression in various Indian sectors.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Intermediate (10+2) pass from any recognized board
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: Approximately 68 credits for the entire B.A. program (including Major, Minor, Vocational, and Co-curricular courses as per NEP 2020 structure) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A040101T | English Prose & Writing Skills | Core | 4 | Forms of Prose, Essays and Short Stories, Types of Writing, Paragraph and Precis Writing, Letter Writing and Resume, Figures of Speech |
| A040101M | English Grammar | Elective | 4 | Parts of Speech, Tenses and Voice, Narration, Transformation of Sentences, Idioms and Phrases, Punctuation |
| A040101V | Office Management & Secretarial Practice | Elective | 4 | Office Organization, Secretarial Duties, Business Communication, Office Automation, Records Management, File Systems |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A040201T | English Poetry | Core | 4 | Poetic Forms and Devices, Major English Poets (Shakespeare, Milton), Romantic and Victorian Poetry, Modernist Poetry, Poetry Analysis, Figures of Speech |
| A040201M | Indian English Literature | Elective | 4 | Origins of Indian English Writing, Major Authors (R.K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand), Indian English Poetry, Themes in Indian English Fiction, Sarojini Naidu''''s Poetry, Literary Movements |
| A040201V | Computer Applications | Elective | 4 | Basics of Computer Hardware/Software, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet and Email, Introduction to Operating Systems, Data Management, Cyber Security Basics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A040301T | English Drama | Core | 4 | Forms of Drama (Tragedy, Comedy), Elizabethan Drama, Restoration and Modern Drama, Major Playwrights (Shakespeare, Shaw), Elements of Playwriting, Dramatic Devices |
| A040301M | Translation: Theory and Practice | Elective | 4 | Principles of Translation, Types of Translation, Cultural Equivalence, Translation from Hindi to English, Translation from English to Hindi, Challenges in Translation |
| A040301V | Desk Top Publishing (DTP) | Elective | 4 | Introduction to DTP, Page Layout and Design, Graphics Software Basics (CorelDraw), Image Editing (Photoshop fundamentals), Printing Techniques, Typography |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A040401T | English Fiction | Core | 4 | Forms of Fiction (Novel, Novella), Major Novelists (Jane Austen, Charles Dickens), Narrative Techniques, Victorian and Modern Fiction, Literary Movements in Fiction, Character and Plot Development |
| A040401M | Linguistics and Phonetics | Elective | 4 | Branches of Linguistics, Phonetics (Speech Sounds), Phonology (Sound Systems), Morphology (Word Structure), Syntax (Sentence Structure), Semantics (Meaning) |
| A040401V | Basic Photography & Videography | Elective | 4 | Camera Basics and Operation, Composition and Lighting, Digital Photography, Video Production Fundamentals, Basic Editing Software, Storyboarding |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A040501T | Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism (Aristotle, Plato), Romantic and New Criticism, Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Feminist Criticism, Deconstruction, Practical Criticism |
| A040502A | American Literature (Elective) | Elective | 4 | Early American Writing, Transcendentalism, Harlem Renaissance, Modern American Fiction (Hemingway), American Poetry (Frost), Key Literary Movements |
| A040502B | Postcolonial Literature (Elective) | Elective | 4 | Concepts of Colonialism/Postcolonialism, Major Authors (Chinua Achebe, Salman Rushdie), Themes of Identity and Resistance, Diaspora Literature, Subaltern Studies, Cultural Hybridity |
| A040501C | Disaster Management (Co-curricular) | Elective | 2 | Types of Disasters, Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation Strategies, Role of Agencies, First Aid for Disasters, Community Resilience |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A040601T | Literary Theory | Core | 4 | Psychoanalytic Theory, Marxist Criticism, Reader-Response Theory, Cultural Studies, Eco-criticism, New Historicism |
| A040602A | European Literature (Elective) | Elective | 4 | Classical Greek/Roman Literature, Renaissance and Enlightenment, Romanticism and Existentialism, Key Authors (Homer, Dante, Goethe), European Literary Traditions, Mythology in Literature |
| A040602B | World Literature (Elective) | Elective | 4 | African Literary Traditions, Asian and Latin American Literature, Global Novels, Transnationalism, Comparative Literature, Indigenous Voices |
| A040601C | First Aid and Health (Co-curricular) | Elective | 2 | Basic First Aid Procedures, Common Medical Emergencies, Hygiene and Sanitation, Healthy Lifestyle, CPR Techniques, Mental Health Awareness |




