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MASTER-OF-ARTS in Honours at BLDEA's Smt. Bangaramma Sajjan B.H.S. Commerce and S.K.S. Arts College, Jamakhandi
Bagalkote, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Honours at BLDEA's Smt. Bangaramma Sajjan B.H.S. Commerce and S.K.S. Arts College, Jamakhandi Bagalkote?
This Master of Arts (English) program at BLDE Association''''s Commerce, BHS Arts and TGP Science College, Bagalkot, focuses on an in-depth study of English language, literature, and critical theories. It covers a vast span of literary history from Chaucer to contemporary global writings, alongside linguistics and literary criticism. The program aims to cultivate advanced analytical skills and a nuanced understanding of cultural contexts. In India, a strong command of English and literary analysis is highly valued in various sectors, making this a robust academic pursuit.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for arts and humanities graduates, especially those with an undergraduate degree in English literature, seeking advanced academic engagement or a career in teaching, research, or writing. It also suits individuals passionate about literary studies who wish to deepen their critical thinking and communication abilities. Working professionals in related fields looking to enhance their credentials for academic or content-related roles can also benefit significantly.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as educators, content writers, editors, researchers, and public relations specialists. Potential salary ranges for entry-level positions often start from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience in fields like academic publishing or digital content. The program provides a strong foundation for competitive examinations like UGC NET/SET for lectureship and further doctoral research, opening avenues in academia and specialized research institutions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immerse in Literary Classics- (Semester 1-2)
Actively read and critically analyze canonical texts from different literary periods, focusing on their historical and cultural context. Dedicate time beyond syllabus readings to explore seminal works by authors like Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Austen, understanding their unique literary contributions and broader impact.
Tools & Resources
Online literary archives (Project Gutenberg, Internet Archive), University library databases, Critical editions of texts
Career Connection
Builds a strong foundation in literary knowledge essential for academic careers, content writing, and analytical roles by providing a deep understanding of literary heritage.
Develop Critical Theory Fluency- (Semester 1-2)
Understand the core concepts of literary criticism and linguistic theories taught in foundational semesters. Engage deeply with theories like Aristotle''''s Poetics, New Criticism, and basic linguistics, practicing their application to various texts. Participate actively in departmental seminars and discussions to sharpen theoretical understanding.
Tools & Resources
Key critical theory texts, Academic journals, Online open courses on literary theory (e.g., NPTEL, Coursera)
Career Connection
Sharpens analytical and interpretive skills crucial for research, teaching, and advanced writing professions, enabling graduates to engage with texts on a sophisticated theoretical level.
Enhance Academic Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Master the conventions of academic writing, research paper structuring, and citation styles. Practice writing argumentative essays, critical analyses, and short research papers, paying attention to clarity, coherence, and originality. Seek constructive feedback from professors and peers to refine writing prowess.
Tools & Resources
MLA/APA style guides, Academic writing workshops, Grammarly, Turnitin for plagiarism checks
Career Connection
Essential for success in all academic endeavors, research publications, and professional writing roles, making graduates effective communicators in any formal setting.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Interdisciplinary Research- (Semester 3-4)
Explore connections between English literature and other disciplines like history, sociology, and philosophy. Choose elective courses that broaden your perspective (e.g., Gender Studies, Film Studies). Initiate small research projects that blend literary analysis with socio-cultural contexts, perhaps focusing on Indian English literature.
Tools & Resources
Cross-disciplinary academic journals, Online databases for humanities, University research grants for student projects
Career Connection
Prepares for interdisciplinary roles, advanced research, and positions requiring holistic critical thinking in policy, cultural organizations, or specialized content creation.
Participate in Literary Debates & Seminars- (Semester 3-4)
Actively contribute to academic discourse, presenting your ideas and engaging with diverse perspectives. Join college literary clubs, participate in inter-collegiate literary festivals, and present papers at department-level seminars. This builds confidence in public speaking, intellectual exchange, and critical argumentation.
Tools & Resources
Oratory clubs, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Prezi), Feedback sessions from faculty mentors
Career Connection
Develops strong communication and argumentation skills vital for teaching, public relations, media roles, and leadership positions, enhancing professional presence.
Explore Translation and Creative Writing- (Semester 3-4)
Experiment with translating texts from regional languages to English or engaging in original creative writing to deepen understanding of language nuances and cultural expression. If available, take elective courses in Translation Studies or creative writing. Participate in college literary magazines or writing competitions for practical experience.
Tools & Resources
Online dictionaries and thesauri, Translation software (for reference and learning), Writing workshops, literary journals
Career Connection
Opens doors to careers in translation, publishing, content creation, and professional writing, making graduates versatile in linguistic and creative fields.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (Semester 4)
Conduct in-depth independent research on a specialized topic, culminating in a significant academic work. Select a research area of passion, formulate a robust research question, conduct extensive literature review, and meticulously write your dissertation under dedicated faculty guidance, demonstrating scholarly rigor.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Research methodology guides, Academic writing tools, EndNote/Zotero for referencing
Career Connection
Crucial for academic careers (Ph.D. admissions), research positions, and demonstrates advanced analytical and independent work capabilities to potential employers, proving mastery of a subject.
Prepare for NET/SET and Academic Placements- (Semester 4)
Strategically prepare for national-level eligibility tests for lectureship and research (UGC NET/SET), and actively seek out placement opportunities within academia and related industries. Dedicate time to studying previous year papers, attending career counseling sessions, mock interviews, and resume building workshops.
Tools & Resources
Previous year NET/SET papers, Online coaching platforms, College placement cell, Networking events and alumni associations
Career Connection
Directly leads to opportunities in college/university teaching, research fellowships, and reputable content/editing jobs, providing a clear pathway to advanced professional roles.
Build a Professional Portfolio- (Semester 4)
Curate your best academic essays, research papers, and any creative writing samples to showcase your skills and accomplishments. Compile a digital or physical portfolio including your dissertation abstract, published articles (if any), and strong examples of your writing. Network with professors and alumni for mentorship and career advice.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn profile, Personal academic website/blog, Professional networking platforms, Alumni associations
Career Connection
Acts as a powerful tool to impress potential employers or Ph.D. admissions committees, demonstrating tangible skills and accomplishments, and enhancing professional visibility.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed any degree examination of a recognised University with 40% marks in optional English or 50% marks in English as major subject or 50% marks in B.A. / B.Sc. / B.Com. / B.B.A. / B.C.A. with 50% marks in English language can apply.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.A. EN 1.1 | CHAUCER AND THE ELIZABETHANS | Core | 4 | Chaucer''''s Canterbury Tales (Prologue), Elizabethan Sonnets (Sidney, Shakespeare, Spenser), Spenser''''s The Faerie Queene, Marlowe''''s Dr. Faustus, Shakespearean Drama (Hamlet, Othello) |
| M.A. EN 1.2 | AUGUSTAN AGE AND THE ROMANTICS | Core | 4 | Neo-classical Poetry (Pope, Dryden), Augustan Prose (Swift, Addison, Steele), Romantic Lyrical Ballads (Wordsworth, Coleridge), Shelley''''s Poetry (Odes, Elegies), Jane Austen''''s Pride and Prejudice |
| M.A. EN 1.3 | LITERARY CRITICISM - I | Core | 4 | Aristotle''''s Poetics, Sidney''''s An Apology for Poetry, Dryden''''s An Essay on Dramatic Poesy, Wordsworth''''s Preface to Lyrical Ballads, Coleridge''''s Biographia Literaria |
| M.A. EN 1.4 | LINGUISTICS - I | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Linguistics, Phonetics and Phonology (Speech Sounds), Morphology (Word Formation), Syntax (Sentence Structure), Language and Communication |
| M.A. EN 1.5 | SOFT SKILLS | Elective (General Elective) | 4 | Communication Skills (Verbal and Non-verbal), Interpersonal Skills, Presentation Skills, Time Management and Goal Setting, Professional Etiquette |
| M.A. EN 1.6 | RESEARCH METHODOLOGY | Elective (General Elective) | 4 | Types of Research, Research Design and Methods, Data Collection Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Research Report Writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.A. EN 2.1 | THE VICTORIAN AGE | Core | 4 | Victorian Poetry (Tennyson, Browning), Victorian Novel (Dickens, Hardy), Victorian Prose (Carlyle, Ruskin), Social and Cultural Contexts, Realism and Naturalism |
| M.A. EN 2.2 | MODERNISM AND POSTMODERNISM | Core | 4 | Modernist Poetry (Eliot, Yeats), Modernist Novel (Woolf, Joyce), Postmodernist Literature, Absurdist Drama, Stream of Consciousness |
| M.A. EN 2.3 | LITERARY CRITICISM - II | Core | 4 | Russian Formalism, New Criticism, Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Marxist Literary Theory |
| M.A. EN 2.4 | LINGUISTICS - II | Core | 4 | Semantics (Meaning in Language), Pragmatics (Language in Context), Sociolinguistics (Language and Society), Psycholinguistics (Language Acquisition), Applied Linguistics |
| M.A. EN 2.5 | GENDER STUDIES | Elective | 4 | Feminist Literary Theory, Gender and Representation, Masculinity Studies, Queer Theory, Indian Feminist Writing |
| M.A. EN 2.6 | JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION | Elective | 4 | History of Journalism, News Reporting and Editing, Media Ethics and Laws, Public Relations and Advertising, Digital Media and Social Media |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.A. EN 3.1 | INDIAN ENGLISH LITERATURE - I | Core | 4 | Indian English Novel (Mulk Raj Anand, R.K. Narayan), Indian English Poetry (Tagore, Sarojini Naidu), Indian English Drama, Partition Literature, Early Indian English Writers |
| M.A. EN 3.2 | AMERICAN LITERATURE | Core | 4 | American Transcendentalism, Harlem Renaissance, Beat Generation, American Novel (Faulkner, Hemingway), American Poetry (Whitman, Dickinson) |
| M.A. EN 3.3 | WORLD LITERATURE IN ENGLISH TRANSLATION | Core | 4 | African Literature, Latin American Literature, European Literature in Translation, Post-colonial Perspectives, Challenges of Translation |
| M.A. EN 3.4 | LITERARY THEORY | Core | 4 | Marxism and Literature, Post-colonial Theory, Ecocriticism, Cultural Studies, Reader-Response Theory |
| M.A. EN 3.5 | SHAKESPEARE STUDIES | Elective | 4 | Shakespearean Comedies (As You Like It), Shakespearean Tragedies (King Lear), Historical Plays, Shakespeare''''s Sonnets, Critical Interpretations of Shakespeare |
| M.A. EN 3.6 | FILM STUDIES | Elective | 4 | Film as an Art Form, Film Theory (Auteur Theory, Genre Theory), Indian Cinema (History, Genres), Documentary and Experimental Films, Screenwriting Basics |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.A. EN 4.1 | INDIAN ENGLISH LITERATURE - II | Core | 4 | Contemporary Indian English Writing, Dalit Literature, Regional English Literature, Children''''s Literature in English, Indian Diaspora Writing |
| M.A. EN 4.2 | NEW LITERATURES IN ENGLISH | Core | 4 | Canadian Literature, Australian Literature, Caribbean Literature, African Literature (Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiong''''o), South Asian Diaspora Literature |
| M.A. EN 4.3 | DISSERTATION / PROJECT WORK | Project | 8 | Research Proposal Development, Literature Review and Methodology, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing and Presentation, Academic Ethics and Plagiarism |
| M.A. EN 4.4 | TEACHING OF ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ELECTIVE) | Elective | 4 | ELT Methodologies (Communicative Approach), First and Second Language Acquisition, Curriculum and Syllabus Design in ELT, Assessment and Evaluation in ELT, Materials Development for ELT |
| M.A. EN 4.5 | TRANSLATION STUDIES | Elective | 4 | Theories of Translation, Types of Translation (Literary, Technical), Cultural Aspects of Translation, Translation as a Creative Act, Machine Translation (Overview) |
| M.A. EN 4.6 | ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING (ELT) | Elective (Skill Based Elective) | 4 | Four Language Skills (LSRW), Pedagogy and Classroom Management, Role of Technology in ELT, Task-based Language Teaching, Error Analysis and Remedial Teaching |
