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BA in History at CHRIST (Deemed to be University)
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is History at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Bengaluru?
This History program at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) focuses on a comprehensive understanding of human societies, cultures, and political systems across diverse eras and geographies. With an emphasis on critical analysis and historical methodology, the curriculum explores Indian, World, and specialized historical narratives, preparing students for insightful engagement with contemporary issues and historical research.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for curious minds, fresh graduates seeking entry into academia, journalism, civil services, or cultural heritage management. It also suits individuals passionate about research, critical thinking, and understanding societal evolution, making it relevant for those aspiring to contribute to policymaking or social advocacy with historical context.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in archives, museums, media, education, and government. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program fosters analytical skills, research aptitude, and communication prowess, aligning with requirements for competitive examinations like UPSC and advanced studies in history and social sciences.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop Robust Reading & Note-Taking Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with prescribed texts and primary sources. Develop effective note-taking strategies (e.g., Cornell method, mind mapping) for lectures and readings to synthesize complex historical information efficiently. This builds a strong knowledge base for all future courses and enhances comprehension.
Tools & Resources
University Library resources, Online academic databases (JSTOR via institution access), Reference management tools (Zotero, Mendeley)
Career Connection
Essential for critical analysis in research, policy, and journalism; strong comprehension and retention improve performance in competitive exams and academic pursuits.
Cultivate Historical Thinking & Argumentation- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond memorizing facts, learn to analyze historical events, identify cause-effect relationships, and construct well-supported arguments. Participate actively in classroom discussions and seek feedback on initial essays to hone critical thinking, interpretation, and persuasive writing skills.
Tools & Resources
Peer study groups, Faculty office hours, Academic writing workshops offered by the university
Career Connection
Develops strong analytical and persuasive communication skills crucial for roles in civil services, content creation, historical research, and any field requiring logical reasoning.
Engage with Local History & Heritage- (Semester 1-2)
Explore the rich history and heritage of Bengaluru and Karnataka through field visits to museums, historical sites, and archives. Participate in local history walks or volunteer with heritage organizations to connect theoretical knowledge with practical understanding and cultural preservation efforts.
Tools & Resources
Local museums (e.g., Government Museum, Bengaluru), Historical societies, University-organized heritage walks and cultural clubs
Career Connection
Provides practical exposure valuable for careers in heritage management, tourism, and local cultural preservation, fostering an understanding of India''''s diverse and regional past.
Intermediate Stage
Master Research Methodology & Source Analysis- (Semester 3-5)
Dive deeper into primary and secondary source analysis, understanding different historical methodologies. Utilize university library''''s digital archives and research databases effectively for assignments and minor projects, learning to evaluate source credibility and conduct independent research.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology workshops, Specialized databases (e.g., National Archives of India portal), University research labs/centres
Career Connection
Fundamental for advanced research roles, competitive examinations, and any position requiring evidence-based analysis, data interpretation, and scholarly integrity.
Participate in Academic Events & Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Present papers at departmental seminars, engage in history quizzes, or join debates and symposiums. This enhances public speaking, scholarly communication, and academic competitiveness. Seek opportunities to publish short articles in college magazines or newsletters to build a portfolio.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notices for events, Inter-collegiate competitions, Faculty mentorship for paper presentations and publications
Career Connection
Builds confidence, presentation skills, and a strong academic profile beneficial for higher education admissions, teaching, and public-facing roles in India.
Pursue Internships in Relevant Fields- (Semester 4-5 (during semester breaks))
Seek internships with museums, archives, NGOs working on heritage, historical research institutions, or media houses. These experiences provide practical exposure to professional historical work, build valuable industry connections, and clarify career interests.
Tools & Resources
University career services cell, Departmental alumni network, Online internship portals (e.g., Internshala, LinkedIn)
Career Connection
Offers hands-on experience, improves employability, and helps clarify career interests in sectors like heritage management, media, archival work, or historical consulting.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Significant Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 7-8)
Apply all acquired skills to conduct an independent, in-depth research project or dissertation on a chosen historical topic. This culminates in substantial scholarly work, demonstrating mastery of historical research, critical analysis, and academic writing.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated research supervisors, Specialized academic software for qualitative analysis (if applicable), Inter-library loan services for rare materials
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is crucial for postgraduate admissions (MA/PhD), research positions, and stands out for civil services or policy-oriented roles requiring in-depth inquiry.
Network with Professionals & Alumni- (Semester 6-8)
Attend history conferences, workshops, and alumni meets to network with established historians, academics, and professionals in related fields. These connections offer mentorship, career advice, and potential job leads, fostering a professional community.
Tools & Resources
University alumni portal, LinkedIn professional networking platform, Professional associations (e.g., Indian History Congress, local historical societies)
Career Connection
Opens doors to job opportunities, collaborations, and insights into various career paths within and outside academia, aiding in successful career transitions and mentorship.
Prepare for Higher Studies & Competitive Exams- (Semester 6-8)
Systematically prepare for entrance exams for MA/PhD programs (e.g., JNU, Delhi University, foreign universities) or competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services. Focus on general studies, current affairs, and subject-specific knowledge, leveraging the strong foundation built in history.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes (if desired), Online test series and mock interviews, Faculty guidance for application processes and subject-specific preparation
Career Connection
Directly supports aspirations for higher academia, civil service roles, and other competitive government or public sector jobs in India, requiring strong analytical and factual recall abilities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in 10+2 level (ISC / CBSE / NIOS / State Boards) with an aggregate of 45% marks from any recognised Board in India. Candidates pursuing International curriculum must have IB certificate with 24 credits or ''''A'''' level qualification with 3 passes (of which 1 should be in General Paper at ''''A'''' Level or 1 Language in ''''A'''' Level and 2 Honours at ''''O'''' Level).
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
Credits: Approximately 160-176 (as per NEP structure, 80 credits for Major History courses) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HST121 | History of India (Earliest Times to 1206 CE) | Core | 4 | Sources of Indian History, Harappan Civilization, Vedic and Post-Vedic Age, Mahajanapadas and Mauryan Empire, Post-Mauryan Kingdoms, Guptas and Post-Gupta Period, Early Medieval Indian Polities |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HST221 | History of India (1206 CE to 1707 CE) | Core | 4 | Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Expansion and Consolidation under Delhi Sultanate, Vijayanagara Empire, Mughal Empire: Establishment and Expansion, Mughal Administration and Society, Culture, Art, and Architecture under Mughals, Decline of the Mughal Empire |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HST321 | History of India (1707 CE to 1947 CE) | Core | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire and Regional Powers, Advent of European Powers and Colonial Expansion, British Economic Policies and their Impact, Social and Religious Reform Movements, Revolt of 1857, Rise of Indian Nationalism and Freedom Struggle, Partition of India |
| HST322 | History of the World (Ancient Civilizations and Medieval Europe) | Core | 4 | Bronze Age Civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt), Ancient Greece: Polis and Empire, Roman Republic and Empire, Rise of Christianity, Feudalism in Europe, Crusades and their Impact, Renaissance and Reformation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HST421 | Contemporary World History (1945 CE to 2000 CE) | Core | 4 | Origins and Phases of the Cold War, Decolonization in Asia and Africa, United Nations Organization (UNO), Major Conflicts in the Post-War Era, Emergence of Non-Aligned Movement, Globalization and Economic Changes, End of the Cold War and New World Order |
| HST422 | History of Europe (1789 CE to 1945 CE) | Core | 4 | French Revolution and its Impact, Napoleonic Era, Industrial Revolution in Europe, Unification of Germany and Italy, Imperialism and Colonialism, World War I and its Aftermath, World War II and the Inter-War Period |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HST521 | Modern World History (15th Century to 18th Century) | Core | 4 | Age of Exploration and Discoveries, Protestant Reformation and Counter-Reformation, Rise of Absolutism in Europe, Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment and its Impact, Mercantilism and Colonial Empires, Emergence of Nation-States |
| HST522 | History of Karnataka (Earliest Times to 1799 CE) | Core | 4 | Sources and Pre-History of Karnataka, Early Dynasties (Gangas, Kadambas), Chalukyas of Badami and Kalyana, Rashtrakutas and Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Empire in Karnataka, Wodeyars of Mysore, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan |
| HST523A | History of Art and Architecture in India | Core (Discipline Specific Elective) | 4 | Harappan Art and Architecture, Mauryan and Post-Mauryan Art, Gupta Age Art and Temple Architecture, Early Medieval Temple Styles (North & South India), Indo-Islamic Architecture, Mughal Art and Painting, Colonial Architecture |
| HST524A | Archaeology | Core (Discipline Specific Elective) | 4 | Introduction to Archaeology and its Scope, Principles of Archaeological Excavation, Dating Methods in Archaeology, Site Formation Processes, Interpretation of Archaeological Data, Conservation and Preservation of Sites, Public Archaeology |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HST621 | Understanding Economic History of India (18th Century to 20th Century) | Core | 4 | Colonial Economy and Exploitation, Land Revenue Settlements, De-industrialization and Commercialization of Agriculture, Famines and Poverty, Development of Railways and Modern Industry, Peasant and Tribal Movements, Economic Nationalism |
| HST622 | Environmental History | Core | 4 | Concept and Scope of Environmental History, Human-Nature Interactions through Ages, History of Forests and Water Resources, Impact of Industrialization on Environment, Urbanization and Environmental Concerns, Environmental Movements in India and World, Climate Change in Historical Perspective |
| HST623A | History of South East Asia | Core (Discipline Specific Elective) | 4 | Early Kingdoms and Indianization, European Colonialism in Southeast Asia, Rise of Nationalism and Anti-Colonial Movements, World War II and Japanese Occupation, Post-Independence Developments and Cold War, Formation of ASEAN, Regional Conflicts and Cooperation |
| HST624A | History of Social Movements in India | Core (Discipline Specific Elective) | 4 | Theoretical Approaches to Social Movements, Anti-Caste Movements, Peasant Movements, Tribal Movements, Women''''s Movements, Labour Movements, Environmental Movements |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HST721 | History of North East India | Core | 4 | Geographical and Ethnic Diversity of North East India, Early Kingdoms and State Formation, Colonial Encounters and British Annexation, Integration of North East India into Union, Post-Independence Political Developments, Ethno-Nationalism and Insurgency, Developmental Challenges and Opportunities |
| HST722 | History of Indian Diaspora | Core | 4 | Meaning and Nature of Diaspora, Early Migrations from India, Indentured Labour Migration (19th Century), Indian Communities in various regions, Cultural Retention and Adaptation, Return Migration and Repatriation, Role of Diaspora in India''''s Development |
| HST723A | Museum Studies | Core (Discipline Specific Elective) | 4 | Definition and Types of Museums, History and Evolution of Museums, Collection Management and Documentation, Exhibition Design and Interpretation, Conservation and Preservation of Artifacts, Museum Ethics and Best Practices, Role of Museums in Society |
| HST724A | Urban History of India | Core (Discipline Specific Elective) | 4 | Ancient Indian Cities and Urbanization, Medieval Islamic Cities, Colonial Cities and their Transformation, Urban Planning and Development, Social Life and Culture in Indian Cities, Challenges of Urbanization in Modern India, Case Studies of Indian Cities |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HST821 | Approaches to Cultural History | Core | 4 | Definition and Scope of Cultural History, Popular Culture and Everyday Life, Material Culture and its Interpretation, History of Performance and Spectacle, Visual Culture and Iconography, Food History and Cultural Practices, Heritage Studies and Memory |
| HST822 | History of United States of America | Core | 4 | Colonial America and Founding Principles, American Revolution and Constitution, Expansion and Manifest Destiny, Civil War and Reconstruction, Industrialization and Gilded Age, World Wars and Great Depression, Civil Rights Movement and Modern America |
| HST823A | World Heritage Sites | Core (Discipline Specific Elective) | 4 | UNESCO and World Heritage Convention, Criteria for Inscription on World Heritage List, Case Studies of Cultural Heritage Sites, Case Studies of Natural Heritage Sites, Management and Protection of World Heritage Sites, Challenges to Heritage Conservation, Sustainable Tourism at Heritage Sites |
| HST824A | History of India''''s Foreign Policy | Core (Discipline Specific Elective) | 4 | Principles of India''''s Foreign Policy (Non-Alignment), India''''s Relations with Neighbouring Countries, India and the Cold War, India''''s Role in United Nations, Nuclear Policy of India, Economic Diplomacy and Global Alliances, Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities |
