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BA-GENERAL in General at City College
Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is General at City College Kolkata?
This BA General program at City College, Kolkata, focuses on providing a broad liberal arts education across multiple disciplines. It allows students to explore various subjects from humanities and social sciences, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills essential for diverse career paths in India. The program differentiates itself by its flexible subject combinations under the University of Calcutta''''s CBCS framework, meeting the demand for versatile graduates.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from 10+2 seeking entry into a wide range of administrative, educational, or social sector roles. It also suits individuals passionate about interdisciplinary learning, aiming for competitive examinations or further studies in humanities. Students with a strong inclination towards analytical reasoning, research, and communication will thrive. No specific prerequisite background beyond basic 10+2 qualification is typically required.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including civil services, journalism, teaching, content writing, social work, and entry-level positions in corporate communications. Entry-level salaries range from INR 2.5-4 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning INR 6-10 lakhs or more. Growth trajectories include roles like research analysts, policy assistants, or educators, with potential for advanced degrees enhancing prospects.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop Foundational Study Habits and Language Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding core concepts across chosen disciplines. Regularly attend lectures, take detailed notes, and revise weekly. Actively participate in English/MIL communication classes to enhance written and oral skills, which are crucial for all academic work and future careers.
Tools & Resources
College library resources, Peer study groups, Grammar handbooks, Online dictionaries, Basic news reading
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals and communication skills are non-negotiable for all professional roles and competitive exams in India, forming the bedrock for higher learning and professional clarity.
Cultivate Critical Thinking and Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 1-2)
Engage with diverse perspectives presented in subjects like History, Political Science, and Literature. Practice analytical essay writing and participate in debates. Start identifying thematic links between different subjects to develop a holistic understanding, a key skill for BA General students.
Tools & Resources
Online academic journals, Open-access course materials (e.g., NPTEL humanities courses), College debate clubs
Career Connection
Enhances problem-solving abilities and decision-making, highly valued in administrative services, research, and content creation roles.
Explore Co-curricular Opportunities and Mentorship- (Semester 1-2)
Join college clubs (e.g., literary, history, social outreach) to gain practical experience and network. Seek guidance from senior students and faculty mentors on academic challenges and future career options in India. Attend introductory career counseling sessions if offered.
Tools & Resources
College club registration, Faculty office hours, Alumni contact information
Career Connection
Builds soft skills, expands professional network early on, and provides insights into various career paths, helping students make informed choices post-graduation.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Skill Enhancement and Practical Application- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) like Academic Writing, Computer Applications, or Data Analysis. Apply these skills in project work for core subjects, focusing on research, data interpretation, and effective communication.
Tools & Resources
MS Office suite, Online tutorials for basic data analysis software, College workshops on research methodology
Career Connection
Directly translates to employable skills required in research, content management, administrative support, and many entry-level corporate roles in India.
Deepen Subject Knowledge and External Exposure- (Semester 3-5)
Identify areas of particular interest within your CC/DSE subjects (e.g., specific periods in history, literary movements). Explore these through supplementary reading, attending public lectures, and workshops. Consider joining inter-college academic competitions or seminars.
Tools & Resources
Specialized books, University seminar announcements, Online academic platforms like Coursera/edX for relevant free courses
Career Connection
Builds expertise for postgraduate studies, enhances profile for specific career tracks like journalism or heritage management, and demonstrates initiative to potential employers.
Network Strategically and Seek Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Connect with professionals in fields of interest through online platforms (LinkedIn), career fairs, and alumni events. Actively search for short-term internships (even unpaid) in NGOs, media houses, or local businesses to gain practical work experience and understand industry dynamics in India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn profiles, Career services cell, Local NGO directories, College alumni network
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable real-world exposure, build a professional resume, and often lead to placement opportunities or stronger references for future jobs.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Career Planning and Competitive Exam Preparation- (Semester 6)
Research specific career paths (e.g., civil services, banking, teaching, journalism) and understand their requirements. Begin focused preparation for competitive examinations, utilizing the broad knowledge gained from the BA General program. Develop a strong resume and cover letter.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes for competitive exams (if opting), Online test series, Mock interviews, College placement cell
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for high-demand government jobs and entry into various professional sectors, maximizing post-graduation success.
Refine Research and Presentation Skills- (Semester 6)
For final year projects or dissertations (if applicable), concentrate on in-depth research, critical analysis, and effective academic writing. Practice delivering clear, concise, and engaging presentations, incorporating feedback for improvement.
Tools & Resources
Research databases, Presentation software (PowerPoint/Keynote), Public speaking clubs, Mentor feedback
Career Connection
Essential for academic pursuits, roles requiring data interpretation, policy analysis, and any position involving client communication or team leadership.
Build a Professional Portfolio and Network for Placements- (Semester 6)
Compile samples of best academic work (essays, reports, projects) into a portfolio. Actively participate in campus placement drives and job fairs. Continue networking with alumni and industry professionals for referrals and insights into the Indian job market.
Tools & Resources
Online portfolio platforms (e.g., Google Sites, personal blog), College placement portal, LinkedIn
Career Connection
A strong portfolio and network significantly enhance visibility and marketability to potential employers, leading to successful placements in desired fields.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Higher Secondary or equivalent) examination passed from a recognized Board.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 120 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGG-CC-1 | Indian Classical Literature (Discipline Specific Core - English) | CC (Core Course) | 6 | Ancient Indian Literary Forms, Sanskrit Drama and Theatre, Kalidasa''''s Abhijnana Shakuntalam, Theories of Rasa and Dhvani, Indian Epics: Ramayana and Mahabharata |
| HISSG-CC-1 | History of India (Ancient to C. 300 CE) (Discipline Specific Core - History) | CC (Core Course) | 6 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Harappan Civilization, Vedic Society and Polity, Mahajanapadas and Rise of Magadha, Mauryan Empire and Administration |
| PLSG-CC-1 | Understanding Political Theory (Discipline Specific Core - Political Science) | CC (Core Course) | 6 | Concept of Politics and Political Theory, Key Concepts: Liberty, Equality, Justice, Rights and Citizenship, Democracy and the State, Power and Authority |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | AECC (Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course) | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resources and Conservation, Environmental Ethics and Policies, Human Population and Environment |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGG-CC-2 | European Classical Literature (Discipline Specific Core - English) | CC (Core Course) | 6 | Greek Epic: Homer''''s Odyssey, Greek Tragedy: Sophocles'''' Oedipus Rex, Aristotle''''s Poetics, Roman Literature and Virgil''''s Aeneid, Classical Literary Criticism |
| HISSG-CC-2 | History of India (C. 300 CE to 1206 CE) (Discipline Specific Core - History) | CC (Core Course) | 6 | Gupta Empire: Society, Economy, Culture, Post-Gupta Kingdoms: Harsha''''s Empire, Regional States in Early Medieval India, Socio-Economic Changes: Feudalism Debates, Development of Art and Architecture |
| PLSG-CC-2 | Constitutional Government and Democracy in India (Discipline Specific Core - Political Science) | CC (Core Course) | 6 | Making of the Indian Constitution, Preamble and Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Union Executive and Legislature, Judiciary and Federalism in India |
| AECC-2 | English/MIL Communication | AECC (Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course) | 2 | Theories of Communication, Types of Communication (Verbal, Non-verbal), Writing Skills (Reports, Emails), Listening and Speaking Skills, Presentation Techniques |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGG-CC-3 | Indian Writing in English (Discipline Specific Core - English) | CC (Core Course) | 6 | Evolution of Indian English Literature, Major Indian English Poets, Indian English Fiction: Themes and Styles, Post-Colonial Perspectives in Indian Writing, Key Authors: Tagore, R.K. Narayan, Premchand |
| HISSG-CC-3 | History of India (C. 1206-1757) (Discipline Specific Core - History) | CC (Core Course) | 6 | Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, The Mughal Empire: Consolidation and Expansion, Vijayanagara Kingdom, Bhakti and Sufi Movements, Mughal Administration and Economy |
| PLSG-CC-3 | Political Theory and Thought (Discipline Specific Core - Political Science) | CC (Core Course) | 6 | Classical Political Thought: Plato, Aristotle, Social Contract Theorists: Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Liberalism and its Variants, Socialism and Marxism, Feminist Political Thought |
| SEC-A-1 | Academic Writing and Composition | SEC (Skill Enhancement Course) | 2 | Research Process and Methodology, Essay and Report Writing Techniques, Referencing and Citation Styles, Critical Thinking and Argumentation, Plagiarism and Academic Ethics |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGG-CC-4 | British Literature (18th Century) (Discipline Specific Core - English) | CC (Core Course) | 6 | Age of Reason and Neoclassicism, Satire: Jonathan Swift, Alexander Pope, Rise of the Novel: Daniel Defoe, Samuel Richardson, Augustan Poetry and Drama, Enlightenment Thinkers and Their Influence |
| HISSG-CC-4 | History of India (1757-1950) (Discipline Specific Core - History) | CC (Core Course) | 6 | Establishment of British Rule in India, Colonial Economy and Land Revenue Systems, Revolt of 1857 and its Aftermath, Rise of Indian Nationalism, Partition of India and Independence |
| PLSG-CC-4 | Indian Political Thought (Discipline Specific Core - Political Science) | CC (Core Course) | 6 | Ancient Indian Political Thought (Kautilya), Medieval Indian Political Ideas (Abul Fazal), Modern Indian Thinkers: Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar''''s Social and Political Philosophy, Indian Nationalism and its Ideologies |
| SEC-A-2 | Computer Application for Social Sciences | SEC (Skill Enhancement Course) | 2 | Introduction to MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet for Research and Information Retrieval, Data Management and Spreadsheet Basics, Presentation Software Usage, Basic Statistical Tools in Spreadsheets |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGG-DSE-1 | Modern European Drama (Discipline Specific Elective - English) | DSE (Discipline Specific Elective) | 6 | Ibsen and Realist Drama, Chekhov and Naturalism, Theatre of the Absurd (Beckett, Ionesco), Brecht and Epic Theatre, Symbolism and Expressionism in Drama |
| HISSG-DSE-1 | History of Bengal (1757-1947) (Discipline Specific Elective - History) | DSE (Discipline Specific Elective) | 6 | Early Colonial Rule in Bengal, Socio-Religious Reform Movements (Bengal Renaissance), Nationalist Politics and Communalism in Bengal, Growth of Education and Press in Bengal, Partition of Bengal (1905) and its Impact |
| SEC-B-1 | Data Analysis for Social Sciences | SEC (Skill Enhancement Course) | 2 | Introduction to Statistics for Social Sciences, Data Collection Methods and Types, Descriptive Statistics (Mean, Median, Mode), Data Visualization (Graphs, Charts), Basic Inferential Statistics Concepts |
| ECOG-GE-1 | Introductory Microeconomics (Generic Elective - Economics) | GE (Generic Elective) | 6 | Basic Concepts of Microeconomics, Demand and Supply Analysis, Consumer Behavior and Utility, Production and Cost Analysis, Market Structures (Perfect Competition, Monopoly) |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGG-DSE-2 | Postcolonial Literatures (Discipline Specific Elective - English) | DSE (Discipline Specific Elective) | 6 | Theories of Postcolonialism, Colonialism and Representation, Themes of Identity, Diaspora, Hybridity, Writers from Africa, Caribbean, South Asia, Language and Power in Postcolonial Contexts |
| HISSG-DSE-2 | Contemporary World (Post-1945) (Discipline Specific Elective - History) | DSE (Discipline Specific Elective) | 6 | The Cold War and Bipolar World, Decolonization and Nation Building, Globalization and its Impacts, The United Nations and International Relations, Environmental Movements and Global Challenges |
| SEC-B-2 | Public Opinion and Survey Research | SEC (Skill Enhancement Course) | 2 | Nature and Measurement of Public Opinion, Survey Research Design, Sampling Methods, Questionnaire Design, Data Collection and Analysis in Surveys |
| SOCG-GE-1 | Introduction to Sociology (Generic Elective - Sociology) | GE (Generic Elective) | 6 | Basic Sociological Concepts and Perspectives, Culture, Socialization, and Identity, Social Stratification and Inequality, Family, Kinship, and Marriage, Religion, State, and Social Change |
