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BA in English at Gaya Prasad Verma Mahavidyalaya
Etawah, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English at Gaya Prasad Verma Mahavidyalaya Etawah?
This English specialization program at Gaya Prasad Verma Mahavidyalaya, affiliated with CSJMU Kanpur, offers a robust exploration of English literature, language, and critical thought. It covers diverse literary traditions from ancient to contemporary, including significant Indian English contributions, while simultaneously cultivating essential communication, analytical, and research skills. The curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of cultural narratives and prepare students for intellectual and professional growth in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a profound interest in literary arts, creative expression, and intellectual inquiry. It appeals to students aspiring for careers in education, media, content creation, civil services, or publishing in India. It is also well-suited for individuals seeking to enhance their critical thinking and communication abilities, which are valuable across various sectors, and those aiming for higher academic pursuits.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to embark on diverse and rewarding career paths within India, such as content writing, editing, journalism, public relations, teaching, and administrative roles. Entry-level salaries generally range from INR 2.5 Lakhs to 4.5 Lakhs annually, with substantial growth potential as experience and specialization increase. The strong foundation in analytical thinking and communication also serves as excellent preparation for competitive examinations and advanced degrees like MA and PhD, enabling academic and research careers.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Reading & Comprehension Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate consistent daily time to meticulously read prescribed literary texts and supplementary works. Actively engage by highlighting, annotating, and summarizing key literary elements like plot, character, theme, and style. This deep reading approach enhances understanding and retention.
Tools & Resources
University library, online literary archives (Project Gutenberg), literary magazines, student study groups
Career Connection
Cultivates critical analysis, comprehension, and a rich vocabulary, which are indispensable for careers in content creation, competitive exams, research, and any field requiring strong analytical acumen.
Master Foundational Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom discussions and consistently practice effective verbal and written communication. Focus on improving grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary through regular exercises, essay writing, and delivering short presentations.
Tools & Resources
Grammar handbooks, online writing labs (e.g., Purdue OWL), peer feedback sessions, college debate and public speaking clubs
Career Connection
Essential for excelling in job interviews, crafting professional correspondence, and succeeding in roles within public relations, journalism, teaching, and corporate communications.
Explore Diverse Literary Forms & Contexts- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond the prescribed syllabus, proactively expose yourself to a wide array of poetry, prose, and drama from various cultures. Attend local literary festivals, poetry readings, or theatre performances to broaden your cultural and artistic perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Local cultural centers, university literary societies, online literary podcasts and webinars, classic film adaptations
Career Connection
Develops a holistic understanding of literature, fostering creativity, cultural sensitivity, and a nuanced global perspective valuable in content development, cultural studies, and creative industries.
Intermediate Stage
Engage Deeply with Literary Theory & Criticism- (Semester 3-5)
Move beyond memorization; actively apply different critical lenses such as feminist, postcolonial, or Marxist theories to analyze literary texts. Write analytical essays that demonstrate your interpretative skills and theoretical understanding.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals, online resources on literary theory (e.g., Literary Theory: An Anthology), faculty consultations, specialized workshops
Career Connection
Sharpens advanced analytical and argumentative skills, which are critical for academic research, sophisticated content creation, policy analysis, and investigative journalism.
Participate in Extracurricular Literary & Creative Activities- (Semester 3-5)
Join college literary clubs, actively engage in creative writing workshops, participate in inter-college essay competitions, or organize slam poetry events. Taking leadership roles in these activities enhances organizational and teamwork skills.
Tools & Resources
College literary society, inter-college cultural festivals, local writing groups, volunteer for campus publications
Career Connection
Builds a diverse portfolio, facilitates networking with peers and mentors, and enhances crucial soft skills like teamwork, leadership, and event management, which are highly valued in any Indian profession.
Develop Foundational Research & Documentation Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Practice conducting mini-research projects using both library resources and reputable online academic databases. Focus meticulously on proper referencing, citation styles (MLA/APA), and strictly avoiding plagiarism. Seek regular feedback on your research methodology.
Tools & Resources
University library databases (e.g., J-STOR, N-LIST), MLA/APA style guides, faculty guidance, plagiarism checkers
Career Connection
Essential for higher education, academic research, professional content development, and any role requiring structured information gathering, critical evaluation, and ethical presentation.
Advanced Stage
Strive for Excellence in Dissertation/Project Work- (Semester 6)
Initiate your research topic selection early in the final year and conduct a thorough literature review. Maintain consistent communication with your assigned supervisor, aiming to produce original insights and a meticulously written final project or dissertation.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated research guides, academic writing software, regular meetings with your project supervisor, peer review groups
Career Connection
Demonstrates independent research capability and scholarly rigor, a crucial skill for advanced academic pursuits, policy research, and specialized content creation roles in India.
Strategize for Post-Graduation & Career Paths- (Semester 6)
Thoroughly research MA programs in English, B.Ed courses, or specific job profiles like content writer, editor, or publicist. Prepare a compelling resume/CV tailored to Indian industry standards and actively practice for interviews and entrance examinations.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, university placement cell, online job portals (Naukri.com, LinkedIn), mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Directly prepares you for securing your desired employment or gaining admission into higher education, ensuring a seamless and successful transition post-graduation in the Indian context.
Network with Alumni & Industry Professionals- (Semester 6)
Actively attend alumni meets, career fairs, and industry-specific seminars. Connect with graduates who are working in fields that interest you to gain valuable insights, mentorship, and potential internship or job leads.
Tools & Resources
Alumni association networks, LinkedIn for professional connections, industry conferences and workshops, informational interviews
Career Connection
Opens doors to potential hidden job markets, provides real-world perspectives on career trajectories, and helps in building a robust professional network essential for long-term career growth in India''''s competitive landscape.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 (Intermediate) examination or its equivalent from any recognized board.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 132 (for the entire BA degree as per CSJMU NEP guidelines) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A010101T | English Poetry | Major Core | 4 | History of English Poetry, Poetic Forms and Devices, Elizabethan Age Poetry, Romantic Age Poetry, Victorian Age Poetry, Selected Poets and Poems |
| A010401T | Communication Skills | Co-Curricular | 2 | Introduction to Communication, Types of Communication, Barriers to Communication, Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication, Listening and Presentation Skills, Basic English Grammar and Usage |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A020101T | English Prose | Major Core | 4 | History of English Prose, Forms of Prose (Essays, Short Stories), Stylistic Features of Prose, Study of Modern Prose Writers, Bacon, Addison, Steele, Lamb, Woolf, Orwell, Maugham |
| A020401T | Analytical Ability & Digital Awareness | Co-Curricular | 2 | Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Basic Computer Concepts, Internet and E-mail Usage, Digital Security and Ethics, Online Research Tools |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A030101T | English Drama | Major Core | 4 | History of English Drama, Types of Drama (Tragedy, Comedy), Elizabethan Drama, Restoration Comedy, Modern Drama (Ibsen, Shaw, Beckett), Dramatic Elements and Structure |
| A030301T | Entrepreneurship Development | Vocational | 3 | Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Business Idea Generation, Developing a Business Plan, Marketing Strategies, Sources of Funding, Legal Aspects of Business |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A040101T | English Fiction | Major Core | 4 | Evolution of the English Novel, Elements of Fiction, Types of Novels (Realist, Modernist), Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, E.M. Forster, Virginia Woolf, George Orwell |
| A040301T | Personality Development & Communication | Vocational | 3 | Self-Awareness and Goal Setting, Time Management, Public Speaking Skills, Group Discussion Techniques, Interview Preparation, Interpersonal Skills |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A050101T | Indian English Literature | Major Core | 4 | Emergence of Indian English Writing, Major Indian English Poets, Indian English Novelists, Themes: Nationalism, Social Realism, Post-Colonial Narratives, Tagore, R.K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand |
| A050201T | Literary Criticism & Theory | Major Elective | 4 | Classical Literary Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Romantic and Victorian Criticism, New Criticism and Formalism, Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Feminist Literary Theory, Reader-Response Theory |
| A050301T | Academic Writing & Presentation | Skill Enhancement | 3 | Research Paper Structure, Thesis Statements and Argumentation, Referencing Styles (MLA/APA), Avoiding Plagiarism, Oral Presentation Skills, Designing Visual Aids |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A060101T | American and European Literature | Major Core | 4 | American Transcendentalism, Modern American Novel, European Modernism, Absurdist Drama, Post-War European Fiction, Faulkner, Hemingway, Kafka, Camus |
| A060201T | World Literature in English | Major Elective | 4 | African Literature, Caribbean Literature, Canadian Literature, Australian Literature, Themes of Migration and Identity, Postcolonialism in Global Context |
| A060301P | Research Project / Dissertation | Project | 6 | Choosing a Research Topic, Literature Review and Methodology, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Formatting, Academic Presentation Skills, Viva Voce Preparation |
