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BA-HONOURS in Bengali at Gokhale Memorial Girls' College
Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Bengali at Gokhale Memorial Girls' College Kolkata?
This Bengali Honours program at Gokhale Memorial Girls'''' College focuses on a comprehensive study of Bengali language, literature, and culture from ancient to modern times. It delves into the rich literary heritage of Bengal, exploring various genres, linguistic theories, and critical approaches. The program is crucial for preserving and promoting India''''s diverse linguistic landscape, catering to the significant demand for Bengali language experts in education, media, and cultural sectors across West Bengal and beyond.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for students with a deep passion for Bengali language and literature, fresh graduates seeking entry into teaching, journalism, publishing, or cultural administration in West Bengal. It also suits individuals interested in pursuing higher studies in linguistics, comparative literature, or social sciences with a strong Bengali foundation. No specific prerequisite other than 10+2 with Bengali as a subject is required, fostering inclusivity for diverse academic backgrounds.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as educators, content writers, journalists, editors, translators, and cultural researchers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program prepares students for competitive exams, postgraduate studies, and offers growth trajectories in various government and private organizations, particularly in education, media, and cultural institutions in the eastern region.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Mastering Bengali Grammar and Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate early semesters to building a strong foundation in Bengali grammar, phonetics, and morphology. Regularly practice writing essays and critical analyses in Bengali. Utilize textbooks, reference grammars like Suniti Kumar Chatterji''''s works, and online resources for self-paced learning. Engage in peer study groups to discuss complex linguistic concepts and refine writing skills.
Tools & Resources
Official textbooks, Suniti Kumar Chatterji''''s ''''Origin and Development of the Bengali Language'''', Shabdakalpadruma (Bengali dictionary), Online Bengali grammar tutorials
Career Connection
A robust command of Bengali grammar and language structure is essential for careers in publishing, journalism, content writing, and teaching, ensuring accuracy and fluency in written and spoken communication.
Engage with Literary Classics- (Semester 1-2)
Immerse yourself in the ancient, medieval, and 19th-century Bengali literary classics. Read original texts critically, focusing on historical context, literary movements, and authorial styles. Participate in department seminars and literary discussions to deepen understanding. Maintain a reading journal to document insights and develop personal interpretations.
Tools & Resources
Original texts of Charyapada, Srikrishnakirtan, Bankimchandra, Vidyasagar, Critical literary essays and commentaries, College library resources
Career Connection
A deep appreciation and analytical skill for classical literature are vital for literary criticism, academic research, and teaching roles, providing a strong cultural and historical context for modern literary forms.
Cultivate Interdisciplinary Perspectives- (Semester 1-2)
While focusing on Bengali, actively explore connections with other disciplines such as History, Philosophy, and Sociology, especially through Generic Elective choices. Understand how socio-political contexts influenced Bengali literature and culture. This broadens intellectual horizons and develops a holistic understanding of the subject matter.
Tools & Resources
Elective course materials, Interdisciplinary journals, Documentaries on Bengali history and society
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary knowledge enhances critical thinking and analytical abilities, highly valued in research, policy analysis, and diverse media roles where a contextual understanding of cultural phenomena is crucial.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Critical Literary Analysis Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Focus on mastering literary theories and critical methodologies. Practice applying different critical lenses (e.g., formalist, Marxist, feminist) to analyze modern Bengali poetry, novels, and short stories. Participate in college literary debates and essay competitions to hone argumentative and presentation skills. Seek feedback from professors on written analyses.
Tools & Resources
Books on literary theory, Academic journals on Bengali literature, Peer review sessions, Faculty consultation
Career Connection
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills are paramount for careers in academia, journalism, and content creation, enabling nuanced interpretation and effective communication of complex ideas.
Engage in Skill Enhancement Workshops- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in skill enhancement courses (SECs) focusing on areas like prosody, rhetoric, translation, or creative writing. Attend workshops on content creation, editing, and proofreading. These practical skills are directly applicable in professional settings. Seek opportunities for minor translation projects or local literary events.
Tools & Resources
SEC course materials, Translation software basics, Creative writing guides, Local cultural organizations
Career Connection
Practical skills like editing, translation, and effective communication are directly transferable to roles in publishing houses, media, government documentation, and corporate communications, making graduates industry-ready.
Explore Modern Bengali Media and Culture- (Semester 3-4)
Beyond textbooks, immerse yourself in contemporary Bengali media – films, theatre, digital content, and popular literature. Analyze how modern narratives engage with traditional themes and current social issues. This keeps your knowledge current and relevant. Follow prominent Bengali literary figures and cultural commentators online.
Tools & Resources
Bengali newspapers and magazines, Streaming platforms for Bengali films/web series, Literary blogs and social media discussions
Career Connection
Understanding modern media trends and cultural dynamics is crucial for roles in journalism, digital content creation, public relations, and cultural event management within the vibrant Bengali creative industry.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Research Projects and Dissertations- (Semester 5-6)
In the final semesters, choose a compelling research topic for your Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) and, if available, for an honours project. Work closely with faculty mentors, learning advanced research methodologies, data collection, and academic writing. Present findings in college seminars to refine presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar), Research methodology guides, University library access, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Developing strong research skills through projects is invaluable for postgraduate studies, academic careers, and positions in think tanks, research organizations, and cultural institutions requiring analytical investigation.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations and Higher Studies- (Semester 5-6)
Begin preparing for competitive exams like NET/SET for lectureship, civil services exams, or entrance tests for MA/PhD programs in Bengali or related humanities fields. Focus on general knowledge, analytical reasoning, and in-depth subject knowledge. Participate in mock tests and utilize previous year''''s question papers. Network with alumni who have successfully pursued these paths.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/SET study materials, Civil Services exam guides, University admission prospectuses, Alumni network
Career Connection
Strategic preparation for competitive exams and higher education pathways directly leads to secure careers in teaching, government administration, and specialized academic research roles, offering significant career progression.
Build a Professional Portfolio and Network- (Semester 5-6)
Compile a portfolio showcasing your best essays, research papers, creative writing samples, or any published work. Attend literary festivals, book fairs, and workshops to network with authors, publishers, and academics. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your target industries in Kolkata and beyond. Seek mentorship from established individuals.
Tools & Resources
Personal website/blog, LinkedIn profile, Resume/CV building resources, Industry events and conferences
Career Connection
A well-curated portfolio and a strong professional network significantly boost employability in publishing, media, journalism, and cultural organizations, opening doors to mentorship and career opportunities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 examination from a recognized board/council with at least 45% marks in Bengali (or 50% in aggregate if Bengali not a subject in 10+2)
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNGA-CC-1-1-TH | Bengali Literature & Linguistics (সাহিত্য পাঠ ও ভাষাতত্ত্ব) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | বাংলা সাহিত্যের রূপ (Forms of Bengali Literature), ভাষাতত্ত্ব: ধ্বনিতত্ত্ব (Linguistics: Phonetics), রূপতত্ত্ব (Morphology), বাক্যতত্ত্ব (Syntax), অর্থতত্ত্ব (Semantics) |
| BNGA-CC-1-2-TH | Ancient & Medieval Bengali Literature (প্রাচীন ও মধ্যযুগীয় বাংলা সাহিত্য) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | চর্যাপদ (Charyapada), শ্রীকৃষ্ণকীর্তন (Srikrishnakirtan), মঙ্গলকাব্য (Mangal Kavya), চৈতন্যজীবনী সাহিত্য (Chaitanya Biography Literature), বৈষ্ণব পদাবলী (Vaishnava Padavali) |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies / Modern Indian Language (পরিবেশ বিদ্যা / আধুনিক ভারতীয় ভাষা) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Global Environmental Issues, Environmental Ethics, Sustainable Development |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNGA-CC-2-3-TH | 19th Century Bengali Literature (উনিশ শতকের বাংলা সাহিত্য) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | ফোর্ট উইলিয়ম কলেজ ও গদ্য সাহিত্য (Fort William College & Prose), ঈশ্বরচন্দ্র বিদ্যাসাগর (Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar), বঙ্কিমচন্দ্র চট্টোপাধ্যায় (Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay), মাইকেল মধুসূদন দত্ত (Michael Madhusudan Dutt), দীনবন্ধু মিত্র (Dinabandhu Mitra) |
| BNGA-CC-2-4-TH | Modern Bengali Literature - Poetry & Prose (আধুনিক বাংলা সাহিত্য - কাব্য ও গদ্য) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | রবীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুর: কাব্য ও গদ্য (Rabindranath Tagore: Poetry & Prose), কাজী নজরুল ইসলাম (Kazi Nazrul Islam), জীবনানন্দ দাশ (Jibanananda Das), মানিক বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায় (Manik Bandyopadhyay), তারাশঙ্কর বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায় (Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay) |
| AECC-2 | Environmental Studies / Modern Indian Language (পরিবেশ বিদ্যা / আধুনিক ভারতীয় ভাষা) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | বাংলা ভাষার ইতিহাস (History of Bengali Language), বাংলা প্রবন্ধ ও প্রাবন্ধিক (Bengali Essays & Essayists), বাংলা ছোটগল্প ও ছোটগল্পকার (Bengali Short Stories & Writers), ধ্বনিতত্ত্ব, রূপতত্ত্ব (Phonetics, Morphology), বাংলা বানান ও শব্দ (Bengali Spelling & Words) |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNGA-CC-3-5-TH | Literary Forms & Rhetoric (সাহিত্যের রূপভেদ ও অলংকার) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | মহাকাব্য ও গীতিকাব্য (Epic & Lyric Poetry), নাটক, উপন্যাস, ছোটগল্প (Drama, Novel, Short Story), সাহিত্যের বিভিন্ন প্রকরণ (Various Literary Genres), ছন্দ (Prosody), অলংকার (Rhetoric/Figures of Speech) |
| BNGA-CC-3-6-TH | Modern Bengali Literature - Poetry & Drama (আধুনিক বাংলা সাহিত্য - কবিতা ও নাটক) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | বিংশ শতাব্দীর কবিতা (20th Century Poetry), তিরিশের দশকের সাহিত্য (Literature of the 1930s), কল্লোল যুগ (Kallol Era), আধুনিক বাংলা নাটক (Modern Bengali Drama), নবীন নাট্যকার ও নাট্যপ্রযোজনা (New Playwrights & Productions) |
| BNGA-CC-3-7-TH | History of Bengali Literature & Culture (বাংলা সাহিত্য ও সংস্কৃতির ইতিহাস) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | বাঙালি সংস্কৃতির বৈশিষ্ট্য (Characteristics of Bengali Culture), সাহিত্যিক আন্দোলন ও প্রগতি (Literary Movements & Progress), সমাজ সংস্কার ও সাহিত্য (Social Reforms & Literature), লোকসাহিত্য ও লোকসংস্কৃতি (Folk Literature & Culture), পত্রিকা ও সাংবাদিকতার ইতিহাস (History of Journals & Journalism) |
| BNGA-SEC-A-3-1-TH/PR | Linguistics & Bengali Language (ভাষাতত্ত্ব ও বাংলা ভাষা) | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | ভাষার উৎপত্তি ও শ্রেণিবিভাগ (Origin & Classification of Language), ভাষা পরিবার (Language Families), উপভাষা (Dialects), শব্দার্থ পরিবর্তন (Semantic Change), বাংলা বানানের নিয়ম (Rules of Bengali Orthography) |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective (from another discipline, e.g., History, Political Science, Philosophy) | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Selected topics as per chosen discipline, Interdisciplinary perspectives, Foundational concepts, Analytical skills, Broadening academic horizons |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNGA-CC-4-8-TH | Ancient & Medieval Literature - Special Study (প্রাচীন ও মধ্যযুগের সাহিত্য - বিশেষ পাঠ) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | মঙ্গলকাব্য: মনসামঙ্গল (Mangal Kavya: Manasamangal), বৈষ্ণব পদাবলী: চণ্ডীদাস, বিদ্যাপতি (Vaishnava Padavali: Chandidas, Vidyapati), চৈতন্যভাগবত (Chaitanya Bhagavat), ভারতচন্দ্র রায় (Bharatchandra Ray), রামপ্রসাদ সেন (Ramprasad Sen) |
| BNGA-CC-4-9-TH | Modern Bengali Literature - Novel & Short Story (আধুনিক বাংলা সাহিত্য - উপন্যাস ও ছোটগল্প) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | বিভূতিভূষণ বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায়: উপন্যাস (Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay: Novels), তারাশঙ্কর বন্দ্যোপাধ্যায়: ছোটগল্প (Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay: Short Stories), সতীনাথ ভাদুড়ী (Satinath Bhaduri), সুবোধ ঘোষ (Subodh Ghosh), প্রেমেন্দ্র মিত্র (Premendra Mitra) |
| BNGA-CC-4-10-TH | Literary Theory & Criticism (সাহিত্যতত্ত্ব ও সমালোচনা) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | রসতত্ত্ব (Rasa Theory), ধ্বনিতত্ত্ব (Dhvani Theory), অলংকারশাস্ত্র (Alankara Shastra), পাশ্চাত্ত্য সাহিত্যতত্ত্ব (Western Literary Theories), সাহিত্য সমালোচনা পদ্ধতি (Methods of Literary Criticism) |
| BNGA-SEC-B-4-2-TH/PR | Prosody & Rhetoric (ছন্দ ও অলংকার) | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | ছন্দের প্রকারভেদ (Types of Prosody), মাত্রাবৃত্ত, অক্ষরবৃত্ত, স্বরবৃত্ত (Matrabritta, Aksharbritta, Swarbritta), অলংকারের শ্রেণীকরণ (Classification of Rhetoric), উপমা, রূপক, উৎপ্রেক্ষা (Simile, Metaphor, Utpreksha), যমক, শ্লেষ, বক্রোক্তি (Yamaka, Slesha, Vakrokti) |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective (from another discipline) | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Selected topics as per chosen discipline, Interdisciplinary studies, Critical thinking development, Research methodologies, Broadening academic base |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNGA-CC-5-11-TH | Modern Bengali Literature - Poetry (আধুনিক বাংলা সাহিত্য - কবিতা) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | রবীন্দ্রনাথ পরবর্তী কবিতা (Post-Rabindranath Poetry), জীবনানন্দ দাশের কাব্য (Jibanananda Das''''s Poetry), সুধীন্দ্রনাথ দত্ত (Sudhindranath Dutta), বুদ্ধদেব বসু (Buddhadeb Basu), শক্তি চট্টোপাধ্যায় (Shakti Chattopadhyay) |
| BNGA-CC-5-12-TH | Modern Bengali Literature - Drama & Essay (আধুনিক বাংলা সাহিত্য - নাটক ও প্রবন্ধ) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | গিরিশচন্দ্র ঘোষ (Girish Chandra Ghosh), দ্বিজেন্দ্রলাল রায় (Dwijendralal Ray), রবীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুরের নাটক (Rabindranath Tagore''''s Drama), প্রমথ চৌধুরী (Promotho Chowdhury), অতুলচন্দ্র গুপ্ত (Atulchandra Gupta) |
| BNGA-DSE-A-5-1-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - Option A: Folk Literature / Rabindra Literature (লোকসাহিত্য / রবীন্দ্র সাহিত্য) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | লোককথার স্বরূপ ও প্রকারভেদ (Nature & Types of Folk Tales), লোকগান ও লোকনাট্য (Folk Songs & Folk Drama), ধাঁধা ও প্রবাদ প্রবচন (Riddles & Proverbs), রবীন্দ্রনাথের কাব্য ও গান (Rabindranath''''s Poetry & Songs), রবীন্দ্র উপন্যাস ও ছোটগল্প (Rabindra Novels & Short Stories) |
| BNGA-DSE-B-5-2-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - Option B: Comparative Literature / Bengali Grammar & Proverbs (তুলনামূলক সাহিত্য / বাংলা ব্যাকরণ ও প্রবাদ প্রবচন) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | তুলনামূলক সাহিত্যের ধারণা ও পদ্ধতি (Concept & Methodology of Comparative Literature), বাংলা ও অন্যান্য সাহিত্যের সম্পর্ক (Relationship between Bengali & other Literature), বাংলা ব্যাকরণ: ধ্বনিতত্ত্ব ও শব্দতত্ত্ব (Bengali Grammar: Phonetics & Morphology), বাক্যতত্ত্ব ও পদ পরিবর্তন (Syntax & Parts of Speech), বাগধারা ও প্রবাদ প্রবচন (Idioms & Proverbs) |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNGA-CC-6-13-TH | Essay Prose & Travelogue (প্রাবন্ধিক গদ্য ও ভ্রমণ সাহিত্য) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | আধুনিক বাংলা প্রবন্ধের ধারা (Trends in Modern Bengali Essays), প্রাবন্ধিকদের আলোচনা (Discussion on Essayists), ভ্রমণ সাহিত্যের বৈশিষ্ট্য (Characteristics of Travelogues), গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ভ্রমণ কাহিনী (Important Travel Narratives), সমাজ ও সংস্কৃতির প্রতিফলন (Reflection of Society & Culture) |
| BNGA-CC-6-14-TH | Short Story & Humorous Writing (ছোটগল্প ও রম্যরচনা) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | আধুনিক বাংলা ছোটগল্পের বিবর্তন (Evolution of Modern Bengali Short Stories), বিশিষ্ট ছোটগল্পকার (Prominent Short Story Writers), রম্যরচনার স্বরূপ (Nature of Humorous Writing), ব্যঙ্গ ও কৌতুক সাহিত্য (Satirical & Humorous Literature), সমাজ পর্যবেক্ষণে রম্যরচনা (Humorous Writing in Social Observation) |
| BNGA-DSE-C-6-3-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - Option C: Bengali Literature & Cinema / Bengali Children''''s Literature (বাংলা সাহিত্য ও চলচ্চিত্র / বাংলা শিশুসাহিত্য) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | সাহিত্য থেকে চলচ্চিত্রে রূপান্তর (Adaptation from Literature to Cinema), চলচ্চিত্র ভাষা ও চিত্রনাট্য (Film Language & Screenplay), বিশিষ্ট চলচ্চিত্র পরিচালক (Prominent Film Directors), শিশু সাহিত্যের ক্রমবিকাশ (Development of Children''''s Literature), উপেন্দ্রকিশোর, সুকুমার রায়, লীলা মজুমদার (Upendrakishore, Sukumar Ray, Lila Majumdar) |
| BNGA-DSE-D-6-4-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - Option D: Bhakti Literature / Bilingual Puthis (ভক্তি সাহিত্য / দোভাষী পুথি) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | চৈতন্যদেব ও বৈষ্ণব ভক্তি আন্দোলন (Chaitanyadev & Vaishnava Bhakti Movement), শাক্ত পদাবলী ও রামপ্রসাদী গান (Shakta Padavali & Ramprasadi Songs), দোভাষী পুঁথির পরিচয় (Introduction to Bilingual Puthis), পুঁথির ভাষা ও বিষয়বস্তু (Language & Content of Puthis), ঐতিহাসিক ও সাহিত্যিক গুরুত্ব (Historical & Literary Significance) |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective (from another discipline) | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Selected topics as per chosen discipline, Critical analysis and interpretation, Problem-solving approaches, Advanced academic writing, Preparing for higher studies |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective (from another discipline) | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Selected topics as per chosen discipline, Interdisciplinary research, Conceptual frameworks, Debate and discussion skills, Holistic academic development |
