

BACHELOR-OF-ARTS in English at Government P.G. College, Damoh


Damoh, Madhya Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English at Government P.G. College, Damoh Damoh?
This English (Honours) program at Gyan Chandra Shrivastava Government Post Graduate College, Damoh, focuses on a comprehensive study of literature, language, and critical theory. It delves into Indian, British, European, and American literary traditions, alongside popular and contemporary writings. The program equips students with analytical, interpretative, and communication skills highly relevant in India''''s growing content creation, media, and education sectors, addressing a significant demand for skilled communicators and critical thinkers.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any stream who possess a strong interest in literature, language, and critical analysis. It suits individuals aspiring to careers in teaching, journalism, publishing, content writing, or civil services. Students with a flair for creative expression and a desire to understand diverse cultures and human experiences through texts will find this specialization particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India such as content writer, editor, journalist, public relations specialist, teacher, or civil servant. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The strong foundation in communication and analytical skills offers robust growth trajectories in various Indian companies, along with excellent preparation for competitive exams and higher studies.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Literary Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with classical Indian and European texts, focusing on historical context and literary movements. Participate in weekly discussion groups to analyze narratives, themes, and characters, strengthening critical reading and interpretation skills.
Tools & Resources
College Library Resources, Online literary archives (Project Gutenberg), Peer study groups
Career Connection
Develops core analytical skills essential for any career requiring critical thinking, research, and understanding of complex information, like journalism or policy analysis.
Enhance Communication Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in English communication and academic writing workshops. Practice public speaking, group discussions, and formal writing to refine verbal and written expression. Seek feedback from professors on assignments and presentations.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Toastmasters (if available locally), University writing center services
Career Connection
Crucial for roles in content creation, marketing, teaching, and any professional setting where clear and persuasive communication is paramount for career advancement in India.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond core English subjects, utilize Generic Electives (GE) to explore subjects like Environmental Studies or other humanities. This broadens perspective and develops interdisciplinary thinking, which is highly valued in the modern Indian job market.
Tools & Resources
Elective course offerings, Guest lectures on interdisciplinary topics, Open online courses (NPTEL, Coursera)
Career Connection
Provides a holistic understanding of societal issues, making graduates more versatile and adaptable for roles in NGOs, public policy, or diverse media houses across India.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Studies- (Semester 3-5)
Select Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) strategically in areas like Literary Theory, Film Studies, or Research Methodology. Focus on developing expertise in chosen domains, potentially leading to a minor research project or advanced paper.
Tools & Resources
Departmental DSE counseling, Research journals (JSTOR, MLA International Bibliography), Academic conferences (local/regional)
Career Connection
Allows for focused skill development for specific career paths, such as academic research, film criticism, or teaching, increasing employability in specialized Indian industries.
Gain Practical Exposure through Creative & Soft Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Actively engage in Skill Enhancement Courses (SECs) like Creative Writing or Soft Skills. Apply these skills by contributing to college magazines, cultural festivals, or local community projects. Practice interview techniques and resume building.
Tools & Resources
College cultural societies, Local newspapers/magazines, Online platforms for creative writing (Wattpad, Medium)
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for job market demands in India by honing practical skills like creative content generation, teamwork, and professional communication, crucial for placements.
Build a Professional Network and Portfolio- (Semester 3-5)
Attend workshops, seminars, and literary festivals. Connect with faculty, alumni, and professionals in fields like journalism, publishing, or education. Begin compiling a portfolio of academic essays, creative writing pieces, or research projects.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional association events (e.g., Sahitya Akademi events), College alumni network
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internship and job opportunities in Indian media and literary circles, while a strong portfolio showcases capabilities to potential employers.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Independent Research and Projects- (Semester 6)
Initiate an independent research project or a dissertation under faculty guidance. This involves extensive literature review, critical analysis, and academic writing, mirroring post-graduate level work and demonstrating research acumen.
Tools & Resources
University research databases, Thesis writing guides, Faculty mentors
Career Connection
Showcases advanced analytical and research skills, highly valued for academic careers, government roles, and think tanks in India, or for admission to top postgraduate programs.
Strategize for Higher Education or Career Entry- (Semester 6)
Prepare thoroughly for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, NET/JRF for academia, or entrance tests for journalism/mass communication post-graduation. Research potential employers and refine interview skills.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes (if opting for competitive exams), Career counseling cell, Online job portals (Naukri, LinkedIn)
Career Connection
Directly supports placement or higher education goals, ensuring a smooth transition from college to a professional or academic career in India with a clear roadmap.
Seek Mentorship and Industry Insights- (Semester 6)
Actively seek mentorship from professors or alumni working in desired fields. Gain insights into industry trends, challenges, and opportunities. Participate in mock interviews and aptitude tests to gauge readiness for the job market.
Tools & Resources
Alumni Mentorship Programs, Industry webinars, Career fairs
Career Connection
Provides real-world perspectives and valuable connections, helping graduates navigate the Indian job market effectively and make informed career decisions for sustained professional growth.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 with minimum 45% marks in aggregate (40% for SC/ST/OBC/PWD) from a recognized board.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 144 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies, Natural Resources, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and its conservation, Environmental Pollution |
| C-1 | Indian Classical Literature | Core | 6 | Kalidasa''''s Abhijnana Shakuntalam, Sudraka''''s Mrcchakatika, Vyasa''''s Mahabharata (excerpts), Tamil Poetics, Gandhari |
| C-2 | European Classical Literature | Core | 6 | Homer''''s Odyssey (selected books), Sophocles'''' Oedipus Rex, Plato''''s Republic (Book X), Aristotle''''s Poetics, Horace''''s Ars Poetica |
| GE-1 | English Language & Communication | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Introduction to Communication, Types of Communication, Language and Communication, Writing Skills, Presentation Skills |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-2 | English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Introduction to Communication, Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication, Listening Skills, Speaking Skills, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills |
| C-3 | Indian Writing in English | Core | 6 | R.K. Narayan''''s The Guide, Mulk Raj Anand''''s Untouchable, Raja Rao''''s Kanthapura, Tagore''''s Gitanjali (selected poems), Kamala Das''''s My Story |
| C-4 | British Poetry and Drama: 14th to 17th Centuries | Core | 6 | Chaucer''''s The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales, Shakespeare''''s Twelfth Night, John Donne''''s selected poems, John Milton''''s Paradise Lost (Book 1), Ben Jonson''''s Volpone |
| GE-2 | Academic Writing & Composition | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | The Writing Process, Paragraph Writing, Essay Writing, Argumentative Writing, Research Paper Writing, Referencing Styles |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-5 | American Literature | Core | 6 | Nathaniel Hawthorne''''s The Scarlet Letter, Mark Twain''''s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Walt Whitman''''s selected poems, Emily Dickinson''''s selected poems, Robert Frost''''s selected poems |
| C-6 | Popular Literature | Core | 6 | Lewis Carroll''''s Through the Looking Glass, Agatha Christie''''s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Sukumar Ray''''s Abol Tabol, Graphic Novels, Detective Fiction |
| C-7 | British Poetry and Drama: 17th and 18th Centuries | Core | 6 | John Dryden''''s Absalom and Achitophel, Alexander Pope''''s The Rape of the Lock, William Congreve''''s The Way of the World, Samuel Johnson''''s selected essays, William Blake''''s Songs of Innocence and Experience |
| SEC-1 | Soft Skills | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 4 | Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Time Management, Stress Management, Leadership Skills, Interview Skills |
| GE-3 | Language and Linguistics | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | What is Language?, Branches of Linguistics, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-8 | British Romantic Literature | Core | 6 | William Wordsworth''''s selected poems, Samuel Taylor Coleridge''''s Kubla Khan, Lord Byron''''s Don Juan (Canto II), Percy Bysshe Shelley''''s Ode to the West Wind, John Keats'''' Ode to a Grecian Urn, Jane Austen''''s Pride and Prejudice |
| C-9 | British Literature: The Early 20th Century | Core | 6 | T.S. Eliot''''s The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, W.B. Yeats'''' The Second Coming, Virginia Woolf''''s Mrs Dalloway, Joseph Conrad''''s Heart of Darkness, George Bernard Shaw''''s Pygmalion |
| C-10 | Literary Criticism | Core | 6 | Aristotle''''s Poetics, Philip Sidney''''s An Apology for Poetry, William Wordsworth''''s Preface to Lyrical Ballads, T.S. Eliot''''s Tradition and the Individual Talent, I.A. Richards'''' Principles of Literary Criticism |
| SEC-2 | Creative Writing | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 4 | Introduction to Creative Writing, Poetry Writing, Short Story Writing, Playwriting, Screenplay Writing, Editing and Publishing |
| GE-4 | Media and Communication | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Introduction to Media Studies, Print Media, Electronic Media, Digital Media, Advertising, Public Relations |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-11 | Women''''s Writing | Core | 6 | Virginia Woolf''''s A Room of One''''s Own, Alice Walker''''s The Color Purple, Sylvia Plath''''s selected poems, Ismat Chughtai''''s Lihaaf, Mahasweta Devi''''s Draupadi |
| C-12 | Modern European Drama | Core | 6 | Henrik Ibsen''''s A Doll''''s House, Anton Chekhov''''s The Cherry Orchard, Bertolt Brecht''''s Mother Courage and Her Children, Samuel Beckett''''s Waiting for Godot, Eugene Ionesco''''s The Rhinoceros |
| DSE-1(a) | Literary Theory | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Option | 6 | Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Deconstruction, Feminism, Postcolonialism, Psychoanalytic Criticism |
| DSE-1(b) | Modern Indian Writing in Translation | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Option | 6 | Premchand''''s Godaan, Manto''''s Toba Tek Singh, Mahasweta Devi''''s The Hunt, A.K. Ramanujan''''s selected poems, Dalit Literature |
| DSE-1(c) | Travel Writing | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Option | 6 | Introduction to Travel Writing, History of Travel Writing, Travel Narratives, Travelogue as a genre, Famous Travel Writers |
| DSE-1(d) | Language Teaching | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Option | 6 | Principles of Language Teaching, Methods of Language Teaching, Communicative Language Teaching, Task-Based Language Teaching, English for Specific Purposes |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-13 | Postcolonial Literatures | Core | 6 | Chinua Achebe''''s Things Fall Apart, Ngugi wa Thiong''''o''''s Weep Not, Child, Salman Rushdie''''s Midnight''''s Children, Margaret Atwood''''s Surfacing, Derek Walcott''''s A Far Cry from Africa |
| C-14 | Contemporary Literature | Core | 6 | Arundhati Roy''''s The God of Small Things, Jhumpa Lahiri''''s Interpreter of Maladies, Hanif Kureishi''''s The Buddha of Suburbia, Zadie Smith''''s White Teeth, Orhan Pamuk''''s My Name Is Red |
| DSE-2(a) | Research Methodology | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Option | 6 | Introduction to Research, Types of Research, Research Design, Data Collection, Data Analysis, Report Writing |
| DSE-2(b) | Film Studies | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Option | 6 | Introduction to Film as a Medium, Elements of Film, Film Genres, Auteur Theory, Indian Cinema |
| DSE-2(c) | Diaspora Studies | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Option | 6 | Concept of Diaspora, Indian Diaspora, Diasporic Literature, Identity and Belonging, Cultural Hybridity |
| DSE-2(d) | Partition Literature | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) Option | 6 | Historical Context of Partition, Literary Responses to Partition, Saadat Hasan Manto''''s Toba Tek Singh, Amrita Pritam''''s Pinjar, Bhisham Sahni''''s Tamas |




