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BA in English at Greater Mawlai College
East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
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About the Specialization
What is English at Greater Mawlai College East Khasi Hills?
This BA English program at Greater Mawlai College focuses on a comprehensive study of literature from diverse cultural and historical contexts. It delves into Indian, European, British, American, and World literatures, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. The curriculum is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled communicators and critical analysts in various Indian industries, offering a unique blend of classical and contemporary perspectives.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into fields like content creation, journalism, publishing, and public relations. It also suits individuals passionate about literature and language who wish to pursue higher education or teaching careers. Aspiring civil servants and those preparing for competitive examinations will also benefit from the strong analytical and communicative foundations provided by this specialization.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including content writer (INR 3-6 LPA), editor (INR 4-8 LPA), journalist (INR 3-7 LPA), or public relations specialist (INR 4-9 LPA). Growth trajectories often lead to senior editorial roles, content strategy positions, or academic leadership. The program also aligns with requirements for UGC NET/JRF, enabling a career in academia across Indian universities.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Extensive Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with prescribed texts and explore supplementary readings from diverse genres. Develop speed reading and critical comprehension techniques to build a strong literary foundation. Participate in college literary clubs and book discussions to broaden perspectives.
Tools & Resources
College Library, Project Gutenberg, Online literary journals, Book clubs
Career Connection
Strong reading habits are fundamental for literary analysis, research, and general knowledge, essential for competitive exams and any content-related career.
Master Academic Writing and Research Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing clear, concise, and analytical writing skills. Learn proper essay structure, referencing styles (MLA/APA), and basic research methodologies for literature. Seek feedback from professors on assignments regularly to improve.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL, Grammarly, JSTOR (through library access), Academic advisors
Career Connection
Excellent writing is crucial for content roles, academic pursuits, and professional communication in any industry. Research skills aid in problem-solving.
Engage in Public Speaking and Presentation- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom discussions, seminars, and literary events. Practice presenting ideas coherently and confidently. Join college debate or elocution societies to hone oral communication skills.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters International (if available nearby), College drama club, Presentation software
Career Connection
Effective public speaking is invaluable for teaching, journalism, public relations, and leadership roles, enhancing employability in client-facing or leadership positions.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-5)
Connect literary studies with other disciplines like history, philosophy, sociology, and psychology. Analyze texts through various theoretical lenses and understand their cultural and historical contexts. Utilize generic electives to broaden your academic horizons.
Tools & Resources
Cross-listed courses, Interdisciplinary seminars, Academic journals in related fields
Career Connection
This builds holistic understanding, critical thinking, and analytical versatility, highly valued in research, policy analysis, and diverse content strategy roles.
Undertake Practical Skill Enhancement Courses- (Semester 3-5)
Choose Skill Enhancement Courses (SECs) like Academic Writing and Translation Studies to gain practical, employable skills. Apply these skills through real-world projects, even if small-scale, like translating local stories or writing college newsletters.
Tools & Resources
Translation software (e.g., SDL Trados for basic exposure), College magazine/newsletter editorial team
Career Connection
These skills are directly transferable to content writing, technical writing, translation services, and digital media, offering immediate employment potential.
Network and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 3-5)
Attend guest lectures, workshops, and literary festivals. Connect with professors, alumni, and professionals in fields like journalism, publishing, and education. Seek guidance for career paths and higher education opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Alumni network events, Departmental forums
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internships, job opportunities, and invaluable career advice, crucial for navigating the competitive Indian job market.
Advanced Stage
Develop Advanced Research and Critical Thinking- (Semester 6)
Engage in in-depth research for Discipline Specific Electives and potential final year projects. Learn to formulate strong arguments, analyze complex literary theories, and contribute original insights. Consider attending or presenting at student conferences.
Tools & Resources
University research databases, Advanced literary theory texts, Research methodology workshops
Career Connection
This prepares students for postgraduate studies, research-oriented careers, and roles requiring high-level analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Prepare for Post-Graduation and Career Entry- (Semester 6)
Identify target career paths (e.g., M.A. English, Journalism, Civil Services). Prepare for entrance exams (e.g., NET, university entrance tests, UPSC) or job interviews. Tailor your resume/CV and portfolio to highlight relevant skills and projects.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, Mock interview sessions, Online test preparation platforms
Career Connection
Proactive preparation significantly increases chances for securing admissions to top postgraduate programs or landing desired jobs right after graduation.
Undertake Internships or Project Work- (Semester 6)
Seek internships in publishing houses, media agencies, NGOs, or educational institutions to gain practical industry exposure. If internships are scarce, initiate independent projects like running a literary blog, editing college publications, or assisting professors in research.
Tools & Resources
Internship portals (e.g., Internshala), Departmental project opportunities, Personal blogging platforms
Career Connection
Practical experience and a strong portfolio are critical for standing out in the Indian job market, demonstrating real-world application of academic learning.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 examination or equivalent from a recognized board.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 144 (for Honours program) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-CC-101 | Indian Classical Literature | Core | 6 | Sanskrit Drama, Tamil Epics, Classical Poetics, Indian Aesthetics, Ancient Literary Traditions |
| ENG-CC-102 | European Classical Literature | Core | 6 | Greek Epic, Greek Tragedy, Roman Comedy, Aristotle''''s Poetics, Classical Literary Forms |
| ENV-AECC-101 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Pollution, Sustainable Development, Environmental Ethics |
| GEN-GE-101 | Generic Elective-I | Generic Elective | 6 | Interdisciplinary Studies, Broad Knowledge Base, Critical Thinking, Analytical Skills, Diverse Perspectives |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-CC-203 | Indian Writing in English | Core | 6 | Early Indian English Fiction, Post-Independence Novel, Indian English Poetry, Diasporic Writing, Themes in Indian English Literature |
| ENG-CC-204 | British Poetry and Drama: 14th to 17th Centuries | Core | 6 | Chaucer''''s Poetry, Shakespearean Tragedy, Elizabethan Drama, Metaphysical Poetry, Renaissance Literature |
| ENG-AECC-202 | English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Grammar and Usage, Listening Skills, Public Speaking, Presentation Skills, Report Writing |
| GEN-GE-202 | Generic Elective-II | Generic Elective | 6 | Cross-Disciplinary Learning, Holistic Education, Subject Exploration, Academic Breadth, Diverse Skill Sets |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-CC-305 | British Poetry and Drama: 17th and 18th Centuries | Core | 6 | Milton''''s Epic Poetry, Restoration Comedy, Augustan Satire, Neoclassical Poetics, Age of Reason Literature |
| ENG-CC-306 | British Novel: 18th Century | Core | 6 | Rise of the Novel, Picaresque Novel, Sentimental Novel, Gothic Fiction, Novelistic Innovations |
| ENG-CC-307 | British Romantic Literature | Core | 6 | Romantic Poets, Nature Poetry, Individualism, Romantic Prose, Imagination and Emotion |
| ENG-SEC-301 | Academic Writing and Composition | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 4 | Essay Structure, Research Process, Argumentative Writing, Citation Styles, Academic Integrity |
| GEN-GE-303 | Generic Elective-III | Generic Elective | 6 | Multidisciplinary Approach, Knowledge Expansion, Critical Analysis, Intellectual Curiosity, Analytical Reasoning |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-CC-408 | British Literature: 19th Century | Core | 6 | Victorian Novel, Victorian Poetry, Social Commentary, Literary Criticism, Industrial Revolution Impact |
| ENG-CC-409 | Women''''s Writing | Core | 6 | Feminist Literary Theory, Women''''s Voices, Gender and Literature, Autobiographical Narratives, Patriarchy and Resistance |
| ENG-CC-410 | British Literature: Early 20th Century | Core | 6 | Modernist Poetry, Modern Drama, Stream of Consciousness, Existentialism, WWI Impact |
| ENG-SEC-402 | Translation Studies | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 4 | Theories of Translation, Cultural Aspects, Types of Translation, Ethics of Translation, Literary Translation |
| GEN-GE-404 | Generic Elective-IV | Generic Elective | 6 | Interdisciplinary Research, Problem-Solving Skills, Diverse Academic Fields, Creative Thinking, Informed Decision Making |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-CC-511 | American Literature | Core | 6 | Transcendentalism, Realism and Naturalism, Modern American Novel, African American Literature, Poetry of the Americas |
| ENG-CC-512 | Popular Literature | Core | 6 | Detective Fiction, Fantasy and Sci-Fi, Graphic Novels, Children''''s Literature, Media and Culture |
| ENG-DSE-501 | Literary Criticism and Theory | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | New Criticism, Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Postcolonial Theory |
| ENG-DSE-502 | Modern European Drama | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Absurdist Theatre, Expressionism, Political Theatre, Brechtian Drama, Symbolist Drama |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-CC-613 | Postcolonial Literatures | Core | 6 | Postcolonial Theory, African Literature, Caribbean Literature, South Asian Writing, Decolonization and Identity |
| ENG-CC-614 | World Literatures | Core | 6 | Latin American Novel, East Asian Literature, European Masterpieces, Global Literary Trends, Comparative Literature |
| ENG-DSE-603 | Research Methodology | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Academic Writing, Thesis Structure, Plagiarism and Ethics |
| ENG-DSE-604 | Autobiography | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Theories of Autobiography, Memoirs and Diaries, Self-Narration, Life Writing, Identity and Memory |
