

B-A in English at Harpratap Singh Yadav Mahavidyalaya


Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English at Harpratap Singh Yadav Mahavidyalaya Prayagraj?
This English B.A. program at Harpratap Singh Yadav Mahavidyalaya, affiliated with Professor Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University, focuses on a comprehensive study of literature, language, and critical theory. Embracing the NEP 2020 framework, it spans classical to contemporary works, Indian and global perspectives, and delves into philology and literary movements. The curriculum is designed to foster analytical thinking and communication skills, meeting the growing demand for articulate professionals in diverse Indian sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates who possess a passion for literature, language, and cultural studies. It suits students aspiring for careers in education, content creation, journalism, publishing, or civil services. Individuals with strong reading and analytical abilities, who wish to delve into the nuances of language and literary expression, will find this curriculum particularly rewarding, building a robust foundation for advanced academic pursuits.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as educators, content writers, editors, proofreaders, journalists, public relations specialists, or communication trainers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with significant growth potential in publishing and media houses. The program also prepares students for competitive exams like UPSC, State PCS, and for postgraduate studies in literature, linguistics, or related fields.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immerse in Literary Classics- (Semester 1-2)
Actively read and critically analyze prescribed texts, paying attention to literary forms, devices, and historical context. Utilize online literary archives like Project Gutenberg and local libraries to access diverse works, building a strong base for advanced literary studies and analytical writing.
Tools & Resources
Project Gutenberg, College/University Library
Career Connection
Develops foundational analytical skills crucial for all literary and communication-based careers.
Develop Strong Language Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on grammar, phonetics, and vocabulary development, using resources like Wren and Martin for grammar and online tools for pronunciation. Participate in college debates and elocution competitions to enhance public speaking and clear articulation, crucial for academic success and future communication-centric roles.
Tools & Resources
Wren and Martin grammar books, Online pronunciation guides, College Debate Club
Career Connection
Enhances communication skills essential for content writing, journalism, and public relations.
Engage in Peer Learning and Discussion- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex literary theories and interpretations, sharing insights and clarifying doubts. Utilize platforms like Google Meet or WhatsApp groups for collaborative learning, fostering critical thinking and diverse perspectives on literary works.
Tools & Resources
Google Meet, WhatsApp groups, Study circles
Career Connection
Improves collaborative problem-solving and presentation skills, valuable in team-oriented work environments.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Literary Criticism and Theory- (Semester 3-5)
Dive deep into various critical approaches (feminism, Marxism, postcolonialism) to analyze texts from multiple perspectives. Attend university webinars or online courses from platforms like NPTEL to broaden theoretical understanding and participate in inter-collegiate literary analysis competitions.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Academic webinars, Inter-collegiate literary events
Career Connection
Develops advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, highly sought after in academia, research, and policy analysis.
Cultivate Research and Analytical Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Practice writing well-structured essays and research papers, focusing on proper citation and argumentation. Utilize academic databases like Jstor (if accessible via university) or Google Scholar to conduct thorough literature reviews, preparing for advanced academic projects and competitive exams.
Tools & Resources
Google Scholar, MLA/APA style guides, University academic writing workshops
Career Connection
Prepares for roles requiring in-depth research, such as academic research, journalism, or content strategy.
Seek Practical Writing Experience- (Semester 3-5)
Contribute to college magazines, newsletters, or local online blogs as a writer or editor. This practical exposure to content creation and editing enhances portfolio development, valuable for careers in journalism, publishing, and digital media in India.
Tools & Resources
College Magazine/Newsletter, Personal blog platforms (e.g., WordPress), Local online news portals
Career Connection
Builds a professional portfolio and gains practical experience for careers in media, publishing, and content creation.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 6)
Apply research methodology skills to conduct an independent study on a chosen literary topic, under faculty guidance. This provides hands-on experience in academic inquiry, preparing for postgraduate research and demonstrating specialized knowledge to potential employers.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, Research journals, Academic writing software
Career Connection
Showcases independent research capability, vital for higher education, research roles, and analytical positions.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 6)
Systematically prepare for civil services (UPSC, State PSC) or other competitive exams that emphasize English language, literature, and general knowledge. Join coaching classes or study groups, and practice previous year papers to improve time management and test-taking strategies for Indian examinations.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/State PSC study materials, Coaching institutes, Online mock test series
Career Connection
Opens doors to esteemed government positions and enhances overall intellectual and general awareness.
Build a Professional Network and Portfolio- (Semester 6)
Attend literary festivals, workshops, and seminars to connect with authors, scholars, and industry professionals. Create a portfolio of creative writing, critical essays, or edited works, showcasing skills for potential employers in India''''s booming content and media industry.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Literary events, Online portfolio platforms
Career Connection
Facilitates networking for job opportunities, internships, and mentorship in literary and media industries.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Intermediate) Pass from a recognized board, as per Professor Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University norms.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 48 (for English Major specialization) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A010101T | English Poetry | Core | 4 | Forms of Poetry and Figures of Speech, Prosody and Poetic Devices, Shakespearean and Romantic Poetry, Victorian and Modern Poetry, Indian English Poetry |
| A010102T | English Prose | Core | 4 | Literary Forms and Figures of Speech, Elements of Prose and Literary Terms, Bacon, Lamb, Gardiner Essays, O. Henry, Narayan, Singh Short Stories, Biographical and Autobiographical Excerpts |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A010201T | English Drama | Core | 4 | Forms and Elements of Drama, Dramatic Devices and Literary Terms, Shakespearean Tragedy (Macbeth), Modern English Drama (Shaw, Eliot), Indian English Drama (Girish Karnad) |
| A010202T | English Language and Philology | Core | 4 | History of English Language, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Word Formation, Semantics and Meaning, Stylistics and Rhetoric |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A010301T | Literary Terms, Movements and Critical Approaches | Core | 4 | Key Literary Terms and Concepts, Major Literary Movements (Renaissance to Post-Modernism), Critical Approaches (Formalism, Feminism, Marxism), Structuralism and Deconstruction, Cultural and New Historicist Studies |
| A010302T | English Fiction | Core | 4 | Forms and Elements of Fiction, Jane Austen and Charles Dickens Novels, R.K. Narayan and Anita Desai Novels, Indian Regional Fiction in Translation, Themes and Narrative Techniques |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A010401T | English Literature from Chaucer to Romantic Age | Core | 4 | Chaucer and Middle English Period, Renaissance and Elizabethan Era, 17th Century Literature (Milton, Dryden), Augustan Age (Pope, Swift), Romantic Poets and Novelists |
| A010402T | American Literature | Core | 4 | Early American Literature and Transcendentalism, 19th Century American Poets and Novelists, 20th Century Modernism and Harlem Renaissance, Post-WWII American Literature, Key Themes in American Writing |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A010501T | History of English Literature | Core | 4 | Periods of English Literature (Old English to Post-Modern), Major Authors and Works (Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton), Romantic, Victorian, Modern Era Literary Trends, Literary Movements and Influences, Evolution of English Literary Forms |
| A010502T | Indian Writing in English | Core | 4 | Pioneers of Indian English Poetry and Prose, Major Indian English Novelists and Playwrights, Themes of Identity, Colonialism, Nationalism, Tradition, Modernity, and Gender Issues, Evolution of Indian English Literature |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A010601T | Literary Criticism and Theory | Core | 4 | Classical and English Literary Criticism, Modern Literary Theory (Formalism, New Criticism, Structuralism), Post-structuralism, Deconstruction, Feminism, Marxist, Postcolonial, Eco-criticism, Key Critical Concepts and Terminology |
| A010602T | Research Methodology in English | Elective | 4 | Fundamentals of Research and Design, Literature Review and Hypothesis Formulation, Data Collection Methods and Analysis, Academic Writing and Referencing Styles, Avoiding Plagiarism and Ethical Research |
| A010603T | Creative Writing | Elective | 4 | Introduction to Creative Expression, Forms: Poetry, Short Story, Drama, Essay, Elements: Plot, Character, Dialogue, Imagery, Writing Process: Drafting, Revising, Editing, Publishing Opportunities and Platforms |




