

BACHELOR-OF-ARTS in History at JSS College for Women, Kollegal


Chamarajanagara, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is History at JSS College for Women, Kollegal Chamarajanagara?
This History specialization program at JSS College for Women, Chamarajanagar, focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of Indian and World History, along with regional history of Karnataka. It emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and analytical interpretation of historical events and their impact. This discipline is highly relevant in India for careers in civil services, journalism, teaching, and cultural heritage management, with a growing demand for nuanced historical perspectives.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for students with a keen interest in understanding societal evolution, political dynamics, and cultural heritage, particularly those aspiring for roles in public administration, academic research, or cultural preservation. It attracts fresh graduates seeking entry into civil services, journalism, or teaching, as well as individuals passionate about exploring the past to inform the future, with no specific prior historical academic background beyond general knowledge.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths including historians, archaeologists, museum curators, archivists, researchers, civil servants (IAS/IPS), journalists, and educators. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning INR 6-15 lakhs, particularly in government or academic sectors. Growth trajectories involve specialization in specific historical periods or areas, contributing to academic discourse and policy-making.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop Strong Reading and Note-Taking Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Engage actively with primary and secondary historical texts. Practice effective note-taking techniques like Cornell notes or mind mapping to synthesize complex information from lectures and readings. This foundational skill ensures a deep understanding of historical concepts and theories, crucial for analytical essays and exams.
Tools & Resources
Academic libraries, JSTOR, NCERT History books, ''''How to Read a Book'''' by Mortimer J. Adler, Evernote/OneNote
Career Connection
Strong comprehension and information retention are vital for research-oriented roles and competitive exams like the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Cultivate Critical Thinking and Debate Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Participate actively in classroom discussions, join historical societies, and engage in debates on controversial historical topics. Learn to analyze different interpretations of history, evaluate sources, and form evidence-based arguments. This fosters intellectual independence and strengthens analytical capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, college debate clubs, ''''The Historian''''s Craft'''' by Marc Bloch
Career Connection
Essential for roles in journalism, policy analysis, and any profession requiring persuasive communication and problem-solving.
Explore Indian History Through Local Heritage Sites- (Semester 1-2)
Organize or participate in visits to historical monuments, museums, and archival centers in Chamarajanagar and Mysore region. Connect classroom learning with tangible historical evidence, enhancing understanding of local and regional historical narratives. Document observations and reflections through journals or reports.
Tools & Resources
Local museums, Karnataka State Archives, ASI managed sites (e.g., Somnathpur Temple, Talakad)
Career Connection
Provides practical exposure for careers in archaeology, museumology, heritage management, and cultural tourism in India.
Intermediate Stage
Master Research Methodology and Academic Writing- (Semester 3-5)
Focus on developing robust research skills including source evaluation, bibliography creation, and proper citation. Practice writing academic essays, research papers, and review articles adhering to scholarly standards. Seek feedback from professors to refine writing and argumentation.
Tools & Resources
MLA/APA style guides, Zotero/Mendeley, academic writing workshops, guidance from faculty
Career Connection
Crucial for postgraduate studies, academic research, publishing, and any role requiring structured reporting or analysis.
Engage with Interdisciplinary Historical Perspectives- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek connections between History and other subjects like Sociology, Economics, Political Science, and Literature. Attend guest lectures and workshops on themes like economic history, social history, or gender studies. This broadens understanding and offers new lenses for historical inquiry.
Tools & Resources
Inter-departmental seminars, online courses (Coursera, edX) on related disciplines
Career Connection
Develops a holistic perspective valuable for civil services, think tanks, and interdisciplinary research projects.
Participate in Historical Seminars and Conferences- (Semester 3-5)
Present papers or posters at college-level or regional history seminars. This practice builds public speaking skills, exposes students to different research areas, and allows for networking with scholars and peers. Seek opportunities to attend history-focused events in Mysore or Bengaluru.
Tools & Resources
College research committees, state history congress events, university conferences
Career Connection
Enhances academic profile, boosts communication skills, and opens doors for advanced studies and professional networks.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Mini-Research Project or Dissertation- (Semester 6)
In the final year, choose a specific historical topic of interest and conduct an independent research project under faculty supervision. This involves extensive primary and secondary source analysis, field work (if applicable), and presenting findings in a dissertation or detailed report. This is a capstone experience for in-depth learning.
Tools & Resources
Departmental faculty mentors, university library resources, specialized archival collections
Career Connection
Demonstrates research capability for M.A./Ph.D. programs and is highly valued for roles requiring independent analytical work.
Prepare for Competitive Exams (UPSC, KPSC, NET)- (Semester 5-6)
Begin focused preparation for civil services exams (UPSC, KPSC) or National Eligibility Test (NET) for lectureship. Integrate syllabus topics with exam patterns, practice answer writing, and join study groups. This provides a clear career trajectory for many History graduates in India.
Tools & Resources
Coaching centers, online platforms for competitive exam prep, previous year question papers
Career Connection
Directly impacts chances of securing prestigious government jobs or academic positions in India.
Explore Internship Opportunities in Related Fields- (Semester 5-6)
Seek internships with heritage organizations, NGOs, museums, archives, or publishing houses that deal with historical content. Gain practical experience in areas like documentation, conservation, research, or content creation. This bridges academic knowledge with professional application.
Tools & Resources
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), National Archives of India, state archaeological departments, publishing houses
Career Connection
Provides real-world experience, builds professional networks, and can lead to immediate employment or clearer career direction post-graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 100 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L1.1 | Language I (e.g., Kannada/Sanskrit/Hindi/Urdu) | Language | 3 | |
| L2.1 | Language II (English) | Language | 3 | |
| BAH 1.1 | History of India (Earliest Times to c. 300 CE) | Core (Optional I - History) | 4 | Sources of Indian History, Pre-historic cultures, Indus Civilization, Vedic and Later Vedic Age, Rise of Jainism and Buddhism, Mauryan Empire and Administration |
| OPT.2.1 | Other Optional Subject I | Optional | 4 | |
| OPT.3.1 | Other Optional Subject II | Optional | 4 | |
| FC 1.1 | Foundation Course | Foundation | 2 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L1.2 | Language I (e.g., Kannada/Sanskrit/Hindi/Urdu) | Language | 3 | |
| L2.2 | Language II (English) | Language | 3 | |
| BAH 2.1 | History of India (c. 300 CE to c. 1206 CE) | Core (Optional I - History) | 4 | Gupta Empire and Administration, Post-Gupta Dynasties (Harsha), Rise of Early Medieval Dynasties (Chalukyas, Pallavas), Chola Administration and Society, Arab Conquest of Sindh, Invasions of Ghazni and Ghor |
| OPT.2.2 | Other Optional Subject I | Optional | 4 | |
| OPT.3.2 | Other Optional Subject II | Optional | 4 | |
| FC 2.1 | Foundation Course | Foundation | 2 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L1.3 | Language I (e.g., Kannada/Sanskrit/Hindi/Urdu) | Language | 3 | |
| L2.3 | Language II (English) | Language | 3 | |
| BAH 3.1 | History of India (c. 1206 CE to c. 1761 CE) | Core (Optional I - History) | 4 | Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Khalji and Tughlaq Dynasties, Vijayangara and Bahmani Kingdoms, Bhakti and Sufi Movements, Mughal Empire: Babur to Aurangzeb, Decline of Mughal Empire |
| OPT.2.3 | Other Optional Subject I | Optional | 4 | |
| OPT.3.3 | Other Optional Subject II | Optional | 4 | |
| FC 3.1 | Foundation Course | Foundation | 2 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L1.4 | Language I (e.g., Kannada/Sanskrit/Hindi/Urdu) | Language | 3 | |
| L2.4 | Language II (English) | Language | 3 | |
| BAH 4.1 | History of India (c. 1761 CE to 1947 CE) | Core (Optional I - History) | 4 | Decline of Mughals and Rise of Regional Powers, Establishment of British Rule, Revolt of 1857, Socio-Religious Reform Movements, Indian National Movement (Gandhian Era), Partition and Independence |
| OPT.2.4 | Other Optional Subject I | Optional | 4 | |
| OPT.3.4 | Other Optional Subject II | Optional | 4 | |
| FC 4.1 | Foundation Course | Foundation | 2 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH 5.2 | History of Karnataka (Earliest Times to 1799 CE) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Sources of Karnataka History, Pre-historic Cultures of Karnataka, Early Dynasties: Kadambas, Gangas, Chalukyas of Badami and Kalyana, Hoysalas and their contribution, Wodeyars of Mysore (Early phase) |
| BAH 5.3 | World Civilizations (c. 3000 BCE to c. 1500 CE) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Bronze Age Civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt), Greek City States and Persian Empire, Roman Empire, Rise of Islam and Arab Civilization, Feudalism in Medieval Europe, Renaissance and Reformation |
| BAH 5.4 | History of the USA (1776 CE to 1945 CE) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | American War of Independence, Formation of the Constitution, Expansion and Westward Movement, Civil War and Reconstruction, Industrialization and Rise as a World Power, Great Depression and New Deal |
| SBC 5.1 | Tourism and Heritage | Skill Based Course | 3 | Concept of Tourism, Types of Tourism (Heritage, Eco, Cultural), Heritage Management, Impact of Tourism (Economic, Social), Tourism in India and Karnataka, Career Opportunities in Tourism |
| OE 5.1 | Indian Constitution | Open Elective | 3 | Making of the Indian Constitution, Preamble, Salient Features, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Federal System and Centre-State Relations, Amendment Procedures |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAH 6.2 | World Civilizations (c. 1500 CE to c. 2000 CE) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Age of Exploration and Mercantilism, Enlightenment and Revolutions, Industrial Revolutions, Imperialism and Colonialism, World Wars and Cold War, Decolonization and Globalization |
| BAH 6.3 | Europe (c. 1500 CE to c. 1945 CE) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Rise of Nation States, French Revolution and Napoleon, Congress of Vienna, Unification of Germany and Italy, First World War, Inter-war period and Second World War |
| BAH 6.4 | History of Russia (1861 CE to 1991 CE) OR History of China & Japan (c. 1839 CE to 1949 CE) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Abolition of Serfdom in Russia, Russian Revolution (1917), Formation of USSR, Opium Wars and unequal treaties (China), Meiji Restoration (Japan), Rise of Militarism and Sino-Japanese War |
| SBC 6.1 | Archival Studies and Museumology | Skill Based Course | 3 | Meaning and Scope of Archives, Types of Archives and Records Management, Role of Museums in Society, Types of Museums and their functions, Conservation and Preservation of artifacts, Career in Archival and Museum Studies |
| OE 6.1 | Human Rights and Social Justice | Open Elective | 3 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in India (NHRC), Concept of Social Justice, Constitutional Provisions for Social Justice, Challenges to Human Rights and Social Justice |




