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BA-HONOURS in English at K. K. Das College
South 24 Parganas, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is English at K. K. Das College South 24 Parganas?
This English Honours program at K. K. Das College focuses on cultivating a deep understanding of literature, language, and critical theory. It explores diverse literary traditions, from European classics to modern Indian writing, alongside developing strong analytical and communication skills. The program is vital for nurturing future educators, writers, and communication specialists in India''''s evolving academic and media landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for students with a passion for reading, writing, and critical thinking who aspire to careers in academia, journalism, content creation, or civil services. It caters to fresh graduates seeking entry into teaching or publishing, as well as those planning to pursue higher studies in humanities. A strong command over English and a keen interest in cultural studies are beneficial prerequisites.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including teaching, content writing, editing, media, and public relations. Entry-level salaries range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The strong foundation in analytical and communication skills prepares students for competitive exams like UPSC and offers a robust base for pursuing M.A. or B.Ed. degrees.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Extensive Reading Habits- (undefined)
Engage deeply with core texts by reading beyond the prescribed syllabus. Join college literary clubs to discuss works, share interpretations, and broaden literary perspectives. Utilize the college library''''s extensive collection and online resources like Project Gutenberg for classical texts.
Tools & Resources
College Library, Literary Clubs, Project Gutenberg, Online literary journals
Career Connection
A wide reading base enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and critical analysis, crucial for academic success and future roles in writing, editing, or research.
Master Academic Writing and Research- (undefined)
Focus on developing clear, concise, and argumentative writing skills through regular essay practice and seeking feedback from professors. Learn basic research methodologies, proper citation techniques, and avoiding plagiarism. Participate in college writing workshops.
Tools & Resources
MLA/APA Style Guides, Grammarly, Turnitin (if available), College writing workshops
Career Connection
Strong academic writing is fundamental for higher studies, research papers, content creation, and professional communication across all industries.
Active Participation in Discussions and Seminars- (undefined)
Actively contribute to classroom discussions, departmental seminars, and inter-collegiate debates. This helps in articulating ideas, defending arguments, and understanding diverse viewpoints, fostering public speaking confidence.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, Debate clubs, Presentation tools like PowerPoint/Google Slides
Career Connection
Improved communication and presentation skills are highly valued in teaching, journalism, public relations, and corporate roles requiring effective verbal interaction.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (undefined)
Connect literary studies with other disciplines like history, philosophy, sociology, and psychology, especially through Generic Elective courses. This broadens understanding of contexts and enriches literary analysis, encouraging a holistic academic approach.
Tools & Resources
Interdisciplinary journals, University lecture series, Online courses (e.g., NPTEL, Coursera), Cross-departmental events
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary perspective makes graduates versatile, equipping them for roles in policy analysis, cultural studies, and diverse research fields.
Engage in Literary and Cultural Events- (undefined)
Attend and participate in literary festivals, poetry readings, theatre productions, and film screenings organized within or outside the college. Critically analyze these experiences to deepen engagement with various art forms and their cultural impact.
Tools & Resources
Local literary festivals, Theatre groups, Film societies, Cultural forums, Departmental events
Career Connection
Direct exposure to cultural practices provides practical insights for careers in media, event management, and cultural criticism, enriching professional portfolios.
Develop Foundational Research Skills for Projects- (undefined)
Begin working on small research projects or term papers under faculty guidance, focusing on specific literary periods or authors. Learn to synthesize information from various sources and formulate original arguments, preparing for advanced DSE courses.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, College thesis archives, Faculty mentorship, Zotero/Mendeley for referencing
Career Connection
Early research experience is crucial for postgraduate studies, academic roles, and any career requiring detailed investigation and analytical reporting.
Advanced Stage
Specialized Skill Development and Internships- (undefined)
Utilize DSE and SEC courses to specialize in areas like translation, creative writing, or research methodology. Seek internships with publishing houses, media agencies, or educational institutions to gain practical industry exposure and apply theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Internship portals (e.g., Internshala, LinkedIn), Professional networking platforms
Career Connection
Internships provide crucial real-world experience, build professional networks, and often lead to pre-placement offers or direct job opportunities in relevant sectors.
Comprehensive Preparation for Higher Education/Competitive Exams- (undefined)
Prepare rigorously for postgraduate entrance exams (e.g., MA English, B.Ed.) or civil services examinations (UPSC, WBCS). Focus on general knowledge, current affairs, and advanced English comprehension. Form study groups and utilize mock tests.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/WBCS coaching materials, MA English entrance guides, Online test series, Peer study groups, Newspapers and current affairs magazines
Career Connection
Targeted preparation enhances chances of admission to prestigious universities or securing coveted government positions, significantly boosting career prospects.
Build a Professional Portfolio and Network- (undefined)
Curate a portfolio of best academic papers, creative writing samples, or project reports. Attend webinars, workshops, and alumni meets to network with professionals in desired fields, seeking mentorship and career advice.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional association memberships, Online portfolio platforms (e.g., Medium, Behance for writing), Alumni association
Career Connection
A strong portfolio showcases capabilities to potential employers, while networking opens doors to career opportunities, collaborations, and long-term professional growth.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates must have 50% marks in English in the Higher Secondary (10+2) Examination or an equivalent examination, or 45% marks in aggregate with English as one of the subjects.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-H-CC-1 | European Classical Literature | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Greek Tragedy (Sophocles), Epic Poetry (Homer''''s Iliad), Aristotle''''s Poetics, Classical Heroism and Myth, Roman Comedy (Plautus, Terence), Classical Aesthetics |
| ENG-H-CC-2 | Indian Writing in English | Core Course (CC) | 6 | History of Indian English Literature, Early Indian English Poetry, Major Novelists (R.K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand), Partition Literature, Modern Indian English Drama, Themes of Nation and Identity |
| GENERIC-ELECTIVE-1 | Generic Elective 1 (Options from other Disciplines) | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Topics vary based on chosen elective from other disciplines (e.g., History, Political Science, Philosophy, Economics). |
| AECC-1 | English / Modern Indian Language (MIL) Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Language Comprehension, Basic Writing Skills, Formal and Informal Communication, Grammar and Usage, Public Speaking Basics, Report Writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-H-CC-3 | British Poetry and Drama (14th-17th Centuries) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Chaucer''''s Canterbury Tales, Elizabethan Sonnets (Shakespeare, Sidney), Shakespearean Tragedy (Hamlet), Jacobean Drama (Webster), Metaphysical Poetry (Donne, Marvell), Renaissance Humanism and Reformation |
| ENG-H-CC-4 | British Literature (18th Century) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Restoration Comedy (Congreve), Neoclassical Poetry (Pope, Dryden), Rise of the Novel (Defoe, Swift, Fielding), Satire and Mock-Heroic, Sentimentalism and its Critics, Age of Reason and Enlightenment |
| GENERIC-ELECTIVE-2 | Generic Elective 2 (Options from other Disciplines) | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Topics vary based on chosen elective from other disciplines (e.g., History, Political Science, Philosophy, Economics). |
| AECC-2 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Ecology and Ecosystems, Biodiversity and its Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Control, Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Global Warming, Environmental Ethics and Policies |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-H-CC-5 | British Romantic Literature | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Romantic Poets (Wordsworth, Coleridge, Shelley, Keats, Byron), Nature, Imagination, and Individualism, Lyrical Ballads and Preface, Gothic Novel and its influence, French Revolution and its impact, The Sublime and the Beautiful |
| ENG-H-CC-6 | British Literature (19th Century) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Victorian Age: Society and Culture, Novel of Manners (Jane Austen), Victorian Poetry (Tennyson, Browning), Social Realism and Industrialism, Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Dramatic Monologue |
| ENG-H-CC-7 | Women''''s Writing | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Feminist Literary Theory, Early Women Novelists (Mary Wollstonecraft), Victorian Women Writers (Bronte Sisters, George Eliot), Suffragette Movement and Literature, Contemporary Women Writers (Woolf, Atwood), Gender and Representation in Literature |
| GENERIC-ELECTIVE-3 | Generic Elective 3 (Options from other Disciplines) | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Topics vary based on chosen elective from other disciplines (e.g., History, Political Science, Philosophy, Economics). |
| ENG-H-SEC-A | Academic Writing and Composition | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Essay Structure and Argumentation, Research Process and Data Collection, Citation Styles (MLA, APA), Creative Writing Techniques (Poetry, Prose), Editing and Proofreading, Developing a Thesis Statement |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-H-CC-8 | British Literature (Early 20th Century) | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Modernism and its Manifestations, Impact of World Wars on Literature, Bloomsbury Group and Stream of Consciousness, Poets of the Great War (Owen, Sassoon), Irish Literary Revival, Early 20th-Century Drama |
| ENG-H-CC-9 | Literary Criticism | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Plato and Aristotle: Poetics, Formalism and New Criticism, Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Deconstruction (Derrida), Marxist Criticism, Feminist and Postcolonial Criticism |
| ENG-H-CC-10 | American Literature | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Transatlantic Connections and Early American Writers, American Renaissance (Emerson, Thoreau), Realism and Naturalism (Mark Twain, Hemingway), Modern American Poetry (Whitman, Dickinson, Eliot), Harlem Renaissance, Contemporary American Fiction |
| GENERIC-ELECTIVE-4 | Generic Elective 4 (Options from other Disciplines) | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Topics vary based on chosen elective from other disciplines (e.g., History, Political Science, Philosophy, Economics). |
| ENG-H-SEC-B | Translation Studies | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Theories of Translation, Types of Translation (Literary, Technical), Cultural Context in Translation, Practicing Translation (MIL to English and vice-versa), Challenges in Translation, Ethics of Translation |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-H-CC-11 | Modern European Drama | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Realism and Naturalism (Ibsen, Chekhov), Expressionism and Symbolism, Theatre of the Absurd (Beckett, Ionesco), Existentialist Drama, Brechtian Epic Theatre, Contemporary European Playwrights |
| ENG-H-CC-12 | Postcolonial Literatures | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Colonialism and Resistance Narratives, Orientalism (Edward Said), Concept of Hybridity and Diaspora, Subaltern Studies and Voice, Major Postcolonial Writers (Rushdie, Achebe, Ngugi), Language and Identity in Postcolonial Context |
| ENG-H-DSE-1-A | Discipline Specific Elective 1 (Example: Language and Linguistics) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Nature of Language, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics, Applied Linguistics and ELT |
| ENG-H-DSE-2-A | Discipline Specific Elective 2 (Example: Literature and Cinema) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Adaptation Theory and Film Aesthetics, Narrative Techniques in Film, Visual Culture and Semiotics, Film Criticism and Theory, Indian Cinema and its Literary Connections, Representations of Reality in Film |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-H-CC-13 | Popular Literature | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Genres (Detective Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy), Children''''s Literature, Graphic Novels and Comics, Mass Market Fiction and Bestsellers, Pulp Fiction and its Evolution, Cultural Studies and Popular Culture |
| ENG-H-CC-14 | Modern Indian Writing in English Translation | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Regional Literatures of India, Dalit Writing in Translation, Autobiographical Narratives, Challenges and Politics of Translation, Major Indian Languages and their Literary Traditions, Cultural and Social Contexts |
| ENG-H-DSE-3-A | Discipline Specific Elective 3 (Example: Research Methodology) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Introduction to Research in Humanities, Qualitative Research Methods, Quantitative Research Basics, Data Collection and Analysis Techniques, Academic Writing and Ethics, Dissertation/Project Planning and Execution |
| ENG-H-DSE-4-A | Discipline Specific Elective 4 (Example: English Language Teaching) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Theories of Language Learning and Acquisition, ELT Methodologies and Approaches, Lesson Planning and Classroom Management, Materials Development and Evaluation, Assessment in ELT, Teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) |
