.png&w=1920&q=75)
B-A in English at Karma Devi Smriti Mahavidyalaya
Basti, Uttar Pradesh
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is English at Karma Devi Smriti Mahavidyalaya Basti?
This B.A. English program at Karma Devi Smriti Mahavidyalaya, affiliated with Siddharth University, focuses on a comprehensive study of English language and literature, ranging from classical to contemporary texts. It equips students with strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills highly relevant to the diverse job market in India. The curriculum is designed to foster a deep appreciation for literary forms and linguistic structures.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from 10+2 seeking entry into fields requiring strong communication, analytical, and writing abilities, such as media, publishing, teaching, or content creation. It also suits individuals with a passion for literature and language, providing a foundational academic pathway for further postgraduate studies or competitive examinations in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue various career paths in India, including content writing, journalism, public relations, teaching, and administrative roles. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with significant growth trajectories in dynamic sectors. The program also lays a strong foundation for competitive examinations like UPSC, UPPSC, and banking sector recruitment.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary- (Semester 1-2)
Engage actively with prescribed texts and supplementary reading from diverse genres. Maintain a vocabulary notebook, noting new words, their meanings, and usage. Utilize online resources like Merriam-Webster or Oxford Learner''''s Dictionaries. This foundation is crucial for excelling in literary analysis and competitive exams.
Tools & Resources
Oxford Learner''''s Dictionaries, Merriam-Webster Online, NCERT English Textbooks (for foundational reading)
Career Connection
Enhances abilities required for content writing, editing, journalism, and effective communication in any professional setting, improving clarity and articulation.
Develop Foundational Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering academic writing through regular practice in essays, paragraph writing, and summaries. Seek feedback from professors on assignments and participate in college writing workshops. Utilize online grammar and style guides. Strong writing is a core employability skill.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), Grammarly (for basic checks), College writing center (if available)
Career Connection
Essential for roles in content creation, technical writing, academic research, and any position requiring clear, structured written communication.
Participate in Literary Societies and Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Join the college''''s English literary society or debate club to hone public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentative skills. Engage in discussions on texts, current affairs, and socio-cultural topics. This builds confidence and provides practical application of learned concepts.
Tools & Resources
College literary/debate clubs, Local youth forums
Career Connection
Improves communication and presentation skills vital for public relations, teaching, marketing, and leadership roles.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Literary Theory and Criticism- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond understanding literary texts, delve into various critical theories (feminism, postcolonialism, structuralism). Apply these theories to analyze texts, fostering deeper analytical insight. Read scholarly articles and attend university-level seminars or online lectures on literary criticism.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR (for academic articles), Critical Theory: A Very Short Introduction by Jonathan Culler
Career Connection
Develops advanced analytical skills valuable for research, policy analysis, and high-level content strategy, appealing to employers seeking critical thinkers.
Undertake Mini-Research Projects and Presentations- (Semester 3-5)
Collaborate with peers or professors on short research papers or presentation projects related to specific literary periods, authors, or themes. This simulates academic and professional research environments, enhancing data gathering and presentation competencies.
Tools & Resources
Google Scholar, College library resources, Microsoft PowerPoint/Google Slides
Career Connection
Prepares students for academic pursuits, competitive exams requiring essay writing, and roles in market research or strategic communication.
Explore Creative Writing and Media Opportunities- (Semester 3-5)
Participate in creative writing competitions, contribute to college magazines, or start a personal blog. Explore internships with local newspapers, content agencies, or NGOs. This practical exposure builds a portfolio and networking opportunities within media and content industries.
Tools & Resources
Wattpad, Medium.com, Local newspapers/magazines for internships
Career Connection
Directly relevant for careers in journalism, digital content creation, advertising copywriting, and publishing in the Indian market.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Preparation for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 6)
Begin focused preparation for UPSC Civil Services, state PSCs, banking, or UGC NET exams, which heavily test English comprehension, analytical abilities, and general knowledge. Join coaching classes or study groups, focusing on previous year papers and mock tests.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers (UPSC, UGC NET), Online test series platforms (e.g., Testbook, Gradeup), Coaching institutes
Career Connection
Crucial for securing prestigious government jobs and academic positions in India, offering long-term career stability and growth.
Develop Advanced Communication and Interview Skills- (Semester 6)
Participate in mock interviews, group discussions, and public speaking events. Focus on refining spoken English, body language, and professional etiquette. Seek guidance from career counselors or faculty on resume building and interview strategies tailored to the Indian job market.
Tools & Resources
Online interview prep platforms (e.g., LinkedIn Learning), College placement cell, Toastmasters clubs (if available)
Career Connection
Directly enhances employability for placement drives, campus recruitment, and roles in corporate communication, HR, or client-facing roles.
Undertake a Comprehensive Final Year Project/Internship- (Semester 6)
If offered, opt for a dissertation or a longer internship (2-3 months) in areas like publishing, content management, or teaching. This capstone experience allows for practical application of knowledge, skill refinement, and building professional references, enhancing readiness for the workforce.
Tools & Resources
Online job portals (Naukri.com, Internshala), Professional networking platforms (LinkedIn), Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Provides valuable industry experience, often leading to pre-placement offers or a strong resume for immediate entry into relevant Indian industries.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Intermediate) examination from a recognized board or equivalent
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 132 (Estimated for full B.A. program as per NEP 2020 guidelines of Siddharth University, includes Major, Minor, Co-curricular, and Vocational courses) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25% (Typically for Continuous Internal Assessment like mid-term, assignments, presentations), External: 75% (Typically for End-Semester Examinations)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA0101T | English Prose and Writing Skills | Major Core | 4 | Forms of Prose, Essays and Short Stories, Letter Writing and Report Writing, Precis Writing and Paragraph Writing, Biographical and Autobiographical Writing |
| CSC001 | Food, Nutrition and Hygiene | Co-Curricular Compulsory | 2 | Balanced Diet and Nutrients, Food Groups and Healthy Eating, Foodborne Diseases and Safety, Personal and Environmental Hygiene, Food Adulteration and Consumer Awareness |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA0201T | English Poetry | Major Core | 4 | Elements of Poetry, Forms of Poetry (Sonnet, Ode, Elegy, Epic), Dramatic Monologue and Lyric Poetry, Figures of Speech and Poetic Devices, Analysis of Selected Poems |
| CSC002 | First Aid and Health | Co-Curricular Compulsory | 2 | Basic Principles of First Aid, CPR and Emergency Response, Management of Wounds, Fractures, Burns, Common Illnesses and Health Hazards, Mental Health Awareness and Stress Management |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA0301T | English Drama | Major Core | 4 | Origin and Evolution of Drama, Classical and Elizabethan Drama, Restoration Comedy and Modern Drama, Elements of Drama (Plot, Character, Dialogue), Analysis of Selected Plays |
| ENGA0302T | English Fiction | Major Core | 4 | Development of the Novel, Victorian and Modern Fiction, Elements of Fiction (Narrative, Theme, Setting), Short Story Techniques, Analysis of Selected Novels and Short Stories |
| CSC003 | Human Values and Environmental Studies | Co-Curricular Compulsory | 2 | Ethics and Moral Values, Professional Ethics and Global Values, Environmental Pollution and its Effects, Biodiversity and Conservation, Sustainable Development and Environmental Laws |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA0401T | Indian English Literature | Major Core | 4 | Emergence of Indian English Writing, Major Indian English Poets and Novelists, Themes in Indian English Literature, Partition Literature and Post-Independence Writing, Autobiographical and Diasporic Writing |
| ENGA0402T | Literary Criticism and Theory | Major Core | 4 | Classical and Neoclassical Criticism, Romantic and New Criticism, Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Feminist Criticism and Postcolonial Theory, Deconstruction and Reader-Response Theory |
| CSC004 | Basic Computer Application | Co-Curricular Compulsory | 2 | Computer Fundamentals and Operating Systems, MS Word and Document Formatting, MS Excel and Data Management, MS PowerPoint and Presentation Skills, Internet Basics and Cyber Security |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA0501T | American Literature | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Colonial and Early American Writing, Romanticism and Transcendentalism, Realism and Naturalism, Modernism and Contemporary American Writers, Themes in American Literary Tradition |
| ENGA0502T | Modern European Drama | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Realism and Naturalism in Drama, Symbolism and Expressionism, Theatre of the Absurd, Existentialist Drama and Epic Theatre, Major European Playwrights |
| ENGA0503S | Academic Writing and Composition | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Essay and Paragraph Structure, Research Paper Writing, Referencing Styles (MLA, APA), Avoiding Plagiarism and Ethical Writing, Summarizing, Paraphrasing, and Critical Analysis |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA0601T | Linguistics and Phonetics | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Branches of Linguistics (Phonology, Morphology, Syntax), Semantics and Pragmatics, Introduction to Phonetics (IPA), Organs of Speech and Classification of Sounds, Language Acquisition and Sociolinguistics |
| ENGA0602T | Research Methodology | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Introduction to Research, Formulating Research Questions, Literature Review and Data Collection Methods, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Research Ethics |
| ENGA0603S | Creative Writing | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Elements of Fiction (Plot, Character, Setting), Poetry Forms and Poetic Devices, Dialogue Writing and Narrative Voice, Imagery, Metaphor, and Simile, Self-Editing and Revision Techniques |
