.png&w=1920&q=75)
B-A-HONOURS in English at Khudiram Bose Central College
Kolkata, West Bengal
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is English at Khudiram Bose Central College Kolkata?
This B.A. Honours English program at Khudiram Bose Central College focuses on cultivating a deep understanding of literature, critical thinking, and advanced communication skills. It provides a robust foundation in literary history, theory, and diverse cultural contexts, preparing students for intellectual pursuits and professional roles in India''''s communication-driven economy. The program emphasizes analytical reading, interpretive writing, and effective expression.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong passion for reading, writing, and critical analysis. It attracts aspiring educators, journalists, content creators, civil service aspirants, and individuals aiming for careers in publishing, media, and corporate communications. Students who wish to develop excellent analytical and interpretive abilities, essential for higher studies or competitive examinations, will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including content writing, journalism, editing, teaching, public relations, marketing, and the civil services. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 5 LPA, with significant growth potential in senior roles in media and academic sectors. The strong emphasis on critical thinking and communication also aligns well with skills required for management and professional certifications.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Active Reading and Note-taking- (Semester 1-2)
Develop a systematic approach to reading complex literary texts, focusing on identifying key themes, literary devices, and authorial intent. Practice structured note-taking methods like Cornell notes or mind mapping to effectively summarize and retain information from lectures and readings.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Online literary journals, Note-taking apps like Notion or Evernote
Career Connection
Strong reading comprehension and analytical skills are fundamental for research, content creation, and competitive exams, enhancing problem-solving abilities vital for any professional role.
Build Robust Academic Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing clear, concise, and persuasive academic writing. Regularly practice essay writing, ensuring proper structure, logical argumentation, and effective use of evidence. Pay close attention to grammar, vocabulary, and adherence to academic citation styles.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL, Grammarly, College writing center workshops
Career Connection
Excellent writing skills are crucial for roles in content development, journalism, editing, and even corporate communications, making graduates highly valuable assets in the job market.
Engage in Literary Discussions and Peer Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom discussions, literary societies, and informal study groups. Discussing texts with peers and mentors helps in gaining diverse perspectives, sharpening critical thinking, and improving verbal communication skills.
Tools & Resources
College Literary Society, Online discussion forums, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Enhanced communication and interpersonal skills are highly sought after in team-based work environments, public relations, and teaching, improving employability and leadership potential.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Advanced Research and Citation Competence- (Semester 3-5)
Learn to conduct in-depth literary research using academic databases and library archives. Master different citation styles (e.g., MLA) and understand the ethical principles of academic integrity. Practice formulating research questions and constructing compelling arguments.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Project MUSE (via university library), Google Scholar, MLA Handbook
Career Connection
Proficiency in research and academic integrity is invaluable for higher education, research roles, policy analysis, and any field requiring meticulous data handling and ethical reporting.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek connections between English literature and other disciplines like history, philosophy, sociology, and cultural studies. Utilize generic elective courses to broaden your intellectual horizon and understand literature within wider social and political contexts.
Tools & Resources
Cross-disciplinary seminars, Documentaries on historical periods, Open educational resources
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary approach enhances critical analysis, adaptability, and a holistic understanding of issues, which are vital skills for roles in media, policy making, and cultural organizations.
Cultivate Specific Communication Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond academic writing, focus on developing specialized communication skills like creative writing, technical writing, or public speaking. Consider skill enhancement courses (SEC) and workshops that offer practical training in these areas to diversify your profile.
Tools & Resources
Online creative writing courses (e.g., Coursera), Toastmasters International (if available), College workshops on specific skills
Career Connection
These specialized skills directly lead to career opportunities in content marketing, journalism, technical documentation, public relations, and teaching, providing a competitive edge.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 6)
Apply all acquired analytical and research skills to complete a significant research project or dissertation in your final year. Choose a topic that aligns with your interests and potential career goals, demonstrating your ability to conduct independent scholarly work.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, Academic advisors, University research grants (if available)
Career Connection
A strong research project showcases deep specialization and critical thinking, which is highly valued for postgraduate studies, academic roles, and research-intensive positions in think tanks or NGOs.
Strategic Career Planning and Placement Preparation- (Semester 6)
Actively engage with the college''''s placement cell for resume building, interview preparation, and group discussion training. Research potential career paths, attend career fairs, and connect with alumni to understand industry requirements and job market trends in India.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell services, LinkedIn, Naukri.com, Career counseling sessions
Career Connection
Proactive career planning and polished interview skills significantly increase the likelihood of securing desirable placements in publishing, media, education, or corporate communication sectors.
Build Professional Networks and Portfolio- (Semester 6)
Attend literary festivals, seminars, and workshops to network with professionals and academics in the field. Start building a portfolio of your best academic papers, creative writing samples, or published articles to present to potential employers or for further academic applications.
Tools & Resources
Kolkata Book Fair, Literary events (e.g., Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival), Personal website/blog
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internship and job opportunities, while a strong portfolio provides tangible proof of skills and accomplishments, essential for entry into competitive industries.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Minimum 50% marks in aggregate with 45% marks in English (or a related subject) at the previous qualifying examination OR 55% marks in English (or a related subject) at the previous qualifying examination.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA-CC1 | English Literature: From Chaucer to Shakespeare | Core | 6 | Chaucer''''s Canterbury Tales, Renaissance Poetry, Shakespearean Sonnets, Pre-Shakespearean Drama, Literary history 14th-16th Century, Key figures like Marlowe and Spenser |
| ENGA-CC2 | English Literature: Elizabethan and Jacobean Drama | Core | 6 | Shakespeare''''s Macbeth, Shakespeare''''s As You Like It, Marlowe''''s Doctor Faustus, Jacobean Tragedy, Renaissance Dramatic Conventions, Theater in Elizabethan England |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and its conservation, Environmental pollution, Social issues and the environment |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - I | Generic Elective | 6 | Chosen from other disciplines like Political Science, History, Philosophy, etc. |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA-CC3 | English Literature: 17th and 18th Century English Literature | Core | 6 | John Milton''''s Paradise Lost, John Donne''''s Poetry, Alexander Pope''''s The Rape of the Lock, Dryden''''s Absalom and Achitophel, Restoration and Augustan Age Literature, Neo-classical poetry and prose |
| ENGA-CC4 | English Literature: 17th and 18th Century English Drama & Fiction | Core | 6 | William Congreve''''s The Way of the World, Aphra Behn''''s The Rover, Daniel Defoe''''s Robinson Crusoe, Jonathan Swift''''s Gulliver''''s Travels, Rise of the Novel, Restoration Comedy |
| AECC-2 | English/MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Theory of Communication, Reading Skills, Writing Skills, Listening and Speaking Skills, Grammar and Vocabulary, Business Communication |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - II | Generic Elective | 6 | Chosen from other disciplines like Political Science, History, Philosophy, etc. |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA-CC5 | English Literature: Romanticism | Core | 6 | William Wordsworth''''s Poetry, S.T. Coleridge''''s Poetry, Lord Byron, P.B. Shelley, John Keats, Jane Austen''''s Pride and Prejudice, Romantic Prose: Charles Lamb, William Hazlitt, Key concepts of Romanticism: nature, imagination, individualism |
| ENGA-CC6 | English Literature: Victorian Literature | Core | 6 | Alfred Lord Tennyson''''s Poetry, Robert Browning''''s Poetry, Matthew Arnold''''s Poetry, Charles Dickens'''' Hard Times, Charlotte Bronte''''s Jane Eyre, Victorian novel, poetry, and social context |
| ENGA-CC7 | English Literature: Women''''s Writing | Core | 6 | Mary Wollstonecraft''''s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, Virginia Woolf''''s A Room of One''''s Own, Sylvia Plath''''s Poetry, Alice Walker''''s The Color Purple, Feminist Literary Criticism, Representation of women in literature |
| SEC-1 | Skill Enhancement Course - I (e.g., Academic Writing & Composition) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Elements of academic writing, Essay writing, Research paper structure, Referencing and bibliography, Technical writing basics, Creative writing techniques |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - III | Generic Elective | 6 | Chosen from other disciplines like Political Science, History, Philosophy, etc. |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA-CC8 | English Literature: Modern European Drama | Core | 6 | Henrik Ibsen''''s A Doll''''s House, George Bernard Shaw''''s Pygmalion, Bertolt Brecht''''s Mother Courage and Her Children, Samuel Beckett''''s Waiting for Godot, Theatre of the Absurd, Modern dramatic movements |
| ENGA-CC9 | English Literature: Modern Indian Writing in English | Core | 6 | Raja Rao''''s Kanthapura, Anita Desai''''s In Custody, A.K. Ramanujan''''s Poetry, Mahasweta Devi''''s Draupadi, Indian English poetry and prose, Themes in Indian English Literature |
| ENGA-CC10 | English Literature: Postcolonial Literatures | Core | 6 | Chinua Achebe''''s Things Fall Apart, Ngugi wa Thiong''''o''''s Decolonising the Mind, Edward Said''''s Orientalism, Postcolonial theory and criticism, Caribbean and African literature, Diasporic writing |
| SEC-2 | Skill Enhancement Course - II (e.g., Text and Performance) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Elements of drama and performance, Acting and direction basics, Stagecraft and production, Film studies introduction, Adaptation of texts for screen/stage, Oral communication and presentation skills |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - IV | Generic Elective | 6 | Chosen from other disciplines like Political Science, History, Philosophy, etc. |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA-CC11 | English Literature: Literary Theory | Core | 6 | Introduction to literary criticism, Formalism and New Criticism, Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Feminist criticism and Gender studies, Marxist criticism, Reader-response theory |
| ENGA-CC12 | English Literature: Shakespeare | Core | 6 | Shakespeare''''s Othello, Shakespeare''''s The Tempest, Shakespearean Comedy and Tragedy, Shakespearean Sonnets, Shakespeare in performance, Contemporary adaptations of Shakespeare |
| DSE-1 | Discipline Specific Elective - I (e.g., Literary Criticism) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Plato and Aristotle on poetics, Longinus on the Sublime, Philip Sidney''''s An Apology for Poetry, T.S. Eliot''''s Tradition and the Individual Talent, Northrop Frye''''s Anatomy of Criticism, Modern critical approaches |
| DSE-2 | Discipline Specific Elective - II (e.g., Post 1950s British Literature) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Philip Larkin''''s Poetry, Ted Hughes'''' Poetry, Harold Pinter''''s The Birthday Party, Doris Lessing''''s The Grass is Singing, Post-war British fiction and poetry, Movements like the Angry Young Men |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA-CC13 | English Literature: New Literatures in English | Core | 6 | Derek Walcott''''s Poetry, Arundhati Roy''''s The God of Small Things, Margaret Atwood''''s The Handmaid''''s Tale, Salman Rushdie''''s Midnight''''s Children, Commonwealth literature, Themes of identity, migration, globalization |
| ENGA-CC14 | English Literature: World Literatures | Core | 6 | Gabriel Garcia Marquez''''s Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Franz Kafka''''s The Metamorphosis, Fyodor Dostoevsky''''s Notes from Underground, Naguib Mahfouz''''s Wedding Song, Comparative literature, Translation studies and cultural contexts |
| DSE-3 | Discipline Specific Elective - III (e.g., Research Methodology) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Introduction to research, Types of research, Research design and methods, Data collection and analysis, Academic writing and citation, Ethics in research |
| DSE-4 | Discipline Specific Elective - IV (e.g., Dalit Literature) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | History and context of Dalit literature, Dalit autobiography (e.g., Omprakash Valmiki''''s Joothan), Dalit poetry and short stories, Theories of subalternity, Protest and resistance in literature, Social justice and representation |
