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B-A-PROGRAMME in Bengali Discipline And History at Kirori Mal College
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Bengali Discipline and History at Kirori Mal College Delhi?
This Bengali Discipline and History specialization program at Kirori Mal College focuses on providing a deep understanding of Bengali language, literature, and culture alongside a comprehensive study of historical processes. It nurtures critical thinking and analytical skills, highly valued in India''''s diverse cultural and intellectual landscape. The program''''s interdisciplinary nature allows students to explore the rich heritage and contemporary relevance of both disciplines, catering to a growing demand for nuanced cultural and historical expertise.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into civil services, journalism, teaching, or cultural institutions, as well as working professionals looking to upskill in humanities or career changers transitioning into heritage or academic roles. It particularly suits individuals with a strong interest in Indian history, Bengali literature, and critical analysis, providing a robust foundation for intellectual pursuits and diverse career paths in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths in civil services (UPSC/State PSC), academia, heritage preservation, cultural journalism, publishing, or content creation. Entry-level salaries typically range from ₹3-5 LPA, growing to ₹6-12 LPA for mid-level roles like journalists or curators, and ₹15+ LPA for experienced professionals such as professors or senior civil servants, demonstrating strong growth trajectories in Indian companies and public sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Deepen Foundational Knowledge- (Semester 1-2)
Engage in consistent reading of prescribed texts and supplementary materials. Practice active listening in lectures and participate in classroom discussions to build a strong base in Bengali literature and Indian history. Utilize college library resources for historical documents and literary archives.
Tools & Resources
Kirori Mal College Library, DU Central Library, Subject-specific journals and academic databases
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for competitive exams like UPSC and for advanced academic research, which are significant career avenues in India.
Develop Research and Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly practice academic essay writing, focusing on analytical arguments and proper referencing. Learn to identify and critically evaluate primary and secondary historical and literary sources. Participate in workshops on academic writing and research methodologies.
Tools & Resources
KMC Writing Centre (if available), Online guides for academic referencing (MLA/Chicago), Access to e-resources like JSTOR through DU Library
Career Connection
These skills are indispensable for careers in journalism, policy analysis, content creation, and any research-oriented roles in India.
Engage in Extracurriculars and Cultural Activities- (Semester 1-2)
Join college societies such as the History Society, Bengali Literary Society, or Debate Society. Participate in inter-college fests, cultural events, and literary discussions. This helps in developing soft skills like public speaking, teamwork, and cultural awareness.
Tools & Resources
KMC Students'''' Union, Departmental cultural committees, Inter-college cultural festivals
Career Connection
Enhances networking, communication, and leadership skills, vital for public relations, media, and teaching professions in India.
Intermediate Stage
Seek Internships and Volunteer Opportunities- (Semester 3-5)
Actively look for internships or volunteer positions in museums, archives (e.g., National Archives), publishing houses, cultural NGOs, or media organizations. This provides practical exposure to the application of your discipline-specific knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, LinkedIn, KMC Career Counselling Cell, Direct outreach to cultural institutions
Career Connection
Gains practical experience, builds a professional network, and strengthens your resume for future employment or higher education in India.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek opportunities to connect your two disciplines. Analyze historical narratives within Bengali literature and understand the cultural context of historical events. Participate in inter-departmental seminars or projects that bridge History and Bengali studies.
Tools & Resources
Inter-departmental seminars, DU''''s various research centers, Guest lectures
Career Connection
Develops unique, holistic perspectives valued in policy analysis, cultural studies, and academic research, differentiating you in the Indian job market.
Prepare for Higher Studies or Competitive Exams- (Semester 3-5)
Begin early preparation for Master''''s entrance exams for top Indian universities (e.g., DU, JNU) or for prestigious competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, which often require strong humanities backgrounds. Focus on general knowledge, current affairs, and subject-specific depth.
Tools & Resources
Previous years'''' question papers, Online coaching platforms, Study groups with peers, UPSC/State PSC preparatory materials
Career Connection
This stage is critical for charting a clear path towards an academic career, civil services, or specialized research roles in India.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Research Project or Dissertation- (Semester 6)
Collaborate with a faculty mentor to undertake an independent research project or dissertation, ideally combining aspects of Bengali literature and History. This demonstrates advanced research capability and specialized knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Faculty guidance and mentorship, Archival resources, Academic writing software, Conferences for presenting research
Career Connection
Showcases advanced analytical and research skills, crucial for postgraduate studies (MA, PhD) and research-intensive careers in India.
Network with Alumni and Professionals- (Semester 6)
Actively engage with Kirori Mal College and University of Delhi alumni networks. Attend webinars, seminars, and professional conferences related to history, literature, or cultural studies. Leverage these connections for mentorship and career insights.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College alumni portal, Departmental events and speaker series, Professional associations
Career Connection
Opens doors to potential job opportunities, mentorship, and a deeper understanding of various career trajectories within India''''s public and private sectors.
Develop Advanced Communication and Presentation Skills- (Semester 6)
Refine public speaking, presentation, and debate skills through participation in high-level college events, seminars, and mock interviews. Focus on articulating complex historical and literary concepts clearly and persuasively.
Tools & Resources
Debate clubs, Public speaking workshops, Mock interview sessions by career cell, Presentation tools
Career Connection
Essential for roles in academia, media, advocacy, teaching, and civil services, where effective communication is paramount for success in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 (Intermediate) examination from a recognized board.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 132 credits (for 3-year B.A. Programme as per UGCF 2022) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-BEN-DSC1 | প্রাচীন মধ্যযুগের বাংলা সাহিত্য ও রূপকথা (Ancient and Medieval Bengali Literature and Folktales) | Discipline Specific Core (Bengali) | 4 | History of Ancient & Medieval Bengali Literature, Charyapada and Srikrishnakirtan, Vaishnava Padavali and Mangalkavya, Satimayna O Lorchandrani, Folk and Fairy Tales |
| BA-HIS-DSC1 | History of India- I (From Earliest Times to c. 300 CE) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Reconstructing Ancient Indian History, Prehistoric Hunter-Gatherers and Early Food Production, The Harappan Civilization, The Vedic Age, Rise of Magadha and Early State Formations |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-BEN-DSC2 | আধুনিক বাংলা সাহিত্য: কবিতা ও ছোটগল্প (Modern Bengali Literature: Poetry and Short Story) | Discipline Specific Core (Bengali) | 4 | Trends in Modern Bengali Poetry, Michael Madhusudan Dutt and Rabindranath Tagore, Jibanananda Das and other Modern Poets, Trends in Modern Bengali Short Stories, Rabindranath Tagore, Tarashankar, Manik Bandyopadhyay |
| BA-HIS-DSC2 | History of India- II (c. 300 CE to 1200 CE) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Guptas and their Successors (Political Structures), Post-Gupta Polities and Regional States, Debates on Indian Feudalism, Social and Economic Transitions, Major Cultural Developments (Art, Architecture, Religion) |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-BEN-DSC3 | আধুনিক বাংলা সাহিত্য: নাটক ও উপন্যাস (Modern Bengali Literature: Drama and Novel) | Discipline Specific Core (Bengali) | 4 | Trends in Modern Bengali Drama, Dinabandhu Mitra and Girish Chandra Ghosh, Rabindranath Tagore''''s Dramatic Works, Trends in Modern Bengali Novels, Bankim Chandra, Sarat Chandra, Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay |
| BA-HIS-DSC3 | History of India- III (c. 1200 CE to 1700 CE) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Foundation and Expansion of Delhi Sultanate, Foundation and Consolidation of Mughal Empire, Polity and Administration of Delhi Sultanate and Mughals, Agrarian and Urban Economy, Society, Culture, and Religious Trends |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-BEN-DSC4 | বাংলা ভাষার ইতিহাস ও ব্যাকরণ (History of Bengali Language and Grammar) | Discipline Specific Core (Bengali) | 4 | Origin and Evolution of Bengali Language, Bengali Dialects and their Characteristics, Bengali Vocabulary and Word Formation, Syntax and Sentence Structure, Parts of Speech, Karaka, and Samas |
| BA-HIS-DSC4 | History of India- IV (c. 1700 CE to 1950 CE) | Discipline Specific Core (History) | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire and Rise of Regional Powers, Colonial Intervention and East India Company, Resistance to Colonial Rule (Rebellions, Movements), Growth of Indian Nationalism and Mass Movements, Partition of India and its Aftermath |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-BEN-DSE-Choice1 | লোকসাহিত্য (Folklore) | Discipline Specific Elective (Bengali) | 4 | Folklore: Definition and Classification, Study of Bengali Rhymes (Chhara), Bengali Proverbs (Prabad) and Riddles (Dnadha), Bengali Folk Tales (Lokgalpa), Bengali Folk Songs (Loksangeet) |
| BA-BEN-DSE-Choice2 | সাহিত্যতত্ত্ব ও সমালোচনা (Literary Theory and Criticism) | Discipline Specific Elective (Bengali) | 4 | Literary Theory: Definition and Necessity, Outline of Indian Literary Theory (Rasa, Dhvani), Outline of Western Literary Theory (Formalism, Structuralism), Literary Criticism: Types and Methods, Practical Application of Critical Theories |
| BA-BEN-DSE-Choice3 | অনুবাদ সাহিত্য (Translation Studies) | Discipline Specific Elective (Bengali) | 4 | Translation: Definition and Types, Role and Responsibilities of a Translator, Challenges and Possibilities in Translation, Cultural Aspects of Translation, Practical Translation Workshop |
| BA-BEN-DSE-Choice4 | আধুনিক ভারতীয় সাহিত্য (Modern Indian Literature) | Discipline Specific Elective (Bengali) | 4 | Concept of Indian Literature, Introduction to Comparative Literature, Major Trends in Modern Indian Literature, Selected Readings from Regional Indian Literatures, Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Indian Writing |
| BA-HIS-DSE-Choice1 | History of Modern East Asia: c. 1840-1960s | Discipline Specific Elective (History) | 4 | China in the 19th Century (Opium Wars, Unequal Treaties), Rise of Modern Japan (Meiji Restoration, Imperialism), East Asian Modernization and Western Impact, Revolutions in China (1911, Communist Revolution), Cold War in East Asia and its Impact |
| BA-HIS-DSE-Choice2 | History of Modern Europe: c. 1780-1939 | Discipline Specific Elective (History) | 4 | The French Revolution and its Legacies, Industrial Revolution in Europe, Rise of Nationalism and Liberalism, Socialism, Marxism, and Labour Movements, World War I and the Inter-War Period |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA-HIS-DSE-Choice3 | History of the United States of America: c. 1776-1945 | Discipline Specific Elective (History) | 4 | Formation of the United States of America, The American Civil War and Reconstruction, Industrialization and Rise as a World Power, US Imperialism and Global Conflicts, World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II |
| BA-HIS-DSE-Choice4 | Environmental History of India (c. 1800-2000 CE) | Discipline Specific Elective (History) | 4 | Colonial Forest Policies and their Impact, Water Management and Famines in British India, Changing Landscapes: Agriculture and Urbanization, Growth of Modern Environmental Movements in India, Environmental Policies and Challenges Post-Independence |
