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BA in English at Maharaja Purna Chandra (Autonomous) College
Mayurbhanj, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is English at Maharaja Purna Chandra (Autonomous) College Mayurbhanj?
This BA English program at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College focuses on a comprehensive study of literature from various cultures and historical periods, with a strong emphasis on British, Indian, European, and American literary traditions. It delves into critical analysis, literary theory, and different forms of writing. The program aims to cultivate strong analytical, communication, and creative skills, making graduates well-prepared for diverse roles in the Indian communication, media, and education sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh 10+2 graduates with a keen interest in literature, language, and critical thinking, seeking entry into fields like content creation, journalism, publishing, or teaching. It also serves as a strong foundation for those aspiring for higher studies like MA English, B.Ed, or competitive civil service examinations in India, which often require robust humanities knowledge.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including content writing, journalism, public relations, academic research, teaching, and administrative roles. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals. The strong analytical and communication skills gained are highly valued across various Indian industries and prepare students for advanced degrees.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Reading Habit and Comprehension- (Semester 1-2)
Engage actively with prescribed texts by taking detailed notes, summarizing chapters, and identifying key themes. Beyond the syllabus, explore diverse literary genres to broaden your perspective and improve reading speed and comprehension. Join college reading clubs to discuss books and enhance critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
College Library, Goodreads, Project Gutenberg (for public domain classics), Online literary forums
Career Connection
Develops foundational critical analysis and comprehension skills essential for research, content creation, and effective communication in any professional role.
Master Academic Writing and Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing clear, concise, and structured academic writing through essays, assignments, and presentations. Practice articulating ideas effectively in English, paying attention to grammar, vocabulary, and logical flow. Seek feedback from professors and peers to refine your writing style.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Purdue OWL, College writing center (if available), Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Crucial for success in higher education, research, journalism, content writing, and any professional field requiring strong written and verbal communication.
Engage with Literary Theories and Historical Contexts- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond just reading texts, understand the historical, social, and cultural contexts that shaped them. Begin to grasp basic literary theories (e.g., feminism, Marxism, post-colonialism) and apply them to texts, even if not formally introduced. This deepens analysis and provides a framework for critical thought.
Tools & Resources
Standard literary criticism introductions, Online lectures on literary theory, Academic journals accessible via college library
Career Connection
Fosters analytical depth vital for research, teaching, and understanding complex social dynamics, making you a more insightful communicator and problem-solver.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Advanced Critical Thinking and Research Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in seminars and discussions, challenging existing interpretations and forming your own arguments. Start exploring research methodologies, including how to find, evaluate, and synthesize academic sources effectively. Undertake small research projects or extended essays beyond regular coursework.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, College research databases, MLA/APA style guides
Career Connection
Prepares you for postgraduate studies, competitive exams, and roles requiring independent research, critical evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making in various industries.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections and Elective Choices- (Semester 3-5)
Thoughtfully choose your Generic Elective (GE) and Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) to complement your English studies or explore potential career paths. Look for connections between English literature and other disciplines like history, philosophy, or psychology, enhancing your overall academic profile.
Tools & Resources
Departmental advisors, Career counseling sessions, Course catalogues of other departments
Career Connection
Broadens your knowledge base, making you adaptable and multidisciplinary, highly valued in dynamic Indian job markets like content strategy, policy analysis, and diverse media roles.
Participate in Co-curricular and Extracurricular Activities- (Semester 3-5)
Join literary societies, debate clubs, or drama groups within the college. Take on roles in organizing events, writing for college magazines, or participating in inter-college competitions. These activities hone leadership, teamwork, and practical communication skills beyond academics.
Tools & Resources
College cultural committees, Student activity clubs, Inter-college fest notices
Career Connection
Enhances soft skills, builds networks, and provides practical experience for diverse careers, boosting your resume for Indian recruiters who value holistic development.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Internships and Practical Projects- (Semester 6)
Seek internships in relevant fields such as publishing houses, media organizations, content marketing agencies, NGOs, or educational institutions. Engage in practical projects like translating literary works, creating digital content, or assisting in research, to gain real-world experience and build a portfolio.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, LinkedIn, College placement cell (if active), Faculty networks
Career Connection
Provides invaluable industry exposure, professional networking opportunities, and a tangible portfolio, significantly boosting your employability in competitive Indian job markets.
Focus on Career Mapping and Skill Specialization- (Semester 6)
Refine your career goals based on your interests and strengths. If aiming for content creation, hone digital writing and SEO skills. If teaching, explore B.Ed entrance prep. If pursuing civil services, integrate current affairs and general knowledge. Specialize your skill set for your chosen path.
Tools & Resources
Career counselors, Online courses (e.g., Coursera, Udemy), Industry-specific forums, Alumni network
Career Connection
Directly links your academic learning to specific career outcomes, increasing your market readiness and enabling you to target relevant roles in the Indian employment landscape.
Prepare for Higher Education and Competitive Exams- (Semester 6)
If planning for MA English, start preparing for university entrance exams. If aiming for civil services or other competitive exams, regularly practice general studies, current affairs, and aptitude. Leverage your strong humanities foundation to excel in essay writing and comprehension sections.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Coaching institutes (if opted), Online test series, Mentors/senior students
Career Connection
Ensures a smooth transition to advanced academic pursuits or helps secure coveted government and public sector positions in India, aligning with long-term career aspirations.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20% (for 80-mark theory papers), 10% (for 40-mark practical/SEC papers), External: 80% (for 80-mark theory papers), 40% (for 40-mark practical/SEC papers)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Natural Resources, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Social Issues and the Environment |
| ENGC-1 | Indian Classical Literature | Core | 6 | Kalidasa: Abhijnanashakuntalam, Vyasa: The Dicing and The Sequels, Shudraka: Mrcchakatika, Ilango Adigal: The Anklet, Bhasa: Urubhangam, Early Indian Literature Context |
| ENGC-2 | European Classical Literature | Core | 6 | Homer: The Iliad (Book 24), Sophocles: Oedipus Rex, Plautus: Pot of Gold, Horace: Satires I: 4, 10, Aristotle: Poetics, Classical Greek and Roman context |
| ENGG-1 | Generic Elective - 1 | Generic Elective | 6 | Key topics are defined by the chosen subject (e.g., History, Political Science, Economics, Odia) from another discipline, not detailed within the English syllabus. |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-2 | English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Theory of Communication, Language of Communication, Reading Skills, Writing Skills, Listening and Speaking, Grammar and Vocabulary |
| ENGC-3 | Indian Writing in English | Core | 6 | R.K. Narayan: The Guide, Anita Desai: In Custody, Kamala Das: An Introduction, A.K. Ramanujan: Self-Portrait, Salman Rushdie: Midnight’s Children (Excerpts), Indian English Literary Tradition |
| ENGC-4 | British Poetry & Drama: 14th - 17th Centuries | Core | 6 | Geoffrey Chaucer: The General Prologue, Edmund Spenser: Sonnets (Amoretti), William Shakespeare: Macbeth, John Donne: A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning, Andrew Marvell: To His Coy Mistress, Elizabethan and Jacobean Drama |
| ENGG-2 | Generic Elective - 2 | Generic Elective | 6 | Key topics are defined by the chosen subject from another discipline, not detailed within the English syllabus. |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGSEC-1 | Creative Writing / Academic Writing and Composition / English Language Teaching | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Fundamentals of Creative Writing (e.g., Short Story, Poetry), Elements of Academic Writing, Paragraph and Essay Writing, Grammar and Punctuation, Research and Referencing, Teaching Methodologies in English |
| ENGC-5 | British Poetry & Drama: 18th Century | Core | 6 | Alexander Pope: The Rape of the Lock, William Collins: Ode to Evening, Thomas Gray: Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard, Oliver Goldsmith: She Stoops to Conquer, Richard Brinsley Sheridan: The Rivals, Augustan and Neoclassical Poetics |
| ENGC-6 | British Novel: 18th Century | Core | 6 | Daniel Defoe: Robinson Crusoe, Henry Fielding: Tom Jones, Samuel Richardson: Pamela (Excerpts), Laurence Sterne: Tristram Shandy (Excerpts), Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice, Rise of the English Novel |
| ENGC-7 | British Romantic Literature | Core | 6 | William Wordsworth: Tintern Abbey, S.T. Coleridge: Kubla Khan, P.B. Shelley: Ode to the West Wind, John Keats: Ode to a Nightingale, Mary Shelley: Frankenstein, Romantic Movement Characteristics |
| ENGG-3 | Generic Elective - 3 | Generic Elective | 6 | Key topics are defined by the chosen subject from another discipline, not detailed within the English syllabus. |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGSEC-2 | Academic Writing and Composition / English Language Teaching / Creative Writing | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Formal and Informal Writing Styles, Report Writing and Summarizing, Lesson Planning and Classroom Management, Literary Devices in Creative Writing, Developing a Teaching Portfolio, Research Paper Organization |
| ENGC-8 | British Literature: 19th Century | Core | 6 | Alfred Tennyson: Ulysses, Robert Browning: My Last Duchess, Matthew Arnold: Dover Beach, Charles Dickens: Great Expectations, Charlotte Brontë: Jane Eyre, Victorian Age Literature and Society |
| ENGC-9 | Women''''s Writing | Core | 6 | Mary Wollstonecraft: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (Chapter 2), Virginia Woolf: A Room of One''''s Own (Chapters 1 & 2), Mahasweta Devi: Draupadi, Sylvia Plath: Daddy, Alice Walker: Everyday Use, Feminist Literary Theory |
| ENGC-10 | American Literature | Core | 6 | Edgar Allan Poe: The Raven, Walt Whitman: O Captain! My Captain!, Emily Dickinson: Because I could not stop for Death, Mark Twain: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Excerpts), Ernest Hemingway: The Old Man and the Sea, American Literary Movements |
| ENGG-4 | Generic Elective - 4 | Generic Elective | 6 | Key topics are defined by the chosen subject from another discipline, not detailed within the English syllabus. |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGC-11 | Popular Literature | Core | 6 | Lewis Carroll: Through the Looking Glass, Agatha Christie: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Chevalier: Zuni Folk Tales (The Boy and the Deer), Premchand: The Chess Players, Understanding Genre Fiction, Indian Popular Fiction |
| ENGC-12 | Modern European Drama | Core | 6 | Henrik Ibsen: A Doll’s House, George Bernard Shaw: Pygmalion, Bertolt Brecht: The Good Woman of Setzuan, Samuel Beckett: Waiting for Godot, Eugene Ionesco: Rhinoceros, Absurdist Theatre and Modernism |
| ENGDSE-1 | Literary Criticism / Modern Indian Writing in English Translation / Partition Literature / Travel Writing | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Aristotle: Poetics, Philip Sidney: An Apology for Poetry, S.T. Coleridge: Biographia Literaria (Chapter 14), T.S. Eliot: Tradition and the Individual Talent, I.A. Richards: Principles of Literary Criticism, Major schools of criticism |
| ENGDSE-2 | Modern Indian Writing in English Translation / Literary Criticism / Partition Literature / Travel Writing | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Selected Short Stories (e.g., Manto, Ismat Chugtai), Selected Poetry (e.g., Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Amrita Pritam), Novel in Translation (e.g., Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay), Challenges of Translation, Regional Indian Literature, Themes in Modern Indian Writing |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGC-13 | Postcolonial Literatures | Core | 6 | Chinua Achebe: Things Fall Apart, Ngugi Wa Thiong’o: Decolonising the Mind, A.K. Ramanujan: ''''Where Mirrors Are Useless'''', Derek Walcott: ''''A Far Cry From Africa'''', Edward Said: Orientalism (Excerpts), Concepts of Postcolonialism and Identity |
| ENGC-14 | Literary Theory | Core | 6 | Structuralism, Post-structuralism and Deconstruction, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Marxist Criticism, Feminist Criticism, Postcolonial Theory |
| ENGDSE-3 | Research Methodology / Autobiography / Children''''s Literature / Science Fiction | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Introduction to Research: Types and Methods, Formulating Research Questions and Hypothesis, Literature Review, Data Collection and Analysis, Academic Honesty and Ethics, Writing a Research Paper/Project |
| ENGDSE-4 | Autobiography / Research Methodology / Children''''s Literature / Science Fiction | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Theory of Autobiography, Gandhi: My Experiments with Truth (Excerpts), Memoirs and Personal Narratives, Representation of Self, Cultural Contexts of Autobiography, Selected Autobiographical Texts |
