.png&w=1920&q=75)
B-A-HONOURS-ENGLISH in General at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak
Rohtak, Haryana
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is General at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak Rohtak?
This B.A. Honours English program at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, offers a comprehensive exploration of English language and literature. It delves into literary history, critical theories, linguistic studies, and communication skills, providing a robust foundation for academic and professional pursuits. The program is designed to cultivate critical thinking, analytical abilities, and a deep appreciation for diverse literary traditions, relevant to India''''s growing creative and media industries.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong interest in literature, language, and cultural studies, particularly those aiming for careers in writing, journalism, publishing, teaching, or civil services. It also suits individuals who wish to develop advanced communication and analytical skills essential for various professional fields, providing a versatile foundation for further postgraduate studies or direct entry into the job market.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including content creation, editing, media production, public relations, and teaching in schools or coaching institutes. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 lakhs annually, with significant growth potential in specialized roles like academic research or corporate communication. The program equips students with transferable skills highly valued across sectors, enhancing their employability and academic prospects.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Reading & Comprehension Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with prescribed literary texts, understanding themes, characters, and historical contexts. Supplement with critical essays and literary journals to broaden perspectives. Join reading clubs or online forums to discuss interpretations and develop analytical skills.
Tools & Resources
MDU Library resources, Project Gutenberg for classics, Online literary criticism sites, Goodreads
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking and analytical skills crucial for any professional role requiring text analysis, research, or content creation, enhancing performance in job interviews and academic tasks.
Master Academic Writing & Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing clear, concise, and structured academic writing. Practice essay writing, summarizing, and paraphrasing effectively. Actively participate in class discussions and presentations to enhance verbal communication and public speaking confidence.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Purdue OWL for writing guides, MDU English Department workshops, Debate clubs
Career Connection
Strong communication skills are universally valued. This practice directly prepares students for content writing, journalism, public relations, and effective workplace communication, leading to better career opportunities and faster professional growth.
Explore Historical & Cultural Contexts- (Semester 1-2)
For each literary period studied, research the socio-political, philosophical, and artistic movements of that era. Understand how historical events influenced literature and vice versa. Visit museums, historical sites, or attend cultural events to connect with the past.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on English Literature, Documentaries on historical periods, Local libraries and cultural centers
Career Connection
Provides a rich, nuanced understanding of texts, essential for literary analysis, teaching, and cultural journalism. It also fosters a broader worldview, beneficial for careers in international relations or cultural exchange programs.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Literary Theories- (Semester 3-4)
Beyond understanding basic theories, actively apply different critical lenses (feminist, Marxist, post-colonial, psychoanalytic) to interpret texts. Write analytical essays from varied theoretical perspectives to deepen critical engagement and expand analytical prowess.
Tools & Resources
Routledge Critical Thinkers series, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Peer study groups for theory discussions
Career Connection
Develops advanced analytical and argumentative skills, critical for academic research, higher studies (MA, PhD), and roles in policy analysis or specialized journalism where nuanced interpretations are required.
Build a Professional Portfolio- (Semester 3-5)
Start compiling a portfolio of your best academic essays, creative writing pieces, research papers, or any communication projects. Seek opportunities for internships in publishing, content writing, or media houses to gain practical experience and network.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, Online portfolio platforms (e.g., WordPress blog), University placement cell for internship leads
Career Connection
A strong portfolio and internship experience are invaluable for placements, demonstrating practical skills and industry readiness. This directly translates to better job prospects in content development, editorial roles, and marketing communication.
Develop Linguistic & Phonetic Proficiency- (Semester 3-5)
Actively practice English phonetics and phonology to improve pronunciation and understanding of speech patterns. Engage in debates, public speaking, or join Toastmasters to refine spoken English. Explore advanced grammar and semantics through self-study.
Tools & Resources
IPA charts and pronunciation guides, Online speech recognition tools, Language learning apps for advanced vocabulary
Career Connection
Enhances employability for roles requiring exceptional verbal communication, such as teaching, corporate training, customer relations, and voice acting, offering a competitive edge in the Indian job market.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Independent Research & Projects- (Semester 5-6)
Choose a specialized area of interest (e.g., Post-Colonial Literature, specific author studies) and undertake an independent research project under faculty guidance. Aim for publication in university journals or participation in student conferences.
Tools & Resources
MDU Research Journals, UGC Care List journals, Academic databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar)
Career Connection
Crucial for those aspiring to academic careers, research positions, or think tanks. It showcases self-motivation, in-depth knowledge, and research methodology skills, highly valued by employers and postgraduate institutions.
Network and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 5-6)
Connect with alumni working in desired fields, attend literary festivals, and participate in departmental seminars. Seek mentorship from professors or industry professionals to gain insights into career paths and skill development. Build a professional network.
Tools & Resources
Alumni network platforms, Professional networking events, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to hidden job opportunities, provides industry insights, and offers guidance for career progression, accelerating placement and professional growth in competitive fields like media and communications.
Prepare for Competitive Exams & Further Studies- (Semester 5-6)
Begin focused preparation for competitive examinations like UGC NET, Civil Services (UPSC), or entrance exams for Master''''s programs. Utilize the strong foundation in literature, language, and critical thinking gained during the program.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/NET coaching materials, Previous year question papers, Online learning platforms for exam prep
Career Connection
Directly impacts career advancement into prestigious government services, academic research, or specialized postgraduate programs. It ensures that students are well-equipped to pursue diverse and high-impact career trajectories in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 with English as one of the subjects.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 132 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
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: Renewable and non-renewable resources, Ecosystems: Concept, structure, function, types, Biodiversity and its conservation, Environmental Pollution: Causes, effects, control measures, Social Issues and the Environment |
| DSC-1A | English Literature-I: From Chaucer to the Restoration | Discipline Specific Core | 6 | Medieval Period and Chaucer''''s works, The Renaissance and Elizabethan Age, Jacobean and Caroline Period, Metaphysical Poetry, Restoration Period: Drama and Poetry, Representative authors: Chaucer, Shakespeare, Donne, Milton |
| DSC-1B | History of English Language | Discipline Specific Core | 6 | Old English Period: Characteristics and influences, Middle English Period: Linguistic changes and dialects, Early Modern English: Renaissance impact, Spread of English: India and other regions, Sounds of English: Phonemes, allophones, Syntax and Semantics of English |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - I | Generic Elective | 6 | Choice from disciplines like Economics, History, Mathematics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Hindi, Sanskrit, Punjabi |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-2 | English Communication Skills | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Theory of Communication: Types, process, barriers, Listening Skills: Active and critical listening, Speaking Skills: Group discussions, presentations, public speaking, Reading Skills: Comprehension, critical analysis, Writing Skills: Paragraphs, essays, reports, resume writing, Grammar and Vocabulary |
| DSC-2A | English Literature-II: The Eighteenth Century | Discipline Specific Core | 6 | Augustan Age: Satire and Neo-Classicism, Age of Sensibility: Rise of the novel, Poetry of the 18th Century, Prose and Drama of the period, Representative authors: Swift, Pope, Addison, Steele, Johnson, Key literary movements and their characteristics |
| DSC-2B | Literary Criticism-I | Discipline Specific Core | 6 | Classical Criticism: Plato and Aristotle, Roman Criticism: Horace and Longinus, Renaissance Criticism: Philip Sidney, Neo-Classical Criticism: Dryden and Johnson, Romantic Criticism: Wordsworth and Coleridge, Matthew Arnold''''s contribution |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - II | Generic Elective | 6 | Choice from various disciplines |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEC-1 | Academic Writing and Composition | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | Principles of academic writing, Essay writing: Expository, argumentative, analytical, Research paper structure and conventions, Referencing and citation styles (MLA, APA), Paraphrasing, summarizing, and synthesizing information, Developing research questions and arguments |
| DSC-3A | English Literature-III: The Romantics | Discipline Specific Core | 6 | Origins and characteristics of Romanticism, Major Romantic poets: Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, Shelley, Keats, Romantic Prose: Charles Lamb, William Hazlitt, Themes: Nature, imagination, individualism, sublime, Literary forms: Lyrical Ballads, Odes, Social and political context of the Romantic Age |
| DSC-3B | Phonetics and Phonology | Discipline Specific Core | 6 | Introduction to Phonetics: Branches, IPA, Organs of speech and speech production, Classification of speech sounds: Vowels and Consonants, Phonology: Phonemes, allophones, phonological processes, Stress, rhythm, and intonation in English, Connected speech and pronunciation practice |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - III | Generic Elective | 6 | Choice from various disciplines |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEC-2 | Introduction to Literary Theory | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | Understanding literary theory: Function and scope, Formalism and New Criticism, Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Feminist Criticism, Marxist Criticism |
| DSC-4A | English Literature-IV: The Victorians | Discipline Specific Core | 6 | Victorian Age: Socio-political context, Victorian Poetry: Tennyson, Browning, Arnold, Victorian Novel: Dickens, Eliot, Hardy, Themes: Industrialization, doubt, social criticism, imperialism, Drama and Prose of the Victorian era, Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood |
| DSC-4B | Post-Colonial Literature | Discipline Specific Core | 6 | Introduction to Post-Colonialism: Concepts and theories, Themes: Identity, displacement, resistance, hybridity, Major post-colonial writers: Achebe, Ngugi, Rushdie, Coetzee, Post-colonial literature in India, Representation of colonization and decolonization, Subaltern studies and gender in post-colonial contexts |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - IV | Generic Elective | 6 | Choice from various disciplines |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE-1 (Choice 1 of 2) | Discipline Specific Elective - I | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Options:, A. Literary Forms: Genres, narrative techniques, poetic devices, B. Dalit Literature: History, themes, representative authors (India focus), C. Indian English Fiction: Major novelists, social realities, post-independence narratives, D. Research Methodology: Research design, data collection, analysis, report writing |
| DSE-2 (Choice 1 of 2) | Discipline Specific Elective - II | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Options:, A. American Literature: Major movements (Transcendentalism, Realism), key authors (Whitman, Frost, Faulkner), B. Women''''s Writing: Feminist literary theory, representation of women, major women writers, C. Modern European Drama: Absurdism, existentialism, representative playwrights (Beckett, Ibsen), D. Children''''s Literature: History, genres, educational aspects, classic and contemporary works |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE-3 (Choice 1 of 2) | Discipline Specific Elective - III | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Options:, A. Literary Criticism-II: Post-structuralism, Deconstruction, Reader-Response, New Historicism, B. Indian English Poetry: Major poets, themes, post-independence poetry, C. Partition Literature: Narratives of 1947, trauma, memory, communalism (Indian context), D. English Language Teaching: Methods, approaches, classroom techniques, teaching grammar and vocabulary |
| DSE-4 (Choice 1 of 2) | Discipline Specific Elective - IV | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Options:, A. English Drama-I: Origins of English drama, Elizabethan, Jacobean, Restoration plays, B. Popular Literature: Genres like detective fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, graphic novels, their cultural impact, C. Autobiography: Forms, theories of self-narration, representative autobiographies, D. Travel Writing: History, types of travel narratives, cultural encounters, ethics |
