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BA-HONS in English at Mahitosh Nandi Mahavidyalaya
Hooghly, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is English at Mahitosh Nandi Mahavidyalaya Hooghly?
This BA Hons English program at Mahitosh Nandi Mahavidyalaya, affiliated with the University of Burdwan, focuses on a comprehensive and critical study of literature across diverse periods, cultures, and genres. The curriculum also integrates critical theory, language skills, and an understanding of socio-cultural contexts. In the Indian context, strong literary and communication skills are highly valued in burgeoning creative and content industries.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh 10+2 graduates with a passion for reading, writing, and critical thinking. It attracts aspiring educators, content writers, journalists, editors, and those preparing for civil services examinations who benefit from a strong humanities background and advanced communication skills. Individuals seeking a foundation for further academic pursuits in literature or related fields will also find it suitable.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including journalism, publishing, content creation, teaching, public relations, advertising, and civil services. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4 LPA, growing to INR 5-10+ LPA with experience in established roles. Growth trajectories often lead to senior editorial positions, academic research, media management, or successful entrepreneurship in communication-driven sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Mastering Literary History and Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to understanding the foundational literary movements, key authors, and significant texts from Indian, European, and early British literature. Utilize study guides, online lectures, and peer study groups to build a strong base in literary history and context. Focus on conceptual clarity rather than rote memorization.
Tools & Resources
SparkNotes, Litcharts, NPTEL online lectures, college library resources
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures a deep understanding of literary traditions, crucial for advanced study, competitive exams, and careers in academia or research.
Developing Critical Reading and Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice close reading of prescribed texts, identifying literary devices, themes, and authorial intent. Actively participate in classroom discussions and engage in written analysis of literary works. Join literary societies or book clubs to refine interpretation and argumentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Critical theory introductions, academic journals (e.g., JSTOR for college access), peer feedback sessions
Career Connection
Sharp analytical skills are invaluable for roles in journalism, content editing, legal professions, and any field requiring complex problem-solving and persuasive communication.
Enhancing English Communication Proficiency- (undefined)
Actively work on improving spoken and written English communication. Focus on grammar, vocabulary building, public speaking, and academic presentation skills. Regularly engage in debates, group presentations, and utilize language lab facilities if available, to boost fluency and confidence.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Thesaurus.com, BBC Learning English, Toastmasters (if available locally)
Career Connection
Superior communication skills are a cornerstone for success across all career paths, especially in teaching, content creation, media, public relations, and corporate communications.
Intermediate Stage
Engaging with Diverse Literary Forms and Cultural Contexts- (Semesters 3-4)
Explore American, Popular, 18th/19th-century British literature, and post-colonial perspectives with an open mind. Research the socio-political contexts of these literary movements and actively participate in group discussions to understand diverse interpretations. Seek out literature from different Indian regional languages in translation.
Tools & Resources
Documentaries on literary history, cultural studies journals, online literary forums, university''''s digital library
Career Connection
A broad understanding of diverse literatures and cultures enhances global awareness and cultural sensitivity, valuable for international roles, diplomacy, and cross-cultural communication in an interconnected world.
Honing Academic Writing and Research Techniques- (Semesters 3-4)
Actively practice writing various academic assignments, from essays to research papers. Learn and consistently apply standard citation styles (MLA/APA). Utilize the college library''''s physical and digital resources effectively for research. Explore advanced tools for note-taking and referencing.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), Mendeley or Zotero for referencing, research databases accessible via college subscription
Career Connection
Proficiency in academic writing and research is critical for postgraduate studies, competitive examinations like NET/SET, and careers in research, content development, and technical writing.
Participating in Interdisciplinary and Skill Enhancement Courses- (Semesters 3-4)
Strategically choose Generic Elective (GE) courses from other disciplines (e.g., History, Political Science, Philosophy) to broaden intellectual horizons. Actively engage with Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) like Academic Writing or ELT to develop practical, career-relevant skills. Look for relevant workshops conducted by the university or external bodies.
Tools & Resources
Course catalogs of other departments, online platforms like Coursera/edX for related skill courses, university''''s career guidance cell
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary knowledge enhances critical thinking and problem-solving, making graduates adaptable. Practical skills gained from SECs directly contribute to employability in teaching, communication, and administrative roles.
Advanced Stage
Specializing and Deepening Literary Knowledge- (Semesters 5-6)
Make informed choices for Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) based on your career interests, whether it''''s literary criticism, postcolonial studies, or creative writing. Attend specialized seminars, workshops, and literary festivals to engage with advanced topics and network with scholars and authors. Consider undertaking a mini-research project.
Tools & Resources
Departmental faculty for guidance on DSEs, local literary societies/conferences, online academic communities
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge provides an edge in specific fields, opening doors to advanced academic programs, niche publishing roles, or expert positions in cultural organizations.
Building a Professional Portfolio and Seeking Internships- (Semesters 5-6)
Curate a portfolio of your best academic essays, creative writing pieces, or research projects. Actively seek internships in relevant fields such as publishing houses, content marketing agencies, journalism, or NGOs. Gain practical experience to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn profiles, college placement cell, internship platforms like Internshala, personal blog/website
Career Connection
A strong portfolio and internship experience are crucial for demonstrating practical skills and enhancing employability, leading to better placement opportunities and career readiness in a competitive market.
Preparing for Career Pathways and Higher Education- (Semesters 5-6)
Start early preparation for postgraduate studies (MA English), competitive exams (NET/SET for teaching, UPSC/PSC for civil services), or direct entry into the workforce. Network with alumni to understand career trajectories and seek mentorship. Practice interview skills and refine your resume/CV.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/SSC/NET-SET study materials, career counseling services at college, alumni network events, mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Proactive career planning and preparation in the final semesters significantly improve chances of securing desired jobs, gaining admission to prestigious universities, or succeeding in competitive government examinations.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Higher Secondary) or equivalent examination with English as one of the subjects, usually with a minimum percentage in English and/or aggregate as per University of Burdwan norms.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-H-CC-1 | Indian Classical Literature | Core | 6 | Sanskrit Drama (Abhijnanasakuntalam), Indian Poetics (Natyashastra), Epic Tradition (Mahabharata), Ancient Tamil Poetry, Classical Indian Aesthetic Theories |
| ENG-H-CC-2 | European Classical Literature | Core | 6 | Greek Epic (Homer''''s Iliad), Greek Tragedy (Sophocles'''' Oedipus Rex), Roman Epic (Virgil''''s Aeneid), Plato''''s Poetics, Aristotle''''s Poetics |
| AECC-1 | English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Theory of Communication, Language of Communication, Writing Skills, Grammar and Vocabulary, Non-verbal Communication |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - I | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-H-CC-3 | Indian Writing in English | Core | 6 | Early Indian English Novels, Poetry (Tagore, Sarojini Naidu), Short Stories (R.K. Narayan), Contemporary Indian English Fiction, Post-colonial Themes |
| ENG-H-CC-4 | British Poetry and Drama: 14th to 17th Centuries | Core | 6 | Chaucer''''s Canterbury Tales, Elizabethan Sonnets (Shakespeare, Sidney), Renaissance Drama (Marlowe, Shakespeare), Metaphysical Poetry (Donne, Herbert), Jacobean Revenge Tragedy |
| AECC-2 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Natural Resources and Ecosystems, Biodiversity and its Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Environmental Policies and Practices |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - II | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-H-CC-5 | American Literature | Core | 6 | Transcendentalism (Emerson, Thoreau), American Romanticism (Poe, Whitman), Realism and Naturalism (Mark Twain, Hemingway), African-American Literature (Langston Hughes), Modern American Drama (Arthur Miller) |
| ENG-H-CC-6 | Popular Literature | Core | 6 | Children''''s Literature (Lewis Carroll), Detective Fiction (Arthur Conan Doyle), Science Fiction (H.G. Wells), Graphic Novels and Comics, Popular Culture Studies |
| ENG-H-CC-7 | British Poetry and Drama: 17th and 18th Centuries | Core | 6 | Augustan Poetry (Pope, Dryden), Restoration Comedy (Congreve), Satire (Swift, Pope), Sentimental Drama, Pre-Romantic Poetry (Gray, Blake) |
| SEC-1 | Academic Writing and Composition | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Essay Writing, Research Paper Writing, Citation Styles (MLA, APA), Argumentation and Rhetoric, Summarizing and Paraphrasing |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - III | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-H-CC-8 | British Literature: 18th Century | Core | 6 | Rise of the Novel (Defoe, Fielding), Sentimentalism (Richardson, Sterne), Samuel Johnson and his circle, Satirical Prose (Swift, Addison), Early Feminist Writers (Mary Wollstonecraft) |
| ENG-H-CC-9 | British Romantic Literature | Core | 6 | Romantic Poets (Wordsworth, Coleridge, Keats, Shelley, Byron), Nature Poetry and the Sublime, Gothic Novel (Mary Shelley), Romantic Prose (Lamb, Hazlitt), Imagination and Emotion in Romanticism |
| ENG-H-CC-10 | British Literature: 19th Century | Core | 6 | Victorian Novel (Dickens, Brontë, Eliot), Victorian Poetry (Tennyson, Browning, Arnold), Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Social Commentary in Literature, Women Writers of the Victorian Era |
| SEC-2 | English Language Teaching (ELT) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Methods of ELT, Language Acquisition Theories, Classroom Management Techniques, Role of a Teacher, Assessment in ELT |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - IV | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-H-CC-11 | Women''''s Writing | Core | 6 | Feminist Literary Theory, Voices of Early Feminism (Mary Wollstonecraft), Modernist Women Writers (Virginia Woolf), Confessional Poetry (Sylvia Plath), Indian Women Writers (Kamala Das, Mahasweta Devi) |
| ENG-H-CC-12 | Modern European Drama | Core | 6 | Realism and Naturalism (Ibsen, Chekhov), Absurdist Drama (Beckett, Ionesco), Expressionist Theatre, Political Theatre (Brecht), Modernist Experiments in Drama |
| DSE-1 | Discipline Specific Elective - I (Options provided) | Elective | 6 | Literary Criticism (Plato to Modernism, Structuralism, Post-structuralism), Partition Literature (Trauma, Identity, Oral Histories), Autobiography (Forms, Self-narration, Identity), Travel Writing (Exploration, Culture, Representation) |
| DSE-2 | Discipline Specific Elective - II (Options provided) | Elective | 6 | Modern Indian Writing (Regional Literatures in Translation), Children''''s Literature (Development, Genres, Pedagogy), English Language and Linguistics (Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics), Research Methodology (Research Design, Data Collection, Academic Ethics) |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-H-CC-13 | Postcolonial Literatures | Core | 6 | Postcolonial Theory (Said, Spivak, Bhabha), African Literature (Achebe, Ngugi), Caribbean Literature (Naipaul, Walcott), Australian and Canadian Literature, Subaltern Studies and Resistance Narratives |
| ENG-H-CC-14 | Modern Indian Literature (in Translation) | Core | 6 | Bengali Literature (Tagore, Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay), Urdu Short Stories (Manto, Premchand), Malayalam Poetry (Ayyappan), Dalit Literature, Regional Indian Literary Traditions |
| DSE-3 | Discipline Specific Elective - III (Options provided) | Elective | 6 | Text and Performance (Dramatic Theory, Staging, Acting), Film Studies (History, Theory, Indian Cinema), Literary Translation (Theories, Practice, Cultural Contexts), Science Fiction and Fantasy (Genres, Themes, Authors) |
| DSE-4 | Discipline Specific Elective - IV (Options provided) | Elective | 6 | Creative Writing (Poetry, Prose, Playwriting), Graphic Novels (History, Form, Themes), Digital Humanities (Text Mining, Digital Archives), World Literatures (Comparative Studies, Global Perspectives) |
