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BA-HONOURS-ENGLISH in English at Nabagram Hiralal Paul College
Hooghly, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is English at Nabagram Hiralal Paul College Hooghly?
This BA (Honours) in English program at Nabagram Hiralal Paul College, affiliated with the University of Calcutta, focuses on a comprehensive study of English literature, language, and critical theory. The curriculum covers a vast chronological and geographical range, from classical to contemporary and postcolonial literatures, alongside foundational linguistic principles. It equips students with analytical skills highly valued in India''''s booming content, media, and education sectors, differentiating itself through a robust theoretical grounding and exposure to diverse literary traditions.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from 10+2 who possess a passion for reading, critical thinking, and a strong command of the English language. It caters to those aspiring for careers in academia, journalism, content creation, civil services, or higher education in English literature. Working professionals seeking to enhance their literary understanding or switch to communication-intensive roles can also benefit, provided they meet the academic prerequisites.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including roles as content writers, editors, teachers, journalists, public relations specialists, or pursuing higher studies (MA, PhD). Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5-4 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 6-10 LPA or more in publishing and media. Growth trajectories often lead to editorial leadership, academic positions, or specialized communication roles in Indian and multinational companies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Literary Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with core texts from Indian and European classical literature. Actively participate in classroom discussions, read literary criticism, and start building a personal library of critical essays and reference works. This lays the groundwork for advanced literary analysis and critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
College library resources, NPTEL/SWAYAM courses on literary history, Online literary journals
Career Connection
Develops analytical skills crucial for any humanities-related career and provides a solid base for advanced academic research.
Master Academic Writing and Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on improving essay writing skills, grammar, and formal communication through regular practice. Seek feedback from professors and peers, and utilize language lab facilities if available. Participate in college debates and elocution competitions to enhance public speaking abilities.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Purdue OWL, University Writing Centers (if applicable), Toastmasters International (local chapters)
Career Connection
Essential for effective communication in professional settings, critical for roles in content, journalism, and public relations.
Engage with General Electives for Broadening Horizons- (Semester 1-2)
Strategically choose Generic Elective (GE) courses from other disciplines (e.g., History, Political Science, Philosophy). This helps in interdisciplinary understanding and enriches perspectives on literature, providing a broader base for competitive exams like UPSC or state PSCs.
Tools & Resources
University prospectus for GE options, Faculty advisors
Career Connection
Enhances general knowledge and analytical skills, highly beneficial for civil services examinations and diverse career paths requiring holistic understanding.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) for Practical Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Actively pursue the Skill Enhancement Courses (SECs) like Technical Writing, Journalism, or Creative Writing. Look for opportunities to apply these skills through college magazines, newsletters, or local internships in media houses or NGOs to gain practical exposure.
Tools & Resources
College cultural/literary societies, Local newspapers/magazines for internships, Online creative writing platforms
Career Connection
Directly develops employable skills for content creation, journalism, publishing, and marketing roles in the Indian market.
Deep Dive into Literary Theories and Movements- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond prescribed texts, delve into various literary theories (Feminism, Postcolonialism, Structuralism, etc.) and major literary movements. Join or form study groups to discuss complex theoretical concepts and their application to different texts. This sharpens critical analytical abilities.
Tools & Resources
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (for theory), ''''Literary Theory: An Introduction'''' by Terry Eagleton, Academic research databases
Career Connection
Crucial for higher studies in literature (MA, PhD) and for careers in academia, research, and critical content analysis.
Participate in Inter-College Literary Events and Seminars- (Semester 3-5)
Seek out and participate in literary festivals, seminars, and paper presentation competitions organized by other colleges or universities in West Bengal. This helps in networking, exposure to diverse academic discussions, and building confidence in presenting academic work.
Tools & Resources
University event calendars, Department notices, Social media groups for academic events
Career Connection
Builds academic network, enhances presentation skills, and adds valuable experiences to resume for higher education and competitive fields.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Research Projects and Dissertations (if offered)- (Semester 5-6)
If your college offers a dissertation or extended essay option in the final year, choose a topic of interest and work closely with a faculty mentor. Otherwise, initiate independent research projects on chosen literary areas to develop in-depth subject expertise and research methodology.
Tools & Resources
University digital libraries, JSTOR, Project Muse (academic databases), Mentorship from faculty
Career Connection
Prepares for advanced academic research, enhances problem-solving and critical analysis skills, highly valued in academia and research-oriented roles.
Strategize for Competitive Exams and Higher Education- (Semester 5-6)
Begin preparing for postgraduate entrance exams (like CUET, JNU, GATE-HSS) or civil services exams. Enroll in coaching classes if needed, solve previous year''''s papers, and focus on general knowledge, current affairs, and subject-specific knowledge relevant to English literature.
Tools & Resources
Online coaching platforms, Previous year question papers, Newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), Current affairs magazines
Career Connection
Directly targets entry into prestigious Master''''s programs or coveted government jobs, aligning with common career aspirations for English Honours graduates in India.
Build a Professional Portfolio and Network- (Semester 5-6)
Compile a portfolio of your best academic essays, creative writing pieces, and any published works. Create a professional LinkedIn profile, connect with alumni, and attend career fairs. Seek guidance from the college''''s placement cell for job interview preparation and internship opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Online portfolio platforms, College alumni network, Placement cell resources
Career Connection
Crucial for job searching and building professional credibility, leading to better internship and placement opportunities across various industries.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 examination (or equivalent) from any recognized Board/Council with English as a compulsory subject and minimum qualifying marks in English and aggregate as per University of Calcutta norms for Honours course.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA-CC-1-1-TH | Indian Classical Literature | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Literary Criticism and Theory, Sanskrit Drama (Abhijnanasakuntalam), Tamil Epics (Silappadikaram), Ancient Indian Aesthetics (Rasa Theory), Comparative Study of Classical Texts |
| ENGA-CC-1-2-TH | European Classical Literature | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Homer: The Odyssey (selections), Sophocles: Oedipus Rex, Plato: Symposium (selections), Aristotle: Poetics, Virgil: The Aeneid (selections) |
| AECC-1 | Communicative English | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Listening and Speaking, Grammar and Vocabulary, Presentation Skills |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - 1 | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Choice from other disciplines, As per university guidelines |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA-CC-2-3-TH | Indian Writing in English | Core Course (CC) | 6 | R. K. Narayan: The Guide, Kamala Markandaya: Nectar in a Sieve, Anita Desai: Clear Light of Day, A. K. Ramanujan: Poetry selections, Dalit Literature and Post-colonial discourse |
| ENGA-CC-2-4-TH | British Poetry and Drama: 14th to 17th Centuries | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Geoffrey Chaucer: The General Prologue, William Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, John Donne: Poetry selections, John Milton: Paradise Lost (Book I), Elizabethan and Jacobean Drama |
| AECC-2 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Natural Resources, Environmental Pollution, Social Issues and the Environment, Environmental Ethics |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - 2 | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Choice from other disciplines, As per university guidelines |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA-CC-3-5-TH | British Poetry and Drama: 17th and 18th Centuries | Core Course (CC) | 6 | John Milton: Paradise Lost (Book IX), John Dryden: Mac Flecknoe, Alexander Pope: The Rape of the Lock, William Congreve: The Way of the World, Age of Reason and Satire |
| ENGA-CC-3-6-TH | British Novel: 18th Century | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Daniel Defoe: Robinson Crusoe, Henry Fielding: Tom Jones, Samuel Richardson: Pamela (selections), Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice, Rise of the Novel |
| ENGA-CC-3-7-TH | British Romantic Literature | Core Course (CC) | 6 | William Wordsworth: Lyrical Ballads (selections), S. T. Coleridge: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, John Keats: Odes, Mary Shelley: Frankenstein, Gothic Novel and Romanticism |
| SEC-A-3 | Skill Enhancement Course - 1 | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Technical Writing/Academic Writing, Business Communication, Creative Writing, Soft Skills, Digital Humanities |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - 3 | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Choice from other disciplines, As per university guidelines |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA-CC-4-8-TH | British Literature: 19th Century | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Alfred, Lord Tennyson: Poetry selections, Robert Browning: Poetry selections, Charles Dickens: Great Expectations, Charlotte Bronte: Jane Eyre, Victorian Poetry and Novel |
| ENGA-CC-4-9-TH | British Literature: Early 20th Century | Core Course (CC) | 6 | W. B. Yeats: Poetry selections, T. S. Eliot: The Waste Land, James Joyce: A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Virginia Woolf: Mrs Dalloway, Modernism in Literature |
| ENGA-CC-4-10-TH | Literary Criticism | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Aristotle: Poetics, Philip Sidney: An Apology for Poetry, Wordsworth: Preface to Lyrical Ballads, T. S. Eliot: Tradition and the Individual Talent, Feminist Criticism, New Criticism, Postcolonial Criticism |
| SEC-B-4 | Skill Enhancement Course - 2 | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Translation Studies, Journalism and Mass Communication, Film Studies, Copy Editing, Event Management |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - 4 | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Choice from other disciplines, As per university guidelines |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA-CC-5-11-TH | Women’s Writing | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Virginia Woolf: A Room of One''''s Own, Mahasweta Devi: Draupadi, Sylvia Plath: Ariel (selections), Alice Walker: The Color Purple, Feminist Literary Theory and Practice |
| ENGA-CC-5-12-TH | Postcolonial Literatures | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Chinua Achebe: Things Fall Apart, Ngugi wa Thiong''''o: Decolonising the Mind, Derek Walcott: A Far Cry from Africa, Salman Rushdie: Midnight’s Children (selections), Diaspora and Hybridity |
| ENGA-DSE-5-1-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - 1 (Choose one from option A/B/C/D) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | A. Modern European Drama, B. Literary Theory, C. Partition Literature, D. Science Fiction and Detective Literature |
| ENGA-DSE-5-2-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - 2 (Choose one from option A/B/C/D) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | A. American Literature, B. Children’s Literature, C. Travel Writing, D. Autobiography |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA-CC-6-13-TH | Modern English Language and Usage | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics, History of English Language, English in India |
| ENGA-CC-6-14-TH | Literary Forms and Movements | Core Course (CC) | 6 | Renaissance and Reformation, Neo-Classicism and Enlightenment, Romanticism and Victorianism, Modernism and Postmodernism, Genres: Poetry, Drama, Fiction |
| ENGA-DSE-6-3-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - 3 (Choose one from option A/B/C/D) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | A. World Literatures, B. English Language Teaching, C. Dalit Literature, D. Environmental Literature |
| ENGA-DSE-6-4-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - 4 (Choose one from option A/B/C/D) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | A. Translation Studies, B. Creative Writing, C. Literary Adaptation, D. Cultural Studies |
