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MA-BENGALI in Bengali at Nabagram Hiralal Paul College
Hooghly, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Bengali at Nabagram Hiralal Paul College Hooghly?
This MA Bengali program at Nabagram Hiralal Paul College, affiliated with The University of Burdwan, offers an in-depth exploration of Bengali language, literature, and culture. It covers the vast literary landscape from ancient periods to contemporary writings, alongside critical theories, linguistics, and research methodologies. The program is designed to cultivate advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, essential for academic pursuits, teaching, and cultural industries in India. It prepares students for diverse roles in publishing, journalism, and creative writing, catering to the rich demand for vernacular language experts.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor''''s graduates in Bengali Honours or General who possess a deep passion for the language and its literary heritage. It suits individuals aspiring to become educators, researchers, content creators, journalists, or cultural archivists. Working professionals in related fields looking to deepen their expertise or transition into academic roles can also benefit. Students with a strong foundation in literary analysis and a keen interest in historical and contemporary socio-cultural contexts will thrive in this environment.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths as college lecturers, school teachers, researchers, content writers, editors in publishing houses, and journalists. Entry-level salaries in teaching roles can range from INR 2.5-4 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities also exist in cultural organizations, media, and government services. The program fosters advanced research capabilities, making graduates well-prepared for M.Phil and PhD studies, securing positions in academia and literary criticism across India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immerse in Literary Classics and Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with the vast ancient and medieval Bengali literature, along with foundational modern texts and literary theories. Beyond classroom lectures, read critically, participate in discussions, and try to contextualize historical and theoretical frameworks by forming study groups.
Tools & Resources
College library and university e-resources, Online literary archives, Bengali literary journals, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Builds a strong base for advanced research, critical analysis, and effective teaching, crucial for academic and content-related careers.
Develop Foundational Linguistic Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering phonetics, morphology, grammar, and basic linguistics principles of Bengali. Practice analytical exercises and pay attention to nuanced usage in literary texts. Actively participate in language workshops if available to enhance practical application.
Tools & Resources
Standard Bengali grammar books (e.g., Haricharan Bandyopadhyay), Online language learning resources, Linguistic dictionaries, Peer tutoring sessions
Career Connection
Essential for roles in editing, translation, language teaching, and linguistic research, enhancing precision and clarity in communication.
Cultivate Critical Reading and Essay Writing- (Semester 1-2)
Practice writing analytical essays and critical reviews regularly. Seek feedback from professors and peers to refine arguments and structure. Learn to articulate arguments clearly, cite sources correctly, and develop a distinctive academic voice, engaging in debates on literary topics.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides and style manuals, Peer review sessions and writing clubs, Faculty office hours for personalized feedback, Online academic databases
Career Connection
Refines research paper writing, journalistic reporting, and academic publication skills, directly impacting success in higher studies and professional writing roles.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Specialized Electives and Contemporary Trends- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) that align with personal and career interests (e.g., drama, comparative literature, specific authors). Actively explore contemporary Bengali literary movements, digital humanities, and their intersections through self-study and discussion.
Tools & Resources
Specialized academic journals and literary magazines, University research labs and workshops (if available), Author-specific study groups, Online forums for literary discussions
Career Connection
Develops niche expertise, making graduates more competitive for specialized research projects, curatorial roles, and advanced studies in specific literary domains.
Participate in Seminars and Workshops- (Semester 3-4)
Actively present research papers or reviews in departmental seminars, college-level symposia, or even inter-college literary events. Attend workshops on research methodology, advanced translation, or content creation to broaden practical skills and knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notices and university event calendars, Academic presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides), Networking events with scholars and professionals, Literary fests and cultural programs
Career Connection
Enhances public speaking, presentation skills, and academic networking, which are vital for teaching, research, and public relations roles in the humanities sector.
Begin Research Project/Dissertation with a Focus- (Semester 3-4)
Identify a specific area of interest early in Semester 3 and start preliminary literature review for the Semester 4 Dissertation. Work closely with a faculty mentor to define a clear research question and methodology, gathering relevant primary and secondary sources.
Tools & Resources
University library''''s research facilities, Academic databases (e.g., J-STOR, MLA International Bibliography, if subscribed), Faculty mentorship and guidance sessions, Reference management tools (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley)
Career Connection
Builds essential research acumen, critical for M.Phil/PhD applications, academic publishing, and independent research careers in various organizations.
Advanced Stage
Refine Dissertation for Publication/Presentation- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant time to crafting a high-quality dissertation (BNGC401) with originality and scholarly rigor. Aim to present the research at conferences or submit a condensed version to a reputable academic journal, seeking feedback for improvement.
Tools & Resources
Academic style guides (e.g., Chicago, MLA), University thesis formatting guidelines, Research support services and writing centers, Feedback from faculty editors and external experts
Career Connection
A strong dissertation serves as a portfolio piece for academic positions and demonstrates advanced research skills to potential employers in publishing or research institutions.
Network with Academics and Professionals- (Semester 4)
Utilize university and college events to connect with senior academics, literary critics, publishers, and journalists. Actively seek mentorship and explore potential career avenues beyond traditional teaching, leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, Professional associations for Bengali studies, Alumni meetups and guest lecture series, Industry conferences and book fairs
Career Connection
Opens doors to collaborations, job opportunities, and insights into the practical application of Bengali studies in various professional fields, both national and international.
Prepare for NET/SET/Teaching Examinations- (Semester 4)
Simultaneously with dissertation work, begin rigorous preparation for national-level eligibility tests like NET (National Eligibility Test) and SET (State Eligibility Test) for lectureship and Junior Research Fellowship, or other relevant teaching certification exams. Utilize previous year''''s papers.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers for NET/SET, Specialized coaching institutes (if deemed necessary), Subject-specific study guides and reference books, Online mock test platforms
Career Connection
Crucial for securing positions as Assistant Professors in colleges and universities across India, as well as for obtaining research fellowships for higher academic pursuits.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree (Hons or General) in Bengali from a recognized university, as per The University of Burdwan and Nabagram Hiralal Paul College admission norms.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNGC101 | বাংলা সাহিত্যের ইতিহাস (প্রাচীন ও মধ্যযুগ) - History of Bengali Literature (Ancient & Medieval Period) | Core | 4 | Ancient and Medieval Literary Trends, Charyapad and Srikrishnakirtan, Mangalkavya and Vaishnava Padavali, Shakta Padavali and Folk Literature, Ramayana-Mahabharata Translation Literature |
| BNGC102 | আধুনিক সাহিত্যের ধারা (১৮০০-১৯৫০) - Trends in Modern Literature (1800-1950) | Core | 4 | Emergence of Modern Bengali Literature, Development of Prose, Poetry, Novel, Short Story and Drama, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Rabindranath Tagore, Saratchandra Chattopadhyay, Kazi Nazrul Islam |
| BNGC103 | ধ্বনিতত্ত্ব ও রূপতত্ত্ব - Phonetics & Morphology | Core | 4 | Concept of Sound and Sound Change, Bengali Vowels and Consonants, Word Studies and Parts of Speech, Prefixes, Suffixes, and Derivations, Sandhi and Samas (Compounding) |
| BNGC104 | সাহিত্যতত্ত্ব ও সমালোচনা (পাশ্চাত্য ও প্রাচ্য) - Literary Theory & Criticism (Western & Eastern) | Core | 4 | Nature of Literary Theory, Concept of Rasa and Alankara, Dhwani and Vakrokti Schools, Western Literary Theories (Romanticism, Realism), Marxist Literary Theory, Formalism and Structuralism |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNGC201 | আধুনিক সাহিত্যের ধারা (১৯৫০-২০০০) - Trends in Modern Literature (1950-2000) | Core | 4 | Post-Modern Bengali Literature, Contemporary Poetry and Fiction, Drama and Essays, Jibanananda Das, Manik Bandyopadhyay, Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay |
| BNGC202 | ছন্দ ও অলংকার - Prosody & Rhetoric | Core | 4 | Concept of Prosody and Meter, Different Bengali Meters (Dalbritto, Matrabritto, Swarabritto), Introduction to Rhetoric and Figures of Speech, Shabdalankar (Alliteration, Pun), Arthalankar (Simile, Metaphor, Hyperbole) |
| BNGC203 | ভাষাতত্ত্ব ও বাংলা ভাষা - Linguistics & Bengali Language | Core | 4 | Basic Concepts of Linguistics, Origin and Evolution of Language, Language Families and Indo-Aryan Languages, Origin and Development of Bengali Language, Bengali Dialects, Syntax and Semantics |
| BNGC204 | অনুবাদতত্ত্ব ও ব্যবহারিক বাংলা - Translation Studies & Applied Bengali | Core | 4 | Concept and Types of Translation, Problems and Prospects of Translation, Administrative Translation, Terminology Development, Report Writing and Advertisement Creation, Editing and Proofreading |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNGC301 | লোকসাহিত্য ও লোকসংস্কৃতি - Folk Literature & Folk Culture | Core | 4 | Nature and Types of Folk Literature, Folktales, Folk Songs, Rhymes, Proverbs, Riddles and Folk Narratives, Folk Drama and Folk Dance, Folk Art and Craft |
| BNGC302 | আধুনিক বাংলা প্রবন্ধ - Modern Bengali Essays | Core | 4 | Development of Bengali Essay Literature, Essays by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Essays by Rabindranath Tagore, Pramatha Chaudhuri''''s Literary Essays, Kazi Nazrul Islam''''s Prose, Shibnarayan Ray and Other Essayists |
| BNGE301 | উনিশ শতকের বাংলা সাহিত্য (বিশেষ পাঠ) - 19th Century Bengali Literature (Special Study) | Elective (DSE-1) | 4 | Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay''''s Novels, Dinabandhu Mitra''''s Drama, Kaliprasanna Singha''''s Humor, Beharilal Chakrabarty''''s Poetry, Meghnadbadh Kavya Analysis |
| BNGE302 | বাংলা নাট্য ও নাট্যতত্ত্ব - Bengali Drama & Dramaturgy | Elective (DSE-2) | 4 | Origin and Development of Bengali Drama, Dinabandhu Mitra and Girish Chandra Ghosh, Dwijendralal Ray and Rabindranath Tagore''''s Plays, Bijon Bhattacharya and Contemporary Drama, Bengali Dramaturgy and Performance Studies |
| BNGE303 | কাব্যতত্ত্ব ও ছন্দতত্ত্ব - Poetics & Prosody | Elective (DSE-3) | 4 | Core Concepts of Poetics, Various Poetic Trends and Forms, Meter and Rhythm in Poetry, Anuprash, Jamak, Shlesh, Vakrokti (Indirect Utterance), Imagery and Symbolism in Poetry |
| BNGE304 | তুলনামূলক সাহিত্য - Comparative Literature | Elective (DSE-4) | 4 | Concept and Methodology of Comparative Literature, Relationship between Eastern and Western Literatures, Rabindranath Tagore and Goethe, Kazi Nazrul Islam and Persian Literature, Literary Movements across Cultures |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNGC401 | গবেষণাপদ্ধতি ও প্রবন্ধ - Research Methodology & Dissertation | Core (Project/Dissertation) | 4 | Concept and Types of Research, Data Collection and Analysis Techniques, Dissertation Writing and Structure, Bibliography and Referencing, Project Report Preparation, Academic Ethics |
| BNGC402 | বিশ্ব সাহিত্য ও বাংলা সাহিত্য - World Literature & Bengali Literature | Core | 4 | Trends in World Literature, Influence of Western Literature on Bengali, Modern European Literature, Indian Literature in Translation, Globalization of Bengali Literature, Cross-Cultural Literary Exchanges |
| BNGE401 | আধুনিক বাংলা উপন্যাস - Modern Bengali Novel | Elective (DSE-1) | 4 | Development of Bengali Novel, Bankim Chandra, Rabindranath, Saratchandra, Manik Bandyopadhyay, Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay, Satinath Bhaduri and Contemporary Novelists, Social and Psychological Themes in Novels |
| BNGE402 | আধুনিক বাংলা ছোটগল্প - Modern Bengali Short Story | Elective (DSE-2) | 4 | Origin and Development of Bengali Short Story, Rabindranath Tagore''''s Short Stories, Saratchandra, Bibhutibhushan, Tarashankar, Manik Bandyopadhyay, Premendra Mitra, Syed Mustafa Siraj and Other Short Story Writers |
| BNGE403 | রবীন্দ্র সাহিত্য - Rabindra Literature | Elective (DSE-3) | 4 | Rabindra Poetry and its Evolution, Rabindra Novels and Short Stories, Rabindra Drama and Essays, Rabindrasangeet (Tagore Songs), Rabindranath''''s Philosophy and Global Vision, Literary Criticism of Rabindranath''''s Works |
| BNGE404 | নাট্য ও চলচ্চিত্র গবেষণা - Drama & Film Studies | Elective (DSE-4) | 4 | Modern Trends in Drama, Film as a Medium of Expression, Film and Society, Satyajit Ray''''s Cinema, Ritwik Ghatak and Mrinal Sen''''s Works, Adaptation of Literature to Film |
