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BA in English at Pachhunga University College
Aizawl, Mizoram
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About the Specialization
What is English at Pachhunga University College Aizawl?
This BA English program at Pachhunga University College, affiliated with Mizoram University, focuses on a comprehensive study of English literature, language, and critical theory. It delves into diverse literary traditions from British, American, European, Indian, and World Literatures. The program aims to cultivate strong analytical, interpretive, and communication skills, highly relevant for various professional fields in the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from 10+2 seeking entry into literary studies, media, publishing, teaching, or civil services. It also suits individuals passionate about critical thinking, creative expression, and cultural analysis. Students with a strong aptitude for reading, writing, and interpreting complex texts will find this program intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including content writing, journalism, publishing, teaching, public relations, and various administrative roles in government and private sectors. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The strong foundation in communication and critical analysis also prepares students for competitive examinations like UPSC and state PSCs.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Reading and Analysis Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with core texts, practicing close reading, annotation, and summarizing. Join departmental reading clubs or form study groups to discuss literary works and critical perspectives. Focus on understanding historical and cultural contexts of literature to build a robust foundation.
Tools & Resources
Online literary databases (e.g., Project Gutenberg for classics), College library resources, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking and analytical skills essential for all literary and content-focused careers.
Master Academic Writing and Research Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to understanding academic essay structures, citation styles (MLA/APA), and effective argumentation. Practice writing clear, concise, and well-supported essays. Utilize college writing centers or faculty mentors for feedback on assignments to improve writing quality.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), Grammarly, Mendeley for referencing
Career Connection
Crucial for research roles, journalism, content writing, and competitive exams requiring strong written communication.
Engage Actively in Classroom Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Participate regularly in lectures and seminars by asking questions, sharing insights, and debating interpretations. This enhances comprehension, builds confidence in expressing ideas, and refines verbal communication skills. Seek opportunities to present short papers or lead discussions.
Tools & Resources
Course textbooks, Class notes, Online academic forums
Career Connection
Improves public speaking and interpersonal communication, vital for teaching, public relations, and leadership roles.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Diverse Literary Genres and Theories- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond core curriculum, explore electives and independent reading in areas like postcolonial literature, literary theory, or gender studies. Attend literary festivals, workshops, and guest lectures to broaden perspectives and understand current trends in literary scholarship.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, Literary journals, Online courses (e.g., Coursera, NPTEL on literary theory)
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge opens doors to specific research areas, higher education, and cultural criticism roles.
Develop Advanced Research Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Undertake small research projects or extended essays on topics of interest, focusing on source evaluation, methodology, and original analysis. Learn to use library databases effectively and critically engage with secondary literature. Seek guidance from faculty for project formulation.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Project MUSE (through library access), Google Scholar, Research guides
Career Connection
Essential for academic pursuits, journalism, content development, and policy analysis roles requiring in-depth investigation.
Build a Professional Network- (Semester 3-5)
Connect with professors, alumni, and guest speakers in literary or media fields. Attend career fairs and seminars focused on humanities graduates. Look for mentorship opportunities to gain insights into various career paths and industry expectations in India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Alumni networks, Departmental events
Career Connection
Facilitates internships, job referrals, and career guidance, significantly boosting placement prospects.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Placement and Interview Preparation- (Semester 6)
Actively seek internships in publishing houses, media organizations, content agencies, or educational institutions. Prepare a strong resume and portfolio showcasing writing samples and analytical work. Practice mock interviews, focusing on communication skills and subject knowledge.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Online resume builders, Interview preparation platforms
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for immediate entry into the job market with confidence and relevant skills.
Pursue Advanced Specialization or Competitive Exams- (Semester 6)
Based on career interests, prepare for postgraduate studies (MA English, Journalism, Education) or competitive civil services exams (UPSC, state PSCs). Focus on developing expertise in chosen areas, be it advanced literary theory, linguistics, or general knowledge.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/PSC coaching institutes, Entrance exam guidebooks, Online learning platforms for specific subjects
Career Connection
Lays groundwork for high-impact careers in public service, academia, or specialized media fields.
Cultivate Independent Creative and Critical Projects- (Semester 6)
Engage in creative writing, blogging, or contribute to literary magazines/college publications. Initiate a personal research project or a critical review of contemporary Indian literature. This demonstrates initiative, passion, and advanced application of learned skills.
Tools & Resources
Personal blog platforms, College literary magazines, Writing workshops
Career Connection
Showcases creativity and initiative, highly valued in publishing, media, and entrepreneurial ventures. Builds a strong portfolio.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board (General admission criteria)
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 120 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 (AECC) | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Natural Resources and Associated Problems, Ecosystems and their Functioning, Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Management, Social Issues and the Environment |
| DSC-EN-101 | Indian Writing in English | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 6 | Genesis of Indian English Writing, Major Indian English Novelists, Prominent Indian English Poets, Indian English Drama and its Themes, Post-Independence Indian English Literature |
| DSC-EN-102 | European Classical Literature | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 6 | Greek Epic Poetry (Homer''''s Iliad), Greek Tragedy (Sophocles'''' Oedipus Rex), Roman Epic (Virgil''''s Aeneid), Greek Comedy (Aristophanes'''' Lysistrata), Classical Literary Criticism (Aristotle''''s Poetics) |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - I | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Chosen by student from a list of options offered by other departments (e.g., History, Political Science, Economics, Sociology) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-2 | English Language & Literary Skills | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Reading Comprehension Strategies, Grammar and Usage for Academic Purposes, Paragraph and Essay Writing Techniques, Literary Devices and Elements, Effective Communication and Presentation Skills |
| DSC-EN-201 | British Poetry and Drama: 14th - 17th Centuries | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 6 | Chaucer and Medieval English Literature, Elizabethan Drama (Marlowe, Shakespeare), Metaphysical Poetry (Donne, Marvell), Jacobean Drama and its Themes, Renaissance Sonnets and their Forms |
| DSC-EN-202 | British Poetry and Drama: 17th - 18th Centuries | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 6 | Restoration Comedy and its Conventions, Augustan Poetry (Pope, Dryden, Swift), Early 18th Century Drama and Society, Sentimental Comedy and its Features, Heroic Couplet and Satirical Verse |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - II | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Chosen by student from a list of options offered by other departments |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEC-1 | English Language Teaching (ELT) | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 4 | Principles and Theories of Language Teaching, Approaches and Methods in ELT (e.g., CLT, Grammar-Translation), Classroom Management and Materials Development, Teaching Grammar, Vocabulary, and Pronunciation, Language Testing and Evaluation Techniques |
| DSC-EN-301 | British Literature: 18th Century | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 6 | The Rise of the Novel in English Literature, Satire and Enlightenment Prose (Swift, Addison), Periodical Essays and their Influence, Sentimental Novels and Gothic Fiction, Augustan Age Poetry and its Characteristics |
| DSC-EN-302 | British Literature: 19th Century | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 6 | Romantic Poetry (Wordsworth, Coleridge, Keats), Victorian Novel (Dickens, Eliot, Bronte Sisters), Victorian Poetry (Tennyson, Browning), Realism and Naturalism in British Literature, Gothic Literature and its Conventions |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - III | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Chosen by student from a list of options offered by other departments |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEC-2 | Academic Writing and Composition | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 4 | Introduction to Academic Writing Conventions, Research Methods and Documentation, Essay Structure, Argumentation, and Thesis Statements, Referencing Styles (MLA, APA), Critical Reading, Summarizing, and Paraphrasing |
| DSC-EN-401 | British Literature: Early 20th Century | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 6 | Modernist Poetry (Eliot, Yeats, Auden), War Poetry and its Themes, Modern Drama (Shaw, Beckett, Pinter), The Modern Novel (Woolf, Joyce, Lawrence), Literary Movements of the Period (Imagism, Surrealism) |
| DSC-EN-402 | Women''''s Writing | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 6 | Feminist Literary Criticism and Theories, Voices from Different Eras and Cultures, Themes in Women''''s Fiction (e.g., Identity, Patriarchy), Poetry of Resistance and Empowerment, Autobiographical Narratives and Memoirs |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - IV | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Chosen by student from a list of options offered by other departments |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE-EN-501A | Modern European Drama | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option 1 of 6 | 6 | European Dramatic Traditions (Ibsen, Chekhov), Realism and Naturalism in Theatre, Theatre of the Absurd (Beckett, Ionesco), Existentialist Drama and its Philosophies, Brechtian Epic Theatre and Alienation Effect |
| DSE-EN-501B | Literary Criticism | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option 2 of 6 | 6 | Classical and Neoclassical Criticism, Romantic Criticism and its Principles, New Criticism and Formalism, Structuralism and Poststructuralism, Reader-Response Theory and Hermeneutics |
| DSE-EN-501C | American Literature | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option 3 of 6 | 6 | Early American Writing and Puritanism, Transcendentalism (Emerson, Thoreau), Modern American Novel (Faulkner, Hemingway), African American Literature and Harlem Renaissance, Contemporary American Poetry and Short Stories |
| DSE-EN-501D | Postcolonial Literatures | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option 4 of 6 | 6 | Concepts of Postcolonialism and Orientalism, Hybridity, Identity, and Resistance, Commonwealth Literature and its Scope, Anglophone African Writing (Achebe, Soyinka), Diasporic Literature and its Themes |
| DSE-EN-501E | Children''''s Literature | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option 5 of 6 | 6 | History and Evolution of Children''''s Literature, Genres and Themes in Children''''s Books, Picture Books and Early Readers, Adolescent Literature (YA Fiction), Adaptations, Illustrations, and Censorship |
| DSE-EN-501F | Indian Literature in English Translation | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option 6 of 6 | 6 | Major Indian Languages and Literary Traditions, Challenges and Theories of Translation, Regional Literary Masterpieces in Translation, Themes in Translated Works (e.g., Partition, Identity), Prominent Indian Authors and their Translated Works |
| DSE-EN-5XX | Choice of 3 DSEs from above options | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 18 | Students choose three 6-credit DSE papers from the six options listed above (DSE-EN-501A to DSE-EN-501F)., Each chosen DSE will cover specialized topics within its field., Fosters deeper engagement with specific literary areas., Allows for customization of academic interests., Develops advanced analytical and critical skills in chosen areas. |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE-EN-601A | Modern Indian Writing in English | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option 1 of 6 | 6 | Development of Indian English Novel, Prominent Indian English Poets (Tagore, Ezekiel), Indian English Short Stories and Essays, Themes in Contemporary Indian Writing, Regional Variations in Indian English Literature |
| DSE-EN-601B | Literary Theory | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option 2 of 6 | 6 | Marxist Criticism and Ideology, Psychoanalytic Criticism (Freud, Lacan), Feminist Theory and Gender Studies, Postmodernism and Deconstruction, Ecocriticism and Environmental Humanities |
| DSE-EN-601C | World Literatures in English | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option 3 of 6 | 6 | Anglophone Literatures Beyond UK/USA, Caribbean Literature (Walcott, Brathwaite), African Literature (Ngugi, Adichie), Australian and Canadian Literature, Literatures of the Pacific and South Asia |
| DSE-EN-601D | Research Methodology | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option 4 of 6 | 6 | Introduction to Literary Research, Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, Data Collection Techniques (Archival, Interview), Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Thesis Writing and Scholarly Publication Ethics |
| DSE-EN-601E | Film Studies | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option 5 of 6 | 6 | History and Evolution of Cinema, Film Theory and Criticism, Narrative Structure and Cinematography, Genres of Film (e.g., Noir, Documentary), Indian Cinema and Regional Film Traditions |
| DSE-EN-601F | Textual Editing | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) - Option 6 of 6 | 6 | Principles of Textual Criticism, Manuscript Analysis and Paleography, Editorial Practices and Emendation, Digital Humanities and Textual Encoding, Creating Scholarly Editions of Texts |
| DSE-EN-6XX | Choice of 3 DSEs from above options | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 18 | Students choose three 6-credit DSE papers from the six options listed above (DSE-EN-601A to DSE-EN-601F)., Advanced studies in specialized areas of English literature and cultural studies., Prepares students for further academic pursuits or research roles., Develops critical thinking and independent research abilities., Offers a deeper understanding of diverse literary landscapes. |
