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B-A-HONS in Functional English at Patna Women's College
Patna, Bihar
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About the Specialization
What is Functional English at Patna Women's College Patna?
This B.A. (Hons.) Functional English program at Patna Women''''s College focuses on developing advanced communication, linguistic, and professional English skills. It is designed to meet the growing demand for proficient English communicators in diverse Indian industries, including media, corporate, education, and public relations. The program emphasizes practical application and theoretical knowledge of language for real-world scenarios.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for intermediate graduates with a minimum of 45% marks seeking entry into communication-intensive fields. It suits fresh graduates aspiring to become effective communicators, content developers, journalists, or English language trainers in India. It also benefits those interested in exploring linguistics, media studies, and academic research through a strong English foundation and practical application.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue various career paths in India, such as content writing, public relations, journalism, corporate communication, and teaching English. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience in these dynamic sectors. The program provides a solid foundation for postgraduate studies and aligns with industry needs for skilled English communicators.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Linguistic Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering the basics of linguistics, English grammar, and communication theories taught in DSC papers. Actively participate in class discussions and utilize grammar practice applications.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, British Council LearnEnglish, Course textbooks, College library resources
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures clear, error-free communication, crucial for all professional roles in any sector.
Enhance Spoken English & Listening Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage in regular practice of spoken English through group discussions, debates, and presentations. Actively listen to English news and podcasts to improve comprehension and accent for effective verbal communication.
Tools & Resources
BBC Learning English, TED Talks, Toastmasters International (if available), College communication labs
Career Connection
Essential for successful interviews, client interactions, and public speaking in corporate and media roles across India.
Develop Academic Writing Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Practice various forms of academic writing, including essays and summaries. Pay close attention to structure, coherence, and correct citation methods. Seek constructive feedback from professors to improve rapidly.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL, Mendeley (for referencing), University writing center services
Career Connection
Crucial for research-oriented roles, content creation, and successful completion of final year projects and postgraduate studies.
Intermediate Stage
Master Public Speaking and Presentation- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek opportunities to deliver presentations and speeches in class and college events. Practice structuring arguments, managing stage fright, and using visual aids effectively to engage an audience.
Tools & Resources
PowerPoint/Canva, TED-Ed lessons on public speaking, Peer feedback groups
Career Connection
Directly prepares for leadership roles, sales, marketing, and media professions requiring confident and persuasive communication skills.
Cultivate Business and Creative Writing Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond academic requirements, explore writing business reports, proposals, and creative pieces. Consider contributing to college magazines or local publications to build a diverse writing portfolio.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn Learning (for business writing courses), Online writing workshops, Creative writing clubs or groups
Career Connection
Essential for roles in content marketing, corporate communications, journalism, publishing, and public relations sectors in India.
Gain Media and Journalistic Understanding- (Semester 5)
Follow current news and media trends critically. Read diverse national newspapers, watch reputable news channels, and analyze reporting styles. Consider volunteering for college media cells or local news initiatives.
Tools & Resources
Reputable national news portals (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express), Media analysis articles, Documentaries on journalism
Career Connection
Provides foundational knowledge and practical insights for careers in journalism, public relations, and media content creation.
Advanced Stage
Refine Professional Communication for Industry- (Semester 6)
Focus on developing advanced professional writing skills for specific purposes like technical documentation, professional emails, and effective resumes. Seek internship opportunities to apply these skills in a real-world setting.
Tools & Resources
Professional resume builders, Industry-specific communication guides, College career services workshops
Career Connection
Direct preparation for entering the workforce, ensuring competitive resumes and effective workplace communication skills vital for placements.
Engage in Applied Research and Project Work- (Semester 6)
Dedicate significant effort to the final semester project/dissertation. Choose a topic relevant to your career interests, conduct thorough research, and apply academic writing rigor for a high-quality output.
Tools & Resources
Research databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar), Academic mentors, Statistical software (if applicable)
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking, research acumen, and independent work skills highly valued in all professional fields and for higher education pursuits.
Develop Robust Soft Skills for Employability- (Semester 6)
Actively work on enhancing interpersonal skills, time management, and problem-solving abilities. Participate in mock interviews and group discussions to improve confidence and adaptability for various professional scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Self-help books, Online courses on soft skills, College placement cell workshops and mock sessions
Career Connection
Essential for successful job interviews, effective teamwork, leadership potential, and long-term career growth in any professional sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Intermediate in any discipline with minimum 45% marks
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 100 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1A | Introduction to Functional English | Core | 6 | Introduction to Language, Basic Concepts of Linguistics, History of English Language, Language in India, English Language Teaching |
| GE-1A | Generic Elective-I | Elective | 6 | |
| AEC-1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Ecosystem, Natural Resources, Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution |
| MD-1 | Indian Constitution and Human Rights | Multidisciplinary | 2 | Constituent Assembly, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Human Rights |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1B | English Communication | Core | 6 | Introduction to Communication, Types of Communication, Barriers to Communication, Verbal Communication, Non-Verbal Communication |
| GE-1B | Generic Elective-II | Elective | 6 | |
| AEC-2 | English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Listening Skills, Speaking Skills, Group Discussion |
| MD-2 | Digital Fluency | Multidisciplinary | 2 | Basics of Computer, Operating System, MS Office, Internet and Email, Cybersecurity |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1C | Public Speaking and Presentation Skills | Core | 6 | Principles of Public Speaking, Types of Speeches, Audience Analysis, Speech Writing, Presentation Techniques |
| SEC-1 | Business Communication | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | Principles of Business Communication, Types of Business Letters, Report Writing, Memos, Email Etiquette |
| GE-1C | Generic Elective-III | Elective | 6 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSC-1D | Translation and Interpretation | Core | 6 | Introduction to Translation, Types of Translation, Principles of Translation, Interpretation, Machine Translation |
| SEC-2 | Creative Writing | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | Elements of Creative Writing, Fiction Writing, Poetry Writing, Script Writing, Blogging |
| GE-1D | Generic Elective-IV | Elective | 6 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE-1A | Media and Journalism | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Introduction to Media, Types of Media, News Reporting, Editing, Photojournalism |
| DSE-2A | Academic Writing and Research | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Academic Writing Conventions, Research Methodology, Literature Review, Referencing Styles, Plagiarism |
| DC | Discourse Analysis | Discipline Centric | 6 | Introduction to Discourse, Types of Discourse, Text and Context, Critical Discourse Analysis, Conversation Analysis |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE-1B | Soft Skills and Personality Development | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Self-Awareness, Interpersonal Skills, Time Management, Stress Management, Interview Skills |
| DSE-2B | Professional Writing for Specific Purposes | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Technical Writing, Report Writing, Proposal Writing, Resume Writing, Cover Letters |
| Project | Project/Dissertation | Project | 6 | Research Topic Selection, Methodology, Data Collection, Analysis, Report Writing |
