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B-A in English at Prabhu Jagatbandhu College
Howrah, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is English at Prabhu Jagatbandhu College Howrah?
This English (Honours) program at Prabhu Jagatbandhu College focuses on a comprehensive study of literature and language, spanning classical to contemporary periods, with a strong emphasis on critical analysis and theoretical frameworks. It offers a deep dive into Indian, British, European, and American literary traditions, preparing students for diverse roles in fields valuing strong communication and analytical skills. The program''''s design caters to the growing demand for skilled communicators and content creators in the Indian job market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from 10+2 with a keen interest in literature, language, and critical thinking. It suits those aspiring for careers in teaching, journalism, publishing, content writing, civil services, or further academic pursuits like M.A. and Ph.D. Students who enjoy reading, writing, and analytical discussions, and possess a strong foundation in English at the school level, will find this specialization particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue various career paths in India, including content writing, editing, journalism, public relations, academic research, and teaching. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in diverse sectors. The analytical and communication skills gained are highly valued, aligning with roles in corporate communications, digital marketing, and the burgeoning Indian media industry, leading to strong growth trajectories.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Reading & Critical Analysis Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with assigned texts, focusing not just on plot but on themes, literary devices, and historical context. Maintain a reading journal to note key insights, questions, and critical interpretations. Actively participate in classroom discussions to hone analytical and articulation skills. Regularly read literary criticism and essays to understand diverse perspectives.
Tools & Resources
College Library resources, Online literary journals (e.g., Jstor - if accessible), Reading response journals, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Develops core analytical skills essential for research, content creation, journalism, and any role requiring deep understanding and interpretation of information.
Master Academic Writing and Research Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing clear, concise, and argumentative writing. Practice essay writing for internal assessments, paying attention to structure, coherence, and appropriate citation styles (e.g., MLA). Familiarize yourself with library research methods, including using databases and credible online sources. Seek feedback from professors and peers to refine writing skills.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL, Grammarly, College library''''s digital databases, Faculty office hours for feedback
Career Connection
Crucial for success in higher education, research, publishing, and any professional role demanding well-structured and persuasive written communication.
Explore Indian Literary and Cultural Contexts- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond the prescribed syllabus, read widely across diverse Indian languages in translation and engage with regional literary traditions. Attend college seminars, cultural events, and literary festivals (if available in Howrah/Kolkata) to deepen understanding of India''''s rich literary heritage. Discuss the socio-cultural relevance of texts within an Indian framework.
Tools & Resources
Sahitya Akademi publications, Online platforms for Indian literature in translation, Local cultural centers
Career Connection
Enhances cultural intelligence and provides a unique perspective valuable for journalism, content writing in Indian media, and civil services requiring a grasp of Indian society.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Literary Theory and Criticism- (Semester 3-5)
Actively study the various literary theories (Formalism, Structuralism, Post-structuralism, Feminism, Postcolonialism, etc.) and apply them to texts. Participate in advanced reading groups and debates. Try writing short critical essays applying different theoretical lenses to texts. This deepens your understanding of literature''''s complexities.
Tools & Resources
Online theory archives, Critical theory textbooks, Departmental workshops on theory
Career Connection
Develops high-level analytical and interpretive skills, vital for academic research, advanced content strategy, and roles requiring nuanced understanding of discourse.
Pursue Electives Strategically for Skill Specialization- (Semester 3-5)
Choose Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) and Generic Electives (GE) that complement your interests and career goals. For example, if interested in journalism, opt for communication-focused electives. If interested in research, pick a research methodology course. This allows for early specialization and skill development outside core literature.
Tools & Resources
University prospectus for elective options, Career counseling sessions (if available)
Career Connection
Builds a unique skill set that makes you more marketable for specific job roles beyond generic literature graduates, such as content writer, editor, or research assistant.
Seek Internships and Practical Exposure- (Semester 3-5)
Actively look for short-term internships in publishing houses, media agencies, NGOs focused on education, or content creation companies during semester breaks. Even unpaid internships offer invaluable practical experience, networking opportunities, and exposure to professional workflows in fields related to English studies.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Internshala, College placement cell (if active), Faculty networks
Career Connection
Translates academic knowledge into practical work experience, making you more employable and providing clarity on potential career paths in the Indian job market.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Post-Graduation and Competitive Exams- (Semester 6)
By the final year, decide on your next step: M.A. in English, B.Ed., Civil Services, or other competitive exams. Start preparing rigorously. For M.A., focus on NET/SET exam patterns and advanced literary concepts. For civil services, practice general studies, current affairs, and improve overall general knowledge and comprehension.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Online coaching platforms, Mentorship from seniors/faculty, Relevant study materials for specific exams
Career Connection
Directly enables entry into higher education (academic career) or prestigious government/public sector roles, offering significant career advancement and stability in India.
Develop a Professional Portfolio and Networking- (Semester 6)
Curate a portfolio of your best academic essays, creative writing, research papers, and any content created during internships. Actively network with alumni, professionals in your target industry, and faculty. Attend webinars, workshops, and career fairs to expand your professional connections and learn about job opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn profile, Personal website/blog (optional), Online portfolio platforms, Alumni association events
Career Connection
Showcases your abilities to potential employers and opens doors to job opportunities through referrals and direct engagement, crucial for breaking into competitive industries in India.
Refine Specialized Writing and Communication Skills- (Semester 6)
Focus on refining specialized writing skills relevant to your chosen career path. If aiming for publishing, practice editing and proofreading. If for content marketing, learn SEO writing basics. If for academia, perfect research paper writing and presentation skills. Take initiative for a research project or dissertation.
Tools & Resources
Online courses on specific writing styles (e.g., Coursera, Udemy), Industry-specific style guides, Feedback from professionals in target fields
Career Connection
Provides a distinct edge in job applications by demonstrating mastery of specific, in-demand skills, leading to faster placements and higher earning potential in diverse Indian industries.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates must have passed the 10+2 examination or its equivalent from a recognized board with English as one of the subjects, fulfilling the minimum aggregate marks criteria as prescribed by the University of Calcutta for Honours courses.
Duration: 6 Semesters / 3 Years
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA-CC1 | Indian Classical Literature | Core | 6 | Sanskrit Poetics and Dramaturgy, Ancient Indian Epics (e.g., Mahabharata, Ramayana), Classical Sanskrit Drama (e.g., Shakuntala), Literary Forms and Conventions in Classical India, Critical Traditions in India |
| ENGA-CC2 | European Classical Literature | Core | 6 | Greek Epic Poetry (e.g., Homer''''s Iliad), Greek Tragedy (e.g., Oedipus Rex), Roman Comedy and Satire, Classical Literary Criticism (e.g., Aristotle''''s Poetics), Mythology and Classical Allusions |
| ENGA-AECC1 | English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Theory of Communication, Listening and Speaking Skills, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills (Reports, Emails), Presentation Skills |
| GE1 | Generic Elective - I | Generic Elective | 6 | Subject to choice from other disciplines, Fundamental concepts of chosen discipline, Basic theories and principles, Application-oriented studies, Historical development |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA-CC3 | Indian Writing in English | Core | 6 | Early Indian English Novelists, Poetry by Indian English Writers, Post-Independence Indian English Literature, Themes: Colonialism, Identity, Diaspora, Contemporary Indian English Fiction |
| ENGA-CC4 | British Poetry and Drama: 14th to 17th Centuries | Core | 6 | Chaucer''''s Poetry and Context, Renaissance Drama (e.g., Marlowe, Shakespeare), Elizabethan and Jacobean Poetry, Metaphysical Poetry, Reformation and Renaissance Influences |
| ENGA-AECC2 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Natural Resources and Ecosystems, Environmental Pollution, Social Issues and the Environment, Environmental Ethics and Policies, Sustainable Development |
| GE2 | Generic Elective - II | Generic Elective | 6 | Subject to choice from other disciplines, Theoretical frameworks, Methodologies and techniques, Case studies and examples, Societal impact |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA-CC5 | British Poetry and Drama: 17th and 18th Centuries | Core | 6 | Restoration Drama, Augustan Poetry (e.g., Pope, Dryden), 17th Century Prose and Poetry, Rise of the Novel, Satire and Mock-Epic |
| ENGA-CC6 | British Literature: 18th Century | Core | 6 | Enlightenment Thinkers, Rise of Realism in Fiction, Periodical Essays (e.g., Addison, Steele), Sentimentalism and Gothic Literature, Cultural and Social Contexts |
| ENGA-CC7 | British Romantic Literature | Core | 6 | First Generation Romantics (e.g., Wordsworth, Coleridge), Second Generation Romantics (e.g., Byron, Shelley, Keats), Romantic Prose (e.g., Jane Austen), Themes: Nature, Imagination, Individualism, Gothic and Sublime Elements |
| ENGA-SEC-A-1 | Language and Linguistics / Academic Writing and Composition (Student Choice) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Nature and Scope of Linguistics, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Effective Academic Writing, Essay Structure and Argumentation |
| GE3 | Generic Elective - III | Generic Elective | 6 | Subject to choice from other disciplines, Analytical tools and frameworks, Problem-solving approaches, Contemporary issues, Interdisciplinary connections |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA-CC8 | British Literature: The 19th Century | Core | 6 | Victorian Poetry (e.g., Tennyson, Browning), Victorian Novel (e.g., Dickens, Eliot), Social and Cultural Contexts of Victorian Age, Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Realism and Naturalism |
| ENGA-CC9 | British Literature: The Early 20th Century | Core | 6 | Modernist Poetry (e.g., Yeats, Eliot), Modernist Novel (e.g., Woolf, Joyce), World War I Poetry, Avant-garde Movements, Stream of Consciousness |
| ENGA-CC10 | Women''''s Writing | Core | 6 | Feminist Literary Theory, Early Women Writers, Themes: Patriarchy, Gender, Identity, Diverse Voices in Women''''s Literature, Representation of Women in Literature |
| ENGA-SEC-B-1 | Literary Translation / Text and Performance (Student Choice) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Theories of Translation, Practice of Literary Translation, History of Performance, Stagecraft and Acting, Adaptation of Text for Performance |
| GE4 | Generic Elective - IV | Generic Elective | 6 | Subject to choice from other disciplines, Contemporary debates and discussions, Research methods in the field, Ethical considerations, Future prospects and trends |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA-CC11 | Modern European Drama | Core | 6 | Absurdist Drama (e.g., Beckett, Ionesco), Existentialist Drama, Epic Theatre (Brecht), Realism and Naturalism in Drama, Symbolism and Expressionism in Theatre |
| ENGA-CC12 | Postcolonial Literatures | Core | 6 | Postcolonial Theory, Literatures from Africa, Caribbean, South Asia, Themes: Identity, Nation, Hybridity, Resistance, Diaspora and Migration, Language and Power |
| ENGA-DSE1 | Discipline Specific Elective - I (Student Choice from options like Literary Criticism / Research Methodology / Film Studies / Indian English Literature / Literature of the Indian Diaspora / Children''''s Literature) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Specific to chosen elective, e.g., Literary Criticism: Formalism, Structuralism, Post-structuralism, Critical approaches to literature, Scholarly research techniques, Narrative analysis in film, Specific literary movement or genre |
| ENGA-DSE2 | Discipline Specific Elective - II (Student Choice from options like Literary Criticism / Research Methodology / Film Studies / Indian English Literature / Literature of the Indian Diaspora / Children''''s Literature) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Specific to chosen elective, different from DSE1, In-depth study of a chosen area, Advanced critical frameworks, Practical application of research skills, Cultural studies perspectives |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA-CC13 | American Literature | Core | 6 | Early American Literature, American Transcendentalism, Realism and Naturalism in American Fiction, Modern American Poetry, African American Literature and Civil Rights |
| ENGA-CC14 | Popular Literature | Core | 6 | Theories of Popular Culture, Detective Fiction and Thrillers, Fantasy and Science Fiction, Romance Novels and Best-sellers, Children''''s and Young Adult Literature |
| ENGA-DSE3 | Discipline Specific Elective - III (Student Choice from options like Literary Theory / Science Fiction / Partition Literature / Travel Writing / Autobiography / Digital Humanities) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Specific to chosen elective, e.g., Literary Theory: Psychoanalysis, Marxism, Postmodernism, Genre-specific studies, Cultural and historical contexts of chosen area, Digital tools for literary analysis, Narration and self-representation |
| ENGA-DSE4 | Discipline Specific Elective - IV (Student Choice from options like Literary Theory / Science Fiction / Partition Literature / Travel Writing / Autobiography / Digital Humanities) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Specific to chosen elective, different from DSE3, Advanced theoretical concepts, Interdisciplinary approaches to literature, Media studies and literature, Exploration of niche literary fields |
