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BA in English at Prakash Chandra Mahavidyalaya
Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English at Prakash Chandra Mahavidyalaya Auraiya?
This BA English program at Prakash Chandra Mahavidyalaya, following the curriculum of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU) Kanpur, focuses on cultivating a deep understanding of English language and literature across various historical periods, genres, and critical theories. It encompasses a comprehensive study of English prose, poetry, drama, and fiction, alongside specialized areas like Indian English and Post-Colonial Literature. In the dynamic Indian context, this specialization is vital for enhancing communication skills, fostering critical thinking, and preparing students for diverse professional roles in education, media, content creation, and public services.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for 10+2 graduates with a profound interest in literature, language studies, and cultural analysis. It particularly suits individuals aspiring to pursue careers in teaching, journalism, publishing, content writing, editing, and public relations. It also caters effectively to those preparing for highly competitive government examinations that require strong English proficiency, and individuals seeking a solid academic foundation for postgraduate studies in humanities and social sciences.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to develop exceptional analytical, interpretive, and communication skills, which are highly sought after across various sectors in the Indian job market. Prominent career paths include roles as school teachers, college lecturers (after postgraduate studies), content strategists, editors, journalists, public relations specialists, and administrative officers in civil services. Entry-level salaries in these diverse fields typically range from 2.5 to 4.5 lakhs INR per annum, with significant growth potential and upward mobility as experience and further qualifications are acquired, particularly in the rapidly expanding digital media and educational technology sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Reading Habits and Comprehension- (Semester 1-2)
Engage actively with all prescribed literary texts, focusing on understanding central themes, literary devices, and their historical and cultural contexts. Supplement core readings with reliable secondary critical essays and chapter summaries. Make full use of the college library''''s physical resources and explore online literary databases like Project Gutenberg for broader textual exposure and foundational knowledge.
Tools & Resources
College Library, Project Gutenberg, SparkNotes/LitCharts for preliminary analysis (use critically), Peer study groups
Career Connection
Develops essential critical analysis, vocabulary expansion, and understanding of diverse perspectives, which are fundamental for any humanities-based career, competitive examinations, and higher education.
Master Academic Writing and Effective Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Consistently practice various forms of academic writing as per the syllabus, including essay writing, précis writing, and paragraph development. Emphasize clarity of articulation, coherent structural organization, and impeccable grammatical accuracy. Proactively seek constructive feedback from professors and peers, and actively participate in English literary society discussions, if available, to refine oral communication skills.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly (for grammar checks), Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) for style guides, College writing workshops, Faculty office hours for personalized feedback
Career Connection
Cultivates vital skills for effective communication in academic research, professional content creation, journalism, and virtually any professional role demanding strong written and verbal expression.
Enhance General Knowledge and Current Affairs Awareness- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond the academic curriculum, cultivate a disciplined habit of regularly reading leading national newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, The Indian Express), reputable news magazines, and verified online news sources. Actively participate in college debate competitions and general knowledge quizzes. A strong foundation in general knowledge is indispensable for competitive examinations and enhancing overall interview performance.
Tools & Resources
Leading Indian newspapers and magazines, Reputable online news portals, Current affairs mobile applications, College debate clubs and quiz societies
Career Connection
Significantly boosts performance in competitive government exams (like UPSC, State PSCs, SSC), dramatically improves personal interview skills, and broadens career prospects across diverse sectors requiring informed perspectives.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections and Elective Options- (Semester 3-5)
While specializing in English, strategically consider selecting elective subjects from other allied humanities or social sciences departments (e.g., History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology). This deliberate approach broadens intellectual horizons, provides unique interdisciplinary perspectives on literary studies, and fosters holistic understanding. Actively engage in cross-departmental academic events and seminars to gain varied insights.
Tools & Resources
CSJMU''''s wider elective course catalog, Inter-departmental seminars and workshops, Academic journals focusing on interdisciplinary studies
Career Connection
Creates a well-rounded and versatile academic profile, potentially opening doors to interdisciplinary research opportunities and enhancing complex problem-solving skills, thereby making graduates more adaptable for roles in research, policy analysis, and diverse media fields.
Engage in Foundational Literary Research and Critical Analysis- (Semester 3-5)
Begin a structured exploration of basic research methodologies pertinent to literary studies. Practice in-depth critical analysis of increasingly complex literary texts, aiming to formulate independent and well-supported interpretations. Seek opportunities to participate in college-level research paper presentations or undertake small-scale research projects under the direct guidance of faculty mentors.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR (for academic articles), MLA Style Guide (for research formatting), University library''''s research databases, Faculty mentorship and guidance
Career Connection
Develops critical research aptitude, which is crucial for pursuing postgraduate studies (MA, PhD), establishing academic careers, and excelling in analytical roles within market research, strategic communications, or policy development.
Seek Internships and Practical Industry Exposure- (Semester 3-5)
Proactively search for relevant short-term internships in fields such as content writing, editorial assistance, journalism, public relations, or digital marketing during semester breaks. Even voluntary work with local non-governmental organizations or educational initiatives can provide invaluable practical experience, bridge the gap between theory and application, and build a professional network.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, LinkedIn (for networking and job search), College placement cell (if available), Local media houses, publishing firms, or NGOs
Career Connection
Provides critical real-world experience, aids in professional networking, helps clarify specific career interests, and significantly strengthens the resume, making graduates more competitive for immediate job placement post-graduation.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Preparation for Competitive Examinations or Higher Studies- (Semester 6)
Devote substantial time and effort to preparing for specific competitive examinations relevant to English graduates in India, such as UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL, Banking exams, or entrance examinations for MA English programs (e.g., NET, JRF, various university entrance tests). Consider joining reputable coaching classes if beneficial, and rigorously practice mock tests and previous year''''s papers.
Tools & Resources
Specialized UPSC/SSC study materials, NET/JRF previous year''''s question papers, Reputable coaching institutes, Online test series platforms
Career Connection
Directly impacts success in securing esteemed government jobs or gaining admission to prestigious postgraduate and doctoral programs, which are key career trajectories and pathways for BA English graduates in the Indian context.
Portfolio Development and Professional Networking- (Semester 6)
Systematically compile a comprehensive portfolio showcasing your best academic essays, critical analyses, creative writings, and any noteworthy internship projects. Create and maintain a professional LinkedIn profile, actively connecting with alumni from Prakash Chandra Mahavidyalaya and professionals in your target industries. Attend virtual or in-person career fairs, seminars, and literary festivals to expand your network.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn (for professional networking), Personal professional portfolio website (e.g., WordPress, Google Sites), College alumni network, Industry-specific events and workshops
Career Connection
Effectively showcases skills and experience to prospective employers, significantly facilitates direct job opportunities, and is instrumental in building and enhancing your professional reputation and visibility in the job market.
Refine Interview Skills and Cultivate Personal Branding- (Semester 6)
Engage in extensive practice of common interview questions, focusing on articulating your academic strengths, literary knowledge, practical skills, and clear career aspirations. Actively work on developing crucial soft skills such as public speaking, effective teamwork, and leadership through participation in college clubs or dedicated workshops. Simultaneously, develop a concise and compelling personal brand and a well-defined career plan.
Tools & Resources
Organized mock interview sessions, Career counseling services, Public speaking clubs (e.g., Toastmasters if available locally), Online courses focusing on soft skills and personal development
Career Connection
Absolutely crucial for successfully converting interview opportunities into concrete job offers, ensuring a seamless and confident transition from academia to the professional world, and establishing a positive and impactful personal brand.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board (General eligibility for BA programs in Uttar Pradesh colleges affiliated to CSJMU)
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: Credits not specified
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A010101T | English Prose and Writing Skills | Core | 4 | Types of Prose, Prose Devices, Essays of Francis Bacon, Charles Lamb, Richard Steele, Joseph Addison, Short Stories by O''''Henry, Edgar Allan Poe, Somerset Maugham, Premchand, Writing skills: paragraph writing, précis writing, essay writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A010201T | English Poetry | Core | 4 | Poetic Forms and Devices, Figures of Speech, Poems of William Shakespeare, John Donne, John Milton, John Dryden, Alexander Pope, Thomas Gray, Romantic Poets: William Blake, William Wordsworth, S.T. Coleridge, John Keats, P.B. Shelley, Lord Byron |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A010301T | English Drama | Core | 4 | Elements of Drama, Types of Drama (Tragedy, Comedy, Farce), Plays by William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, Restoration and 18th Century Drama: R.B. Sheridan, Oliver Goldsmith, Modern Drama: George Bernard Shaw |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A010401T | English Fiction | Core | 4 | Elements of Fiction, Types of Novels, Novels by Daniel Defoe, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, E.M. Forster, Ernest Hemingway, Raja Rao |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A010501T | Literary Criticism and Theory | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism: Plato, Aristotle, Renaissance Criticism: Philip Sidney, Neoclassical Criticism: John Dryden, Samuel Johnson, Romantic Criticism: William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Modern Criticism: T.S. Eliot, I.A. Richards |
| A010502T | Indian English Literature | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) / Core Elective | 4 | Emergence of Indian English Writing, Major Indian English Novelists: Mulk Raj Anand, R.K. Narayan, Indian English Poetry: Rabindranath Tagore, Sarojini Naidu, Indian English Drama: Girish Karnad, Post-Independence and Contemporary Indian English Voices |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A010601T | American and Post-Colonial Literature | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) / Core Elective | 4 | American Renaissance and Transcendentalism, Modern American Poetry and Prose, African-American Literature, Introduction to Post-colonial Theory, Representative works from African, Caribbean, Australian, Canadian Literatures |
| A010602T | English Language Teaching (ELT) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) / Core Elective | 4 | Approaches and Methods of ELT, Teaching Grammar, Vocabulary, and Pronunciation, Developing Language Skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing, Material Development and Lesson Planning, Assessment in ELT |
