.png&w=1920&q=75)
B-A in English at Pt. Shanti Bhushan Mahavidyalaya
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is English at Pt. Shanti Bhushan Mahavidyalaya Varanasi?
This English specialization program at Pt. Shanti Bhushan Mahavidyalaya focuses on developing a deep understanding of literature, critical thinking, and communication skills. It delves into diverse literary traditions from India, Europe, Britain, America, and the postcolonial world, aligning with the growing demand for skilled communicators and analysts in India''''s dynamic service and content industries.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for 10+2 graduates with a keen interest in language, literature, and critical analysis. It suits individuals aspiring for careers in teaching, content creation, media, civil services, and research. It also benefits those seeking to enhance their analytical and communication abilities for higher education or entry into diverse professional fields in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue career paths in content writing, journalism, publishing, teaching, and administrative roles. Entry-level salaries in India typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 lakhs annually, with significant growth potential in editorial or academic roles. This foundation also prepares students for competitive exams and postgraduate studies in various humanities disciplines.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Robust Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Engage proactively with assigned texts and explore supplementary readings recommended by faculty. Regularly read classic and contemporary Indian authors to broaden literary horizons and understand diverse perspectives. Join college literary clubs to discuss works and enhance comprehension.
Tools & Resources
College Library resources, Project Gutenberg, Google Books, Swayam NPTEL (for humanities courses)
Career Connection
Strong reading habits are fundamental for academic excellence, critical thinking, and excelling in content-related roles like editing, proofreading, or content writing.
Master Foundational Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing clear, concise, and grammatically correct English writing. Practice essay writing, summarization, and basic academic reports regularly. Seek feedback from professors and peers, and actively work on improving vocabulary and sentence structure. Utilize online grammar checkers as learning aids.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), BBC Learning English, College writing workshops
Career Connection
Effective writing is crucial for almost any professional role, particularly in publishing, journalism, digital content, and communication-heavy industries in India.
Participate in Public Speaking and Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Actively join college debates, elocution competitions, and group discussions. This practice builds confidence, refines articulation, and sharpens analytical thinking. Focus on expressing literary insights and arguments clearly and persuasively, essential for future academic and professional settings.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters International (local clubs), College debate societies, TED Talks (for inspiration)
Career Connection
Strong verbal communication is highly valued in teaching, public relations, marketing, and corporate communication roles within India.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Critical Literary Analysis- (Semester 3-4)
Move beyond comprehension to deep analysis of literary texts. Practice identifying themes, motifs, literary devices, and authorial intent. Read literary criticism and form your own interpretations, fostering a nuanced understanding vital for advanced studies and critical thinking roles.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR (academic journals access), Literary theory textbooks, Online academic databases
Career Connection
Develops analytical prowess, crucial for research, editorial positions, civil services, and any role requiring in-depth evaluation and problem-solving.
Explore Indian Literary and Cultural Contexts- (Semester 3-4)
Actively relate global literary works to Indian social, historical, and cultural contexts. Research how themes like colonialism, identity, and tradition are represented across diverse literatures. This cross-cultural perspective is invaluable for understanding India''''s unique literary landscape and its global connections.
Tools & Resources
Sahitya Akademi publications, IGNCA resources, Lectures and seminars on Indian literature
Career Connection
Prepares students for roles in cultural institutions, content localization, and academia focusing on South Asian studies, with strong relevance in India.
Undertake Mini-Research Projects- (Semester 3-4)
Collaborate with peers or faculty on small research assignments. This could involve exploring a specific author, a literary movement, or a theoretical concept. Learn to formulate research questions, gather evidence, and present findings, laying groundwork for dissertation and future research.
Tools & Resources
MLA Handbook, Online research portals, University research guidance cell
Career Connection
Builds foundational research skills, highly beneficial for higher education, academic careers, and roles requiring data analysis and report writing.
Advanced Stage
Specialized Skill Development for Career Readiness- (Semester 5-6)
Identify specific career interests (e.g., content writing, editing, journalism, teaching) and pursue relevant certifications or workshops. Focus on building a portfolio of written work, editing samples, or teaching practice sessions. Tailor your skills to meet industry demands.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (Coursera, Udemy) for specific skills, Internships at local newspapers/magazines, Volunteering for content creation
Career Connection
Directly enhances employability in specific sectors, making graduates more competitive for placements in India''''s diverse job market.
Master Academic Research and Dissertation Writing- (Semester 5-6)
Engage rigorously with the Research Methodology course and devote significant effort to the dissertation. Develop a strong research proposal, conduct thorough literature reviews, and produce an original piece of academic writing. Utilize university resources for guidance and feedback.
Tools & Resources
University research supervisors, Academic writing software, Referencing tools like Zotero/Mendeley
Career Connection
Crucial for pursuing M.A. or Ph.D., and provides advanced research and analytical skills highly valued in think tanks, consultancies, and specialized content roles.
Network and Attend Professional Events- (Semester 5-6)
Attend literary festivals, university seminars, and workshops organized by professional bodies in Varanasi or nearby cities. Network with faculty, alumni, and industry professionals. These connections can open doors to internships, mentorship, and job opportunities, especially in the regional academic and media circles.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Eventbrite, University career services portal, Local literary societies
Career Connection
Facilitates job search, industry insights, and mentorship, leading to better placement opportunities and career growth in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Intermediate) examination passed from a recognized board, as per Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith regulations.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: Varies based on subject combinations and elective choices as per NEP-2020 guidelines; individual English major courses carry 4 or 6 credits each. Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG101 | Indian English Literature | Major Course (Discipline Specific Core) | 4 | History of Indian English Literature, Prominent Indian English Poets, Indian English Prose, Short Stories in Indian English, Indian English Drama |
| SEC-ENG | English Language Teaching (Skill Enhancement Course) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Language Theories and Systems, Phonetics and Phonology, Syntax and Semantics, Methods of English Language Teaching, Teaching Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing Skills |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG201 | European Classical Literature | Major Course (Discipline Specific Core) | 4 | Classical Literary Background, Homer: The Iliad (Selections), Sophocles: Oedipus Rex, Aristotle: Poetics (Selections), Horace: Ars Poetica (Selections) |
| SEC-ENG | English Language and Communication Skills (Skill Enhancement Course) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Introduction to Communication, Types of Communication, Listening and Speaking Skills, Reading Comprehension Strategies, Effective Writing Skills |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG301 | British Poetry and Drama (14th to 17th Century) | Major Course (Discipline Specific Core) | 4 | Chaucerian Poetry, Elizabethan Sonnets, Shakespearean Drama, Metaphysical Poetry, Jacobean Drama |
| ENG302 | British Prose and Fiction (18th Century) | Major Course (Discipline Specific Core) | 4 | Age of Enlightenment Literature, Jonathan Swift: Gulliver''''s Travels, Daniel Defoe: Robinson Crusoe, Henry Fielding: Tom Jones, Laurence Sterne: Tristram Shandy |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG401 | British Poetry and Drama (18th Century to 20th Century) | Major Course (Discipline Specific Core) | 4 | Romantic Age Poetry, Victorian Age Poetry, Modern Age Poetry, Modern Drama, Post-Modern Drama |
| ENG402 | British Prose and Fiction (19th Century) | Major Course (Discipline Specific Core) | 4 | Victorian Novelists, Charles Dickens: Great Expectations, Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice, Thomas Hardy: Tess of the d''''Urbervilles, George Eliot: Middlemarch |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG501 | Literary Criticism and Theory | Major Course (Discipline Specific Core) | 4 | Classical and Neoclassical Criticism, Romantic and Victorian Criticism, New Criticism and Formalism, Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Feminist and Post-Colonial Criticism |
| ENG502 | American and Other Non-British Literatures | Major Course (Discipline Specific Core) | 4 | Overview of American Literature, American Poetry, American Drama, American Fiction, Canadian, Australian, and African Literature |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG601 | Research Methodology and Dissertation | Major Course (Discipline Specific Core / Project) | 6 | Introduction to Research Methodology, Types of Research in Literature, Data Collection and Analysis in Humanities, Academic Writing and Referencing Styles, Dissertation Project Development |
| ENG602 | Postcolonial Literature | Major Course (Discipline Specific Core) | 4 | Introduction to Postcolonialism, Key Concepts in Postcolonial Theory, Postcolonial Poetry, Postcolonial Fiction, Postcolonial Drama |
