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BACHELOR-OF-ARTS-BA in English Literature at Ram Sahay Rajkiya Mahavidyalaya, Bairi Shivrajpur, Kanpur Nagar
Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English Literature at Ram Sahay Rajkiya Mahavidyalaya, Bairi Shivrajpur, Kanpur Nagar Kanpur Nagar?
This English Literature program at Ram Sahay Rajkiya Mahavidyalaya, affiliated with CSJMU, offers a robust exploration of literary traditions from diverse cultural and historical contexts. It systematically covers poetry, drama, prose, and critical theory, fostering analytical skills and a deep appreciation for the nuances of language. The curriculum, aligned with NEP 2020, prepares students for intellectual and professional challenges in the vibrant Indian landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideally suited for 10+2 graduates with a strong inclination towards reading, writing, and critical thinking. It appeals to aspiring educators, researchers, content creators, journalists, and individuals aiming for civil services. Candidates demonstrating a foundational command of English and a genuine passion for exploring human experiences through literature will find immense value and growth opportunities here.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program gain advanced analytical, communication, and research skills, leading to varied career paths in India. Potential roles include content writer (INR 3-6 LPA), editor/proofreader (INR 2.5-5 LPA), journalist (INR 3-7 LPA), and academic researcher/lecturer (INR 4-10 LPA, especially with NET/SET). The critical thinking nurtured is invaluable for competitive exams and corporate roles requiring strong verbal acumen.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Reading & Comprehension Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Engage daily with a variety of texts, including prescribed literature and supplementary readings from Indian and global authors. Focus on understanding plot, characters, themes, and literary devices. Join a college reading club or form a peer study group to discuss readings, fostering deeper insights and diverse perspectives.
Tools & Resources
College library resources, NCERT literature textbooks for foundational concepts, Project Gutenberg for free online classics, Local study circles
Career Connection
Essential for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and any role requiring critical analysis, from research to content writing. Enhances general knowledge and critical understanding.
Master Academic Writing and Grammar- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to improving grammar, vocabulary, and essay writing skills. Practice structuring arguments logically, using appropriate academic tone, and citing sources correctly in MLA/APA formats. Seek constructive feedback from professors or peers on written assignments early on to refine your style and overcome common grammatical errors prevalent in Indian English.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), Grammarly (for basic checks), Wren & Martin for grammar and composition, College writing workshops
Career Connection
Crucial for writing research papers, journalistic articles, professional emails, technical documentation, and effective communication in any sector, significantly boosting employability.
Actively Participate in Literary Discussions and Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Come prepared to class with thoughtful questions and insights on readings. Engage confidently in debates, share interpretations, and listen actively to peers, respecting diverse viewpoints. This hones critical thinking and articulation skills, building confidence. Participate in college debates or literary events to gain public speaking experience.
Tools & Resources
Class discussions, College literary societies and debate clubs, Online forums for literary analysis and commentary
Career Connection
Develops strong public speaking, persuasive communication, and critical reasoning abilities, which are vital for job interviews, presentations, and leadership roles across various industries.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Diverse Genres and Critical Theories- (Semesters 3-5)
Beyond the core syllabus, delve into emerging genres like regional Indian literature in translation, Dalit literature, graphic novels, or drama from different global cultures. Experiment with applying various literary theories (feminist, post-colonial, Marxist) to texts, challenging conventional interpretations and developing a nuanced analytical perspective.
Tools & Resources
University library and digital archives, Online academic journals (JSTOR, Muse via institutional access), Open-access literary theory resources and MOOCs
Career Connection
Broadens intellectual horizons for advanced research, allows for specialized content creation in niche areas, and fosters analytical flexibility highly valued in diverse professional fields in India.
Cultivate Research and Presentation Skills- (Semesters 3-5)
Identify specific literary topics of interest and practice conducting preliminary research using academic databases and library resources. Prepare and deliver structured presentations on literary topics during college seminars or departmental events. Focus on clear articulation, effective use of visual aids, and confidently handling audience questions.
Tools & Resources
College research guide and librarian assistance, Google Scholar and research databases, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Canva, Google Slides)
Career Connection
Directly prepares for academic careers (UGC NET/JRF), journalistic reporting, media roles, and any corporate position requiring structured information delivery and confident communication.
Engage with Practical Applications of English- (Semesters 3-5)
Seek opportunities for practical application like writing articles for the college magazine/blog, participating in content creation for local NGOs, or volunteering for event reporting. Explore basic translation projects (e.g., local folk tales to English), linking literary skills to real-world communication and cultural exchange tasks.
Tools & Resources
College magazine/newsletter, departmental blog, Local community organizations requiring content assistance, Online translation tools for practice, literary translation workshops
Career Connection
Builds a practical portfolio for content writing, technical writing, journalism, and demonstrates initiative to potential employers, enhancing hands-on experience in the Indian job market.
Advanced Stage
Undertake an Independent Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 6 (and potential 7-8 for Honours with Research))
Choose a specific, original area of English Literature for in-depth research, working closely with a faculty mentor. Develop a robust thesis, gather compelling evidence, meticulously analyze findings, and write a comprehensive dissertation adhering to academic standards. This culminates years of learning into a significant academic output.
Tools & Resources
University research labs and departmental faculty guidance, Advanced academic writing software, citation management tools, Anti-plagiarism software (e.g., Turnitin through institution)
Career Connection
Essential for pursuing higher studies (MA, PhD), a strong credential for research-oriented roles in academia or think tanks, and showcases advanced analytical and independent work capabilities to top employers.
Prepare for Higher Education and Competitive Exams- (Semester 6 (and ongoing after graduation))
Identify target postgraduate programs (MA English, Journalism) or prestigious competitive exams (UPSC Civil Services, UGC NET/SET for lectureship). Begin structured and disciplined preparation, including rigorous mock tests and subject-specific study groups. Network proactively with alumni who have successfully cleared these exams for guidance and mentorship.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes for competitive exams (e.g., for UPSC, NET), Online study materials and previous year question papers, College career counseling cell and alumni network
Career Connection
Directly impacts entry into prestigious government jobs, university teaching positions, and specialized research careers, leading to higher earning potential and social impact in India.
Develop Professional Communication and Networking- (undefined)
Refine resume/CV writing, craft compelling cover letters, and practice interview techniques tailored for specific job roles. Attend workshops on career readiness, mock interviews, and personal branding. Actively connect with professionals in desired industries (media, publishing, education, HR) through LinkedIn or college alumni networks to explore opportunities and gain industry insights.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell services and workshops, LinkedIn for professional networking and job search, Professional development books and online courses on soft skills
Career Connection
Significantly increases employability, facilitates internships and job placements in competitive markets, and builds valuable professional relationships that are crucial for long-term career growth and mentorship.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Intermediate) examination passed from a recognized board. Minimum 40-45% aggregate marks (general requirement for BA programs).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG101 | Indian English Literature | Core | 4 | Colonialism and Indian Writing in English, Major Indian Poets (Torudutt, Sarojini Naidu), Major Indian Novelists (Mulk Raj Anand, R.K. Narayan, Raja Rao), Themes of Identity and Nationhood, Partition Literature |
| ENG102 | English Language & Communication Skills | Core/Foundation | 4 | Parts of Speech and Sentence Structure, Vocabulary Building and Idioms, Reading Comprehension and Note-making, Public Speaking and Presentation Skills, Essay Writing and Report Writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG201 | British Poetry and Drama (14th to 17th Century) | Core | 4 | Chaucer and Medieval English Literature, Renaissance Humanism and Elizabethan Drama (Shakespeare), Metaphysical Poetry (Donne, Herbert), Jacobean and Caroline Drama, Puritanism and Restoration Literature |
| ENG202 | British Prose and Fiction (18th Century) | Core | 4 | Augustan Age Literature and Satire (Swift, Pope), Rise of the Novel (Defoe, Richardson, Fielding), Sentimentalism and Gothic Novel, Essayists of the Period (Addison, Steele), Enlightenment Thinkers and Their Influence |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG301 | British Poetry and Drama (18th to 19th Century) | Core | 4 | Romanticism (Wordsworth, Coleridge, Keats, Shelley, Byron), Victorian Poetry (Tennyson, Browning, Arnold), Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Drama (Oscar Wilde, G.B. Shaw), Aestheticism and Decadence |
| ENG302 | British Prose and Fiction (19th Century) | Core | 4 | Novelists (Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, George Eliot), Brontë Sisters (Charlotte, Emily), Victorian Short Stories and Detective Fiction, Realism and Naturalism in Fiction, Social Commentary in Victorian Prose |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG401 | Literary Criticism and Theory | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Romantic Criticism (Wordsworth, Coleridge), New Criticism and Formalism, Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Feminist Criticism, Post-Colonialism, Marxism |
| ENG402 | American and Other Non-British Literatures | Core | 4 | American Renaissance (Emerson, Thoreau, Whitman), Modern American Fiction (Faulkner, Hemingway), African American Literature (Hughes, Morrison), Canadian Literature (Atwood, Munro), Latin American Literature (García Márquez) |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG501 | Modern and Post-Modern Literature | Core | 4 | Modernist Poetry (Eliot, Yeats), Stream of Consciousness (Joyce, Woolf), Absurdist Drama (Beckett, Ionesco), Post-Modern Fiction and Metafiction, Existentialism and its Literary Reflections |
| ENG502 | Commonwealth Literature | Core | 4 | Post-colonial Themes and Concerns, African Literature (Achebe, Soyinka), Caribbean Literature (Naipaul, Walcott), Australian Literature (White, Carey), Canadian Literature (Margaret Atwood) |
| ENG503 | Women''''s Writing | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE) | 4 | Feminist Literary Theory and Critiques, Representation of Gender and Patriarchy, Autobiographical Writing by Women, Major Women Writers across Eras and Cultures, Themes of Resistance and Empowerment |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG601 | Research Methodology and Academic Writing | Core | 4 | Research Design and Question Formulation, Literature Review and Data Collection, Citation Styles (MLA, APA), Structure of a Research Paper/Thesis, Plagiarism and Research Ethics |
| ENG602 | Applied English / Translation Studies / Film Studies | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE) | 4 | Principles and Types of Translation, Translating Literary Texts, Film as Literature and Narrative Techniques, Screenwriting Basics and Film Adaptations, Media and Communication in English |
| ENG603 | Project/Dissertation | Project | 6 | Independent Research on a Chosen Topic, Thesis Formulation and Hypothesis Testing, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Presentation of Findings and Conclusions, Viva Voce Examination |
