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B-A in English at Richard Almeda Memorial College
Udupi, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is English at Richard Almeda Memorial College Udupi?
This English program at Richard Almeda Memorial College, affiliated with Mangalore University, provides a comprehensive exploration of literature, language, and critical theory. It aims to cultivate advanced analytical skills, effective communication, and a profound understanding of diverse literary traditions, both Indian and global. The program is designed to meet the growing demand in the Indian market for skilled communicators, content creators, and critical thinkers in a rapidly evolving digital and educational landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a keen interest in literary analysis, creative expression, and critical discourse, aspiring for careers in journalism, content writing, teaching, public relations, or civil services. It also suits individuals seeking to strengthen their intellectual foundation and refine communication abilities for postgraduate studies or professional advancement in various communication-intensive sectors within India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers in content development, editing, media production, public relations, academic research, and teaching roles across India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 lakhs annually, with significant upward mobility in specialized fields. The curriculum also serves as an excellent foundation for competitive examinations like the UPSC, KAS, and NET, and for pursuing higher education in humanities and social sciences.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Literary Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with prescribed texts and explore diverse literary genres beyond the syllabus. Regularly visit the college library and utilize online literary archives. Join a college book club or start one with peers to discuss readings and perspectives, broadening understanding of different authors and styles.
Tools & Resources
College library, Project Gutenberg, Poetry Foundation, Goodreads
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broad cultural understanding essential for content creation, journalism, and academic pursuits.
Enhance Academic Writing and Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering essay writing, argumentation, and clear communication. Participate in writing workshops, seek feedback from professors on assignments, and practice public speaking in college debates or presentations. Start a personal blog or contribute to the college magazine to hone expressive abilities.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Purdue OWL, college writing center, debating clubs
Career Connection
Crucial for roles requiring strong written communication, such as content writing, editing, public relations, and teaching. Improves interview performance.
Develop Foundational Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Learn to effectively use library resources, academic databases, and credible online sources for assignments. Understand citation styles (MLA/APA) and the importance of academic integrity. Participate in introductory research projects or assist senior students/professors in their research to gain practical experience.
Tools & Resources
College library database, Google Scholar, JSTOR (if accessible), Zotero/Mendeley for citations
Career Connection
Essential for higher studies, academic roles, and any profession requiring information synthesis and analytical report writing.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Literary Theory and Criticism- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in seminars and discussions on literary theory. Read secondary critical texts alongside primary literary works. Form study groups to dissect complex theoretical frameworks and apply them to various texts, enriching analytical perspectives. Attend guest lectures by literary scholars.
Tools & Resources
Critical theory anthologies, academic journals, online lecture series (e.g., NPTEL humanities courses)
Career Connection
Sharpens advanced analytical and interpretative skills, highly valued in research, academia, and roles requiring complex problem-solving.
Seek Internships in Related Fields- (Semester 4-5)
Look for internships with local newspapers, magazines, content creation agencies, NGOs focused on education, or publishing houses (even small ones) in Udupi or nearby cities. Focus on roles involving writing, editing, research, or public relations to gain practical industry exposure.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, internshala.com, local job portals
Career Connection
Provides real-world experience, builds a professional network, and enhances resume for immediate post-graduation employment in media, content, or education sectors.
Participate in Extracurricular Activities and Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Join college literary societies, drama clubs, debate teams, or quiz competitions. Participate in inter-collegiate literary fests, essay writing, poetry recitation, or storytelling contests. These activities boost confidence, teamwork, and creative expression beyond academics.
Tools & Resources
College cultural committees, university fest notifications
Career Connection
Develops soft skills such as leadership, public speaking, creativity, and critical thinking, which are highly desirable in any professional field, especially in communication-intensive roles.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Capstone Research Project or Dissertation- (Semester 6)
Work closely with a faculty mentor to identify a research topic, conduct in-depth study, and produce a substantial academic paper or dissertation. This demonstrates advanced research, analytical, and writing capabilities, culminating the learning experience.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentorship, academic databases, research software (if applicable), writing workshops
Career Connection
Crucial for demonstrating expertise for postgraduate studies, research assistant positions, and high-level analytical roles. Provides a portfolio piece.
Prepare for Higher Education and Competitive Exams- (Semester 6)
Begin preparations for master''''s degrees (MA English, Journalism, Mass Communication) by studying for entrance exams like NET/SET or university-specific tests. For those aiming for civil services, focus on current affairs and general knowledge. Attend career guidance workshops and alumni interaction sessions.
Tools & Resources
Online coaching platforms, previous year question papers, career counseling cells, alumni network
Career Connection
Directly impacts eligibility for advanced academic programs, prestigious government jobs (UPSC, KAS), and teaching positions, opening diverse career pathways.
Refine Professional Portfolio and Networking- (Semester 6)
Compile a portfolio of best academic essays, creative writing pieces, or internship reports. Create a professional LinkedIn profile highlighting skills and experiences. Actively network with alumni and industry professionals through college events, seminars, and online platforms to explore job opportunities and gain insights.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, professional resume/CV builders, portfolio websites, college alumni association
Career Connection
Essential for job search, showcasing capabilities to potential employers, and leveraging connections for placements in content, media, education, or corporate communication roles.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in the 10+2 (Pre-University Course) examination or equivalent from a recognized board.
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: Credits not specified
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG101DSC | English Language and Communication Skills | Core (Discipline Specific Core - DSC) | 4 | Prose selections, Poetry selections, Basic grammar and usage, Paragraph and essay writing, Functional English for daily communication |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG201DSC | Introduction to Literary Forms | Core (Discipline Specific Core - DSC) | 4 | Understanding fiction and non-fiction, Elements of drama and poetry, Literary terms and devices, Basic literary analysis, Appreciation of literary texts |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG301DSC | Indian Writing in English | Core (Discipline Specific Core - DSC) | 4 | Major Indian English authors and their works, Themes in Indian English poetry, Indian English novels and short stories, Post-colonial perspectives in Indian writing, Cultural context of Indian English literature |
| ENG301SEC | English for Competitive Examinations | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Vocabulary building and usage, Grammar rules and common errors, Reading comprehension and critical reasoning, Precis writing and essay skills, Basic public speaking and interview techniques |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG401DSC | British Literature (Early Period) | Core (Discipline Specific Core - DSC) | 4 | Chaucer and Middle English literature, Elizabethan age and Shakespearean drama, Metaphysical poetry and Restoration period, 18th century prose and satire, Major poets and dramatists of the early period |
| ENG401SEC | Creative Writing | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Techniques of poetry writing, Developing short fiction narratives, Elements of playwriting, Article and feature writing, Editing and revision strategies |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG501DSC | British Literature (Romantic to Victorian) | Core (Discipline Specific Core - DSC) | 4 | Romanticism and its key figures (Wordsworth, Keats), Victorian poetry and prose, Rise of the Victorian novel (Dickens, Austen), Impact of social and industrial change on literature, Literary movements of the 19th century |
| ENG502DSC | Literary Criticism and Theory | Core (Discipline Specific Core - DSC) | 4 | Classical and neo-classical criticism, Romantic criticism and its influence, New Criticism and formalism, Introduction to structuralism and post-structuralism, Reader-response and deconstruction theories |
| ENG501DSE | American Literature | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE) | 4 | Early American literature and Puritanism, Transcendentalism and its proponents, Modern American fiction (Hemingway, Faulkner), American poetry and its distinctive voices, Themes of identity and the American Dream |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG601DSC | Twentieth Century and Contemporary Literature | Core (Discipline Specific Core - DSC) | 4 | Modernism and its characteristics, Postmodernism and its challenges, Contemporary fiction, drama, and poetry, Global voices in English literature, Experimental forms and narrative techniques |
| ENG602DSC | Research Methodology and Academic Writing in English | Core (Discipline Specific Core - DSC) | 4 | Fundamentals of literary research, Developing research questions and hypotheses, Academic ethics and avoiding plagiarism, Structuring research papers and dissertations, Citation styles (MLA/APA) and bibliography |
| ENG601DSE | Cultural Studies | Elective (Discipline Specific Elective - DSE) | 4 | Introduction to popular culture theories, Media studies and representation, Identity, gender, and class in culture, Ideology and power in cultural texts, Interdisciplinary approaches to culture |
