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B-A in English at R.N. Girls Degree College
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English at R.N. Girls Degree College Lucknow?
This English Literature program at R.N. Girls Degree College, affiliated with Lucknow University, focuses on developing a deep understanding of literary traditions, critical analysis, and communication skills. With India''''s thriving content, media, and education sectors, a strong foundation in English literature is highly relevant. The program blends classical and modern texts, fostering analytical and practical competencies essential for diverse communication-centric roles in India''''s dynamic professional landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates aspiring to careers in content creation, media, or teaching, and for individuals passionate about literature and critical thinking. It suits aspiring journalists, publishers, and academicians. Students with strong aptitude for reading, writing, and analytical reasoning, keen on understanding cultural contexts and human expression, will find this specialization enriching and highly relevant for diverse professional roles in India''''s evolving economy.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths in content writing (INR 3-6 LPA), editing (INR 4-7 LPA), journalism (INR 3-6 LPA), and teaching (INR 3-8 LPA). They develop strong communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills, highly valued across diverse sectors in India. The program also provides a solid foundation for postgraduate studies and competitive exams, preparing students for academic and research careers within Indian universities and institutions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Robust Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Engage with a diverse range of literary texts beyond the syllabus, including Indian authors. Start a reading journal to document insights and critical observations. Participate in college literature clubs or book discussion groups to enhance comprehension and analytical skills.
Tools & Resources
Goodreads, local libraries, online literary magazines, college literary society
Career Connection
Builds a strong literary foundation and critical thinking essential for academic writing, research, and any role requiring deep understanding and interpretation.
Master Foundational Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time daily to practice various forms of writing – essays, precis, letters, and creative pieces. Seek regular feedback from professors and peers. Enroll in basic online courses for grammar and composition to strengthen fundamentals.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Purdue OWL, Coursera/edX free writing courses, college writing centre (if available)
Career Connection
Develops clear, concise, and persuasive writing abilities, crucial for content creation, journalism, professional communication, and competitive examinations in India.
Enhance Public Speaking and Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in class discussions, debates, and presentations. Join college Toastmasters-style clubs or debate societies. Practice articulating literary analysis and opinions confidently. Focus on developing clear pronunciation and structured arguments.
Tools & Resources
Ted Talks (for inspiration), online pronunciation guides, college debate club, peer practice sessions
Career Connection
Boosts confidence and verbal communication skills, vital for interviews, group discussions, teaching, and client-facing roles in the Indian job market.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Diverse Literary Genres and Critical Theories- (Semester 3-4)
Beyond the syllabus, delve into different literary genres (drama, fiction, poetry) and foundational critical theories. Attend workshops on literary criticism or engage in interdisciplinary reading. Try to apply various theoretical frameworks to texts.
Tools & Resources
Online academic journals, open-access literary theory resources, university research databases, academic seminars
Career Connection
Develops advanced analytical thinking and research skills, preparing for higher studies (MA, PhD), literary research, and specialized content analysis roles.
Undertake Skill-Based Certifications- (Semester 3-4)
Pursue certifications in areas like content writing, creative writing, digital marketing, or basic web content management. Look for courses offered by reputable Indian institutions or online platforms. Apply these skills in practical projects.
Tools & Resources
Internshala Trainings, Udemy, Google Digital Garage, Swayam courses
Career Connection
Adds practical, market-relevant skills to the resume, enhancing employability for roles like content strategist, SEO writer, or social media manager in India.
Engage in Literary Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 3-4)
Participate in college-level or inter-collegiate literary competitions, essay contests, creative writing workshops, and poetry slams. These platforms offer constructive feedback and exposure. Volunteer to organize departmental literary events.
Tools & Resources
College cultural committees, local literary festivals, university-level competitions, online writing communities
Career Connection
Builds a portfolio of creative work, hones competitive spirit, and expands professional networking, useful for careers in publishing, journalism, and public relations.
Advanced Stage
Gain Practical Industry Experience via Internships- (Semester 5-6)
Actively seek and complete internships with publishing houses, media agencies, content writing firms, NGOs, or educational institutions. Focus on applying academic knowledge to real-world communication and content challenges.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, LinkedIn, college placement cell, networking with alumni
Career Connection
Provides crucial industry exposure, builds a professional network, and often leads to pre-placement offers, significantly boosting employability in the Indian market.
Develop a Strong Professional Portfolio- (Semester 5-6)
Compile a portfolio of best academic papers, critical essays, creative writing pieces, and any published works or project reports. Include testimonials or recommendations. Tailor it to specific job applications.
Tools & Resources
Behance, WordPress/Blogspot (for a personal website), Google Drive, LinkedIn profile
Career Connection
Showcases practical skills and capabilities to potential employers, making a strong case for roles in content, media, research, and communication in India.
Prepare Strategically for Career Progression- (Semester 5-6)
Research potential career paths (e.g., teaching, journalism, civil services, corporate communication) and understand the required entrance exams (e.g., NET, UPSC, state PSC). Join relevant coaching or study groups. Network with alumni in desired fields.
Tools & Resources
Online coaching platforms, government job portals, alumni network, career counseling cells
Career Connection
Facilitates informed career choices and targeted preparation, leading to successful entry into specific professional domains or higher education in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 pass from a recognized board (standard for B.A. programs)
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: Credits not specified
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A040501T | Literary Criticism | Core (Major) | 4 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Romantic Criticism (Coleridge, Wordsworth), Modern Criticism (Eliot, I.A. Richards), Practical Criticism, New Criticism |
| A040502T | Modern Indian Writing in English | Core (Major) | 4 | Indian English Novel, Indian English Poetry, Indian English Drama, Major Indian English Authors (e.g., R.K. Narayan, Kamala Das), Themes in Indian English Literature |
| A040503T | Postcolonial Literature | Elective (Major) | 4 | Colonialism and Literature, Postcolonial Theory, Authors from Former Colonies, Diaspora Literature, Identity and Representation |
| A040504T | American Literature | Elective (Major) | 4 | American Renaissance, Modern American Fiction, American Poetry, Key American Authors (e.g., Emerson, Whitman, Faulkner), Themes in American Literature |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A040601T | Literary Theory | Core (Major) | 4 | Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Feminist Literary Theory, Marxist Criticism, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Eco-criticism and New Historicism |
| A040602T | Women''''s Writing | Core (Major) | 4 | Feminist Literary Traditions, Women Writers Across Genres, Gender and Representation in Literature, Indian Women Writers, Voices of Resistance |
| A040603T | World Literatures in English | Elective (Major) | 4 | African Literature in English, Canadian Literature in English, Caribbean Literature in English, Australian Literature in English, Comparative Literary Studies |
| A040604T | English Language Teaching (ELT) | Elective (Major) | 4 | Principles of ELT, Methods of Language Teaching, Materials Development and Evaluation, Assessment in ELT, Classroom Management in ELT |
