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BA in English at S. B. Garda Arts College & P. K. Patel College of Commerce, Navsari
Navsari, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is English at S. B. Garda Arts College & P. K. Patel College of Commerce, Navsari Navsari?
This English specialization program at S. B. Garda College (Arts) And P. K. Patel College Of Commerce focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of English language and literature across various historical periods and genres. It delves into Indian, British, American, and Postcolonial literature, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills essential for diverse career paths in the Indian context. The program also integrates communicative English and research methodology, ensuring well-rounded development.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for students with a keen interest in literature, language, and critical analysis, seeking entry into fields like teaching, content creation, journalism, and civil services. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring for academic pursuits or those aiming for careers requiring strong communication and analytical abilities. Candidates from Arts, Commerce, or Science streams with a flair for English are well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding career paths in India such as educators, content writers, editors, journalists, public relations specialists, and even prepare for competitive exams like UPSC and GPSC. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with significant growth potential up to 8-12 LPA for experienced professionals in publishing or media houses. The program builds a strong foundation for higher studies in literature or related fields.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Literary Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with core literary texts from Indian Writing in English. Actively participate in class discussions on poetry, short stories, and drama to develop foundational critical analysis skills. Form study groups to dissect difficult passages and understand historical contexts.
Tools & Resources
College Library (physical and digital resources), Online literary databases (e.g., Project Gutenberg for free classics), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation in literary analysis is crucial for roles in content writing, journalism, and competitive exams, where comprehension and critical thinking are paramount. This also prepares for advanced academic research.
Enhance Communicative English Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time daily to practicing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Engage in debates, presentations, and group discussions regularly. Focus on grammar and vocabulary building beyond coursework to achieve fluency and accuracy.
Tools & Resources
English language newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, The Indian Express), BBC Learning English, Toastmasters clubs (if available in Navsari), Language learning apps
Career Connection
Exceptional communication skills are universally valued in the Indian job market, from corporate roles to public relations, and are a direct asset for media, education, and administrative services. This will significantly boost employability.
Cultivate Independent Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond the prescribed syllabus, read widely across genres (fiction, non-fiction, literary criticism). This broadens perspective, improves comprehension, and exposes you to diverse writing styles, fostering a deeper love for literature.
Tools & Resources
Public libraries, Online book clubs, Goodreads, Literary magazines
Career Connection
Extensive reading builds a rich vocabulary and nuanced understanding of language, which is highly beneficial for aspiring writers, editors, academics, and for success in verbal ability sections of entrance exams.
Intermediate Stage
Master Historical Literary Contexts- (Semester 3-4)
Systematically study the literary movements from Elizabethan to Victorian ages, understanding their socio-political backdrops. Create timelines, mind maps, and comparative analyses of authors and works from different periods to deepen comprehension.
Tools & Resources
Literature textbooks, Online encyclopedias (e.g., Britannica, Wikipedia with verified sources), Academic articles
Career Connection
A profound understanding of literary history is essential for advanced studies, teaching positions, and for crafting well-informed content in cultural journalism or historical research. It provides depth to critical arguments.
Develop Critical Literary Analysis Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Practice writing analytical essays and critical reviews regularly. Focus on identifying themes, literary devices, and authorial intent. Seek feedback from professors and peers to refine your argumentation and expression.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), Grammarly, Peer review sessions, Faculty consultation
Career Connection
Strong analytical writing is critical for academic research, publishing, editorial roles, and any profession requiring persuasive communication and logical reasoning. This skill directly translates to producing high-quality professional documents.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-4)
Look for connections between English literature and other disciplines like history, philosophy, sociology, and psychology. Attending guest lectures or workshops on related subjects can broaden your intellectual horizon and provide new interpretive lenses.
Tools & Resources
University seminars, Online courses (Coursera, edX for humanities), Documentaries on historical periods
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary approach is highly valued in fields like cultural studies, policy analysis, and strategic communication, as it allows for a more holistic understanding of complex issues and better problem-solving.
Advanced Stage
Engage in Literary Research and Academic Writing- (Semester 5-6)
Familiarize yourself with research methodologies, citation styles (MLA), and academic databases. Work on a research project or paper, even if not formally required, to apply your skills and potentially present at college-level seminars.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, MLA Handbook, Research paper writing workshops, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
This directly prepares you for postgraduate studies (MA, M.Phil, PhD), academic careers, and roles in research and development within various industries. It is also crucial for competitive examinations that require essay writing and analytical reports.
Build a Professional Portfolio and Network- (Semester 5-6)
Start collecting your best essays, critical analyses, creative writings, and presentation records. Attend literary festivals, workshops, and network with professors, alumni, and professionals in fields like publishing, media, and education. Build a LinkedIn profile.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Literary events (online/offline), College career services, Personal blog/website
Career Connection
A strong portfolio showcases your abilities to potential employers, especially in content, journalism, and publishing. Networking opens doors to internships, job opportunities, and mentorship in the competitive Indian market.
Prepare for Post-Graduation Pathways- (Semester 5-6)
Clearly define your post-graduation goals, whether it''''s higher education (MA English, Journalism, Mass Communication) or entering the workforce. Research universities, entrance exams (e.g., NET/SET, university-specific MA entrances), or job roles. Attend career counseling sessions.
Tools & Resources
University prospectuses, Career counseling centers, Online job portals (Naukri, LinkedIn Jobs), Alumni network
Career Connection
Proactive planning ensures a smoother transition after graduation. Tailoring your final semester''''s focus to your goals maximizes your chances of securing desired placements, admissions, or entrepreneurial ventures in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary School Certificate Examination) or equivalent from a recognized board.
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 64 (for English specialization subjects only) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-101 | Indian Writing in English-I | Core | 4 | Indian English Poetry (Toru Dutt, Sarojini Naidu), Indian English Poetry (Nissim Ezekiel, A. K. Ramanujan), Indian English Short Story (Mulk Raj Anand, R. K. Narayan), Indian English Short Story (Raja Rao, Ruskin Bond) |
| FC-101 | Communicative English-I | Foundation | 4 | Theory of Communication, Reading Skills (Skimming, Scanning, Intensive Reading), Writing Skills (Paragraph Writing, Essay Writing), Grammar (Parts of Speech, Tenses, Articles, Prepositions) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-102 | Indian Writing in English-II | Core | 4 | Indian English Poetry (Kamala Das, Jayanta Mahapatra), Indian English Poetry (Arun Kolatkar, Dilip Chitre), Indian English Drama (Mahesh Dattani, Girish Karnad) |
| FC-102 | Communicative English-II | Foundation | 4 | Types of Communication (Verbal, Non-verbal), Listening Skills (Active Listening, Note-taking), Speaking Skills (Public Speaking, Presentations), Vocabulary (Word Formation, Antonyms, Synonyms) |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-103 | Elizabethan Age | Core | 4 | Background of Elizabethan Age and Renaissance, Elizabethan Poetry (Spenser, Sidney), Elizabethan Drama (Marlowe: Dr. Faustus), Elizabethan Drama (Shakespeare: Sonnets, Macbeth) |
| CC-104 | The Neoclassical Age | Core | 4 | Background of Neoclassical Age and Restoration, Neoclassical Poetry (Dryden, Pope), Neoclassical Prose (Addison, Steele, Swift), Restoration Drama (Congreve, Goldsmith) |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-105 | The Romantic Age | Core | 4 | Background of Romantic Age, Characteristics of Romanticism, Romantic Poetry (Wordsworth, Coleridge), Romantic Poetry (Keats, Shelley, Byron), Romantic Prose (Charles Lamb) |
| CC-106 | The Victorian Age | Core | 4 | Background of Victorian Age, Victorian sensibility, Victorian Poetry (Tennyson, Browning), Victorian Poetry (Matthew Arnold, Dante Gabriel Rossetti), Victorian Prose (Carlyle, Ruskin) |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-107 | The Modern Age | Core | 4 | Background of Modern Age, Modernism and its features, Modern Poetry (W.B. Yeats, T.S. Eliot), Modern Poetry (W.H. Auden, Stephen Spender), Modern Prose (Virginia Woolf, D.H. Lawrence, E.M. Forster) |
| CC-108 | Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism (Aristotle: Poetics), English Criticism (Philip Sidney: Apology for Poetry), English Criticism (Dryden: An Essay of Dramatic Poesy), English Criticism (Wordsworth: Preface to Lyrical Ballads, Eliot: Tradition and the Individual Talent) |
| EC-101 | American Literature | Elective | 4 | Introduction to American Literature, American Poetry (Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson), American Poetry (Robert Frost, Langston Hughes), American Prose (Emerson, Thoreau, Mark Twain) |
| EC-102 | Postcolonial Literature | Elective | 4 | Introduction to Postcolonial Theory and Literature, African Writers (Chinua Achebe: Things Fall Apart, Ngugi wa Thiong''''o), Caribbean Writers (Derek Walcott, V.S. Naipaul), South Asian Writers (Salman Rushdie, Arundhati Roy) |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-109 | Contemporary Literature | Core | 4 | Post-World War II Literature, postmodernism, Contemporary Poetry (Ted Hughes, Seamus Heaney), Contemporary Drama (Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter), Contemporary Novel (Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Toni Morrison) |
| CC-110 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research, Types of Research, Research Design, Formulation of Hypothesis, Data Collection Methods, Literary Review, Academic Writing, MLA Style, Referencing |
| EC-103 | European Literature in Translation | Elective | 4 | Introduction to European Literary Traditions, Greek Drama (Sophocles: Oedipus Rex), Russian Novel (Dostoevsky: Crime and Punishment, Tolstoy: Anna Karenina), French Novel (Flaubert: Madame Bovary, Camus: The Stranger) |
| EC-104 | Business Communication | Elective | 4 | Principles of Business Communication, Channels, Types of Business Letters (Enquiry, Order, Complaint), Reports (Types, Structure), Proposals, Presentations, Group Discussions, Interviews |
