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BA in History at Santoshi Maa Regional College, Jharbelda
Keonjhar, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is History at Santoshi Maa Regional College, Jharbelda Keonjhar?
This History program at Santoshi Maa Regional College focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of human societies, cultures, and political systems across various periods and geographies, with a strong emphasis on Indian and Odishan history. It delves into critical analysis of historical events and their impact, preparing students for analytical roles in diverse fields within the Indian context. The program also examines global historical trends.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for students with a keen interest in exploring past events, cultures, and their societal implications. It caters to fresh graduates seeking entry into civil services, journalism, research, or museum curation roles. Aspiring educators and individuals passionate about historical preservation will also find this specialization highly rewarding, building a strong foundational knowledge.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in archives, museums, historical research, civil services, teaching, and journalism. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with significant growth potential in government or specialized private sectors. The analytical and research skills acquired are invaluable across many professional domains.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Develop Strong Research & Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with primary and secondary historical sources. Regularly visit the college library, learn to navigate academic databases, and practice critical reading techniques to understand different historical interpretations. This forms the bedrock for advanced historical analysis.
Tools & Resources
College Library resources, JSTOR (if accessible), NPTEL videos, NCERT history textbooks (for foundational clarity)
Career Connection
Crucial for competitive exams like UPSC, OPSC, and for any research-oriented roles in the future, enhancing analytical skills.
Participate in Departmental Seminars and Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Actively attend and contribute to departmental seminars, debates, and history club activities. Engaging with peers and faculty on historical topics helps in forming arguments, understanding multiple perspectives, and improving verbal communication skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, Academic journals on history, Online forums for history enthusiasts
Career Connection
Builds confidence for public speaking, interviews, and academic presentations, essential for teaching and civil services.
Master Essay Writing and Critical Analysis- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing structured essay writing skills, emphasizing critical analysis over mere factual recall. Seek regular feedback from professors on assignments and practice constructing coherent historical arguments supported by evidence.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Feedback from faculty, Peer review groups
Career Connection
Essential for scoring well in university exams, competitive exams, and for any professional role requiring report writing or persuasive communication.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Local History and Heritage- (Semester 3-4)
Undertake field visits to local historical sites, museums, and archives in Keonjhar and nearby regions of Odisha. This direct engagement with tangible heritage provides practical context to textbook knowledge and can inspire minor research projects.
Tools & Resources
Odisha State Archives, Local museums, Historical societies
Career Connection
Develops a practical understanding of heritage management, crucial for roles in archaeology, museology, and cultural tourism in India.
Begin Preparation for Civil Services/Postgraduate Entrance- (Semester 3-5)
Alongside regular studies, start familiarizing yourself with the syllabus and pattern of competitive examinations like UPSC (CSE), OPSC, or MA History entrance exams. Focus on general studies and deepening historical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Online coaching platforms (e.g., Unacademy, Drishti IAS for notes), Mentor guidance from seniors
Career Connection
Directly prepares for highly sought-after government jobs and academic pursuits, offering a structured career path.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Learning- (Semester 3-5)
Since History often intersects with other fields, explore Generic Elective options that broaden your perspective, such as Economics, Political Science, or Sociology. This interdisciplinary approach enriches historical understanding and analytical capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Complementary subject textbooks, Online lectures from platforms like Swayam, Discussions with faculty from other departments
Career Connection
Enhances holistic problem-solving skills, making graduates adaptable for diverse roles in policy analysis, research, and journalism.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Mini Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 5-6)
Collaborate with a faculty mentor to undertake a small independent research project or a dissertation on a topic of interest, utilizing both primary and secondary sources. This builds advanced research, analytical, and scholarly writing skills.
Tools & Resources
Access to university journals, Guidance from research supervisors, Citation management software (e.g., Zotero)
Career Connection
Prepares for advanced academic degrees (MA, PhD), specialized research roles, and adds significant weight to competitive exam essays and interviews.
Network with Alumni and Professionals- (Semester 5-6)
Connect with college alumni who have pursued careers in history-related fields, civil services, or education. Attend career guidance workshops and seminars to gain insights into various career paths and job market expectations.
Tools & Resources
College alumni network, LinkedIn, Career counseling cells
Career Connection
Provides valuable mentorship, internship leads, and job opportunities, enhancing career progression and industry readiness.
Refine Interview and Presentation Skills- (Semester 5-6)
Practice mock interviews for competitive exams or job placements. Develop strong presentation skills by presenting research findings or seminar topics, focusing on clear articulation, structured content, and effective communication of historical insights.
Tools & Resources
Career guidance sessions, Mock interview panels, Public speaking clubs
Career Connection
Ensures readiness for placement interviews, group discussions, and viva-voce examinations, crucial for securing desired career roles.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 pass or equivalent from a recognized board/council (as per North Odisha University general admission guidelines for BA programs)
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 144 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies / MIL (Odia/Alt.English) / English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | |
| HIS-C1 | History of India- I | Core | 6 | Reconstructing Ancient Indian History, Pre-historic Cultures and Harappan Civilization, Vedic and Post-Vedic Periods, Rise of Mahajanapadas and Mauryan Empire, Post-Mauryan Developments |
| HIS-C2 | Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Ancient World | Core | 6 | Evolution of Humankind and Early Societies, Bronze Age Civilizations, Slave Society in Ancient Greece, Roman Empire and its Economy, Crisis of the Roman Empire |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - I | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-2 | English Communication / MIL (Odia/Alt.English) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | |
| HIS-C3 | History of India – II | Core | 6 | Guptas and their Successors, Harsha and his Times, Regional Kingdoms in Early Medieval India, Social and Cultural Developments, Religious Movements and Bhakti |
| HIS-C4 | Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Medieval World | Core | 6 | Feudalism in Europe, Islamic Society in the Medieval World, Feudalism in Japan, Mongol Nomadic Society, Cultural and Religious Interactions |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - II | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEC-1 | Archives and Museums | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | |
| HIS-C5 | History of India – III (c. 750-1206) | Core | 6 | Understanding Early Medieval India, Political Structures: Tripartite Struggle, Emergence of Rajput States, Economy, Society, and Culture, Growth of Indian Feudalism |
| HIS-C6 | Rise of Modern West – I | Core | 6 | Transition from Feudalism to Capitalism, The Renaissance, Reformation and Counter-Reformation, Rise of Absolute Monarchy, Scientific Revolution |
| HIS-C7 | History of Odisha (from earliest times to 1700 A.D.) | Core | 6 | Sources of Odisha History, Odisha under Early Dynasties, Ganga and Suryavamsi Rule, Socio-Economic and Cultural Aspects, The Jagannath Cult |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - III | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEC-2 | Art Appreciation | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | |
| HIS-C8 | History of India – IV (c. 1206-1707) | Core | 6 | Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Expansion and Consolidation of Sultanate, Mughal Empire: Babur to Aurangzeb, Socio-Economic and Cultural Conditions, Bhakti and Sufi Movements |
| HIS-C9 | Rise of Modern West – II | Core | 6 | Mercantilism and Commercial Revolution, The Age of Enlightenment, The American Revolution, The French Revolution, Industrial Revolution |
| HIS-C10 | History of Odisha (from 1700 A.D. to 1948 A.D.) | Core | 6 | Odisha under Maratha Rule, British Conquest and Administration, Resistance Movements in Odisha, Formation of Separate Odisha Province, Socio-Economic and Cultural Changes |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - IV | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS-C11 | History of Modern Europe – I (c. 1780-1939) | Core | 6 | Napoleonic Era, Concert of Europe and Revolutions, Industrial Capitalism, Rise of Nation States, Imperialism and Colonialism |
| HIS-C12 | History of India – V (1707-1857) | Core | 6 | Decline of Mughal Empire, Rise of Regional Powers, British Expansion and Consolidation, Economic and Administrative Policies, Social and Cultural Resistance |
| HIS-DSE1 | Discipline Specific Elective - I (e.g., History of USA – I (c. 1776-1865)) | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 6 | Founding of the Republic, Economic Development, Slavery and Abolitionism, Westward Expansion, Civil War |
| HIS-DSE2 | Discipline Specific Elective - II (e.g., History of USA – II (c. 1865-1945)) | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 6 | Reconstruction Era, Industrialization and Urbanization, Progressive Era, Great Depression and New Deal, World War II and America |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS-C13 | History of Modern Europe – II (c. 1780-1939) | Core | 6 | World War I and its Aftermath, Russian Revolutions, Inter-War Period and the Great Depression, Rise of Fascism and Nazism, Towards World War II |
| HIS-C14 | History of India – VI (1857-1964) | Core | 6 | Revolt of 1857 and its Impact, Nationalist Movement (Moderate and Extremist), Gandhian Era and Independence Struggle, Partition and Independence, Post-Independence India |
| HIS-DSE3 | Discipline Specific Elective - III (e.g., History of USA – III (c. 1945-1980)) | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 6 | Cold War Beginnings, Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War, Social and Cultural Changes, Watergate Scandal |
| HIS-DSE4 | Discipline Specific Elective - IV (e.g., History of USA – IV (c. 1980-2000s)) | Elective (Discipline Specific) | 6 | Rise of Conservatism, End of Cold War, Globalization and Economy, Social and Cultural Trends, Challenges of the New Millennium |
