

BA-HONOURS-HISTORY in History at Satyawati College (Evening)


Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is History at Satyawati College (Evening) Delhi?
This BA Honours History program at Satyawati College (Evening) focuses on a comprehensive study of past societies, cultures, economies, and political systems, both Indian and global. It equips students with critical analytical skills essential for understanding contemporary issues. In the Indian context, a strong grasp of history is vital for civil services, journalism, heritage management, and research, meeting a consistent demand in these sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in historical inquiry, critical thinking, and socio-political analysis. It attracts students aspiring for careers in academia, civil services, archival work, or museum curation. It also suits those seeking to develop strong research and analytical capabilities, providing a robust foundation for postgraduate studies and diverse professional paths.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in government archives, museums, heritage sites, journalism, and education. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3 LPA to 6 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in fields like civil services or senior academic positions. The program fosters intellectual growth, analytical rigor, and communication skills, highly valued in many Indian companies and public sector undertakings.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Historical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to understanding foundational concepts of ancient and medieval history, both Indian and global. Focus on chronology, key terms, and major historical debates. Utilize college library resources and online academic journals. Participate actively in classroom discussions to strengthen comprehension and analytical skills.
Tools & Resources
College Library resources, NCERT History textbooks, Academic journals like Indian Historical Review
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, where history is a popular optional subject, and for advanced academic research.
Develop Critical Reading and Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice critical analysis of primary and secondary sources. Learn to identify bias, evaluate arguments, and synthesize information effectively. Regularly write essays and research papers, seeking feedback from professors. Attend workshops on academic writing and research methodologies.
Tools & Resources
Online academic databases (e.g., JSTOR, Project MUSE through DU library portal), Writing centers or faculty mentorship
Career Connection
These skills are indispensable for careers in journalism, policy analysis, law, and research roles across various sectors in India.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Exploration- (Semester 1-2)
Actively choose Generic Elective (GE) and Value Addition Courses (VAC) that complement history or introduce new perspectives. Attend guest lectures and seminars organized by other departments. This broadens intellectual horizons and helps in making connections between historical events and other fields like economics, sociology, or political science.
Tools & Resources
DU syllabus for GE/VAC options, College cultural societies and departmental events
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary knowledge enhances problem-solving abilities, making graduates versatile for roles in diverse fields including think tanks, NGOs, and corporate research.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Research Projects and Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Seek opportunities for mini-research projects with faculty or apply for internships at historical societies, NGOs working on heritage, or government archives during summer breaks. This provides hands-on experience in historical inquiry and exposes students to practical applications of their knowledge. Document all experiences meticulously.
Tools & Resources
National Archives of India, various state archives, INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) chapters
Career Connection
Internships are vital for building a professional network and gaining practical skills, often leading to full-time employment opportunities in heritage and cultural sectors.
Specialize through Discipline Specific Electives- (Semester 3-5)
Carefully select Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) that align with emerging interests or career aspirations. Delve deeper into specific periods or themes of history. This specialization enhances expertise and positions students as subject matter specialists. Actively participate in advanced seminars and group projects.
Tools & Resources
DU syllabus DSE options, specialized books and journals
Career Connection
Specialization makes candidates more attractive for postgraduate studies in specific historical fields and for niche roles in research institutions or museums.
Participate in Academic Competitions and Debates- (Semester 3-5)
Join college history societies and participate in quizzes, debates, and paper presentation competitions at inter-college or university levels. This hones presentation skills, encourages competitive learning, and builds confidence in public speaking. Such activities also provide exposure to diverse historical interpretations.
Tools & Resources
College History Department events, DU inter-college fests
Career Connection
Strong communication and debate skills are essential for roles in journalism, public relations, teaching, and even corporate leadership in India.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation/Research Publication- (Semester 6-8)
For the 4-year program, commit to a high-quality dissertation or research project in Semesters 7-8. Engage deeply with historiography and contribute original analysis. Seek faculty mentorship for publication in student journals or conference presentations, enhancing academic profile for higher studies.
Tools & Resources
DU library access to research databases, faculty advisors for topic selection and guidance, academic style guides
Career Connection
A strong dissertation or publication record significantly enhances prospects for higher education (MA, MPhil, PhD) and research-oriented careers in India and abroad.
Network and Prepare for Career Transitions- (Semester 6-8)
Attend career counseling sessions, alumni meets, and job fairs. Network with alumni working in diverse fields like civil services, media, and education. Start preparing for competitive exams (UPSC, State PSCs) if that''''s a goal, or explore options for higher studies. Refine resume and interview skills.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, alumni network portals, online career guidance platforms (e.g., Naukri.com, LinkedIn)
Career Connection
Proactive career planning and networking are critical for securing desired roles in the competitive Indian job market post-graduation.
Explore Post-Graduation Opportunities- (Semester 6-8)
Identify and research suitable Master''''s programs (MA History, Public Policy, Journalism) in India or abroad. Prepare for entrance exams (e.g., DUET, CUET for P.G.) and compile application materials. Consider specialized diplomas in museology, archival science, or heritage management if specific career paths are targeted.
Tools & Resources
University admission portals, counselors specializing in higher education, exam preparation materials
Career Connection
Further education often leads to more specialized and higher-paying roles, particularly in academia, research, and expert consulting within the Indian context.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 from a recognized board with a minimum aggregate percentage, as per University of Delhi admission guidelines. Specific subject combinations may be required.
Duration: 4 years (8 semesters) with multiple entry and exit options as per NEP 2020
Credits: 176 (for 4-year Honours with Research degree) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC1 | History of India-I (From earliest times up to c. 300 CE) | Core | 4 | Reconstructing Ancient Indian History, Prehistoric Hunter-Gatherers and Early Food Production, Indus Valley Civilization: Origins and Decline, Vedic and Post-Vedic Societies, Rise of Mahajanapadas and Early Empires, Emergence of Heterodox Sects |
| CC2 | Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Ancient World (c. 3500-1000 BCE) | Core | 4 | Bronze Age Civilizations, Mesopotamian Civilization, Egyptian Civilization, Nomadic Pastoralists and Early Societies, Early Chinese Civilization, Minoan and Mycenaean Civilizations |
| VAC1 | Value Addition Course 1 | Value Addition Course (VAC) | 2 | Selected from a pool of courses like Constitutional Values and Fundamental Duties, Environmental Science, Ethics and Values, Digital Empowerment |
| AECC1 | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course 1 | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 4 | Environmental Studies |
| GE1 | Generic Elective 1 | Generic Elective (GE) | 4 | Selected from a pool of subjects across various disciplines such as Economics, Political Science, Sociology, English |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC3 | History of India-II (c. 300 to 1200 CE) | Core | 4 | Gupta and Post-Gupta Eras, Emergence of Regional Kingdoms, Early Medieval Society and Economy, Cultural Developments and Religious Trends, Polity and Society in South India, Political Structures in Northern India |
| CC4 | Social Formations and Cultural Patterns of the Medieval World (c. 1000 BCE to 1300 CE) | Core | 4 | Ancient Greek Polis and Roman Empire, Feudalism in Western Europe, Rise of Islam and Arab Civilization, Byzantine Empire, Early African Kingdoms and Trading Networks, East Asian Empires: China and Japan |
| VAC2 | Value Addition Course 2 | Value Addition Course (VAC) | 2 | Selected from a pool of courses like Constitutional Values and Fundamental Duties, Environmental Science, Ethics and Values, Digital Empowerment |
| AECC2 | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course 2 | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 4 | Modern Indian Language (MIL) or English Language |
| GE2 | Generic Elective 2 | Generic Elective (GE) | 4 | Selected from a pool of subjects across various disciplines such as Economics, Political Science, Sociology, English |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC5 | History of India-III (c. 750-1750) | Core | 4 | Emergence of Sultanates in North India, Consolidation of Mughal Rule, Regional States and Polities, Agrarian Relations and Land Revenue Systems, Trade, Commerce, and Urbanization, Religious Movements and Cultural Synthesis |
| CC6 | Rise of the Modern West-I (c. 1450-1789) | Core | 4 | Renaissance and Reformation, Age of Exploration and European Expansion, Mercantilism and Absolutism, Scientific Revolution, The Enlightenment, Emergence of Nation States and Capitalism |
| CC7 | History of Delhi: c. 13th to mid-18th Century | Core | 4 | Delhi Sultanate: Foundation and Expansion, Mughal Imperial City: Shahjahanabad, Urban Structure and Population Dynamics, Religious and Cultural Life in Delhi, Decline of Mughal Delhi, Sources and Historiography of Delhi |
| SEC1 | Skill Enhancement Course 1 | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Selected from a pool of courses like Archival Practices, Oral History, Understanding Heritage, Public History |
| GE3 | Generic Elective 3 | Generic Elective (GE) | 4 | Selected from a pool of subjects across various disciplines such as Economics, Political Science, Sociology, English |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC8 | History of India-IV (c. 1200-1700) | Core | 4 | Sultanate Political Structures and Administration, Mughal State and Institutions, Art and Architecture of Sultanate and Mughal Periods, Religious and Cultural Syntheses, Rise of Marathas and Regional Powers, Economic Developments and Challenges |
| CC9 | Rise of the Modern West-II (c. 1789-1914) | Core | 4 | French Revolution and Napoleonic Era, Industrial Revolution and Social Change, Rise of Nationalism and Liberalism, Imperialism and Colonialism, Socialism and Marxian Thought, Background to World Wars |
| CC10 | History of Modern East Asia: China and Japan (c. 1840-1949) | Core | 4 | Opium Wars and Unequal Treaties in China, Meiji Restoration in Japan, Rise of Nationalism in China, Chinese Revolution of 1911, Japanese Imperialism and Expansion, Communist Revolution in China |
| SEC2 | Skill Enhancement Course 2 | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Selected from a pool of courses like Archival Practices, Oral History, Understanding Heritage, Public History |
| GE4 | Generic Elective 4 | Generic Elective (GE) | 4 | Selected from a pool of subjects across various disciplines such as Economics, Political Science, Sociology, English |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC11 | History of Modern Europe-I (c. 1780-1939) | Core | 4 | Political Revolutions and their Impact, Industrialization and Social Change, Nationalism and Nation-State Formation, Imperialism and Colonialism, World War I: Causes and Consequences, Rise of Totalitarian Regimes |
| CC12 | History of India-V (c. 1700-1950) | Core | 4 | Expansion of British Power in India, Colonial Economy and Society, Revolts and Resistance Movements, Rise of Indian Nationalism, Gandhian Movements and Mass Mobilization, Partition and Independence |
| DSE1 | Discipline Specific Elective 1 | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Selected from a pool of specialized History subjects e.g., History of Modern South East Asia, History of the USA, Issues in World History, History of Indian Art |
| SEC3 | Skill Enhancement Course 3 | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Selected from a pool of courses like Archival Practices, Oral History, Understanding Heritage, Public History |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC13 | History of Modern Europe-II (c. 1780-1939) | Core | 4 | Inter-War Years and Economic Crisis, Rise of Fascism and Nazism, World War II and its Aftermath, Cold War and Decolonization, European Integration and Challenges, Cultural and Social Developments |
| CC14 | History of India-VI (c. 1700-1950) | Core | 4 | Colonial Administration and Policies, Social and Religious Reform Movements, Growth of Political Organizations, Towards Independence: Transfer of Power, Making of the Indian Constitution, Post-Independence Challenges |
| DSE2 | Discipline Specific Elective 2 | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Selected from a pool of specialized History subjects e.g., History of Modern South East Asia, History of the USA, Issues in World History, History of Indian Art |
| SEC4 | Skill Enhancement Course 4 | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Selected from a pool of courses like Archival Practices, Oral History, Understanding Heritage, Public History |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE3 | Discipline Specific Elective 3 (Advanced) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Advanced topics in specific historical periods or themes e.g., Environmental History, Gender in History, Contemporary World Issues |
| DSE4 | Discipline Specific Elective 4 (Advanced) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Advanced topics in specific historical periods or themes e.g., Environmental History, Gender in History, Contemporary World Issues |
| OE1 | Open Elective 1 | Open Elective (OE) | 4 | Selected from a wider pool of subjects offered by different departments, promoting interdisciplinary learning |
| Dissertation/Project/Internship | Dissertation/Project/Internship (Part 1) | Project/Internship | 6 | Research methodology and design, Data collection and primary source analysis, Report writing and preliminary findings, Academic integrity and ethical considerations |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSE5 | Discipline Specific Elective 5 (Advanced) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Advanced topics in specific historical periods or themes e.g., Environmental History, Gender in History, Contemporary World Issues |
| DSE6 | Discipline Specific Elective 6 (Advanced) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Advanced topics in specific historical periods or themes e.g., Environmental History, Gender in History, Contemporary World Issues |
| OE2 | Open Elective 2 | Open Elective (OE) | 4 | Selected from a wider pool of subjects offered by different departments, promoting interdisciplinary learning |
| Dissertation/Project/Internship | Dissertation/Project/Internship (Part 2) | Project/Internship | 6 | Advanced research and thesis development, Critical analysis and interpretation, Presentation and defense of research, Contribution to historical scholarship |




