

BA in English at Shaheed Udham Singh Government College, Matak Majri, Indri


Karnal, Haryana
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About the Specialization
What is English at Shaheed Udham Singh Government College, Matak Majri, Indri Karnal?
This English program at Shaheed Udham Singh Government College, Karnal, focuses on a comprehensive study of English language and literature, from historical periods to contemporary global writings. It equips students with critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, highly valued across diverse Indian industries. The program''''s blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application prepares students for dynamic professional roles.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from 10+2 with a keen interest in literature, language, and cultural studies, aspiring to careers in media, publishing, teaching, or civil services. It also suits individuals seeking to enhance their communication and analytical skills for higher education or professional development in various sectors within India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including content writing, journalism, teaching, public relations, and administrative services. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with significant growth potential up to INR 8-12 LPA for experienced professionals. The program aligns well with competitive exams like UPSC and state PSCs.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Literary Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with prescribed texts from different literary periods, maintaining a dedicated reading log. Participate in departmental book clubs and discussions to deepen understanding of literary concepts and historical contexts. Utilize online resources like Project Gutenberg for classic texts and literary criticism websites.
Tools & Resources
Project Gutenberg, SparkNotes (for analysis), College library, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Develops critical reading and analytical skills essential for research, content creation, and competitive examinations, forming the bedrock for advanced literary studies.
Master Academic Writing and Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing clear, concise, and grammatically correct academic writing skills through regular essay assignments and presentations. Seek feedback from professors and peers, and actively work on improving vocabulary and expression. Engage in debates and public speaking opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Grammar checking tools (e.g., Grammarly), English language newspapers, KUK English Department workshops
Career Connection
Refines communication skills vital for any professional role, particularly in fields like journalism, content writing, public relations, and teaching.
Explore Literary Genres and Forms- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond the curriculum, read widely across various literary genres like fiction, drama, poetry, and non-fiction. Attend college literary festivals or events. Start a personal blog or journal to document reflections on readings and literary ideas.
Tools & Resources
Local libraries, Online literary magazines, YouTube channels on literature
Career Connection
Broadens literary appreciation and prepares students for diverse roles requiring extensive knowledge of different writing styles and cultural contexts.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Indian English Literature- (Semester 3-4)
Critically analyze Indian English writing, understanding its socio-cultural context and unique voice. Participate in discussions on post-colonial themes and the evolution of Indian literary traditions. Seek opportunities to interview local Indian authors or literary figures if possible.
Tools & Resources
Journals like "Indian Literature" (Sahitya Akademi), Seminars on Indian writing, Discussions with faculty
Career Connection
Develops specialized knowledge for careers in Indian publishing, cultural studies, and academic research focusing on subcontinental literature.
Develop Research and Analytical Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Undertake small research projects on topics of interest within literature, learning to cite sources correctly and formulate arguments. Present findings in department seminars or college events. Utilize the college library''''s research databases.
Tools & Resources
MLA Handbook (for citation), Academic databases (e.g., Jstor, if access available), Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Builds foundational research skills crucial for postgraduate studies, academic roles, and positions requiring analytical thinking and data synthesis.
Pursue Skill Enhancement Courses and Certifications- (Semester 3-5)
Actively choose and complete skill enhancement courses related to English, such as professional communication, creative writing, or digital content creation. Seek online certifications in proofreading, editing, or content marketing to add marketable skills.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL, Coursera, Udemy courses on specific skills, College''''s own SEC offerings
Career Connection
Provides practical, industry-relevant skills that directly enhance employability in media, marketing, and corporate communication sectors.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Higher Education & Competitive Exams- (Semester 5-6)
Identify target universities for MA English or other postgraduate degrees. Begin preparing for entrance exams like NET/JRF or university-specific tests. For civil services aspirants, integrate literature optional preparation with degree studies.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Coaching materials, Career counseling cell
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for academic careers, research positions, and prestigious government jobs requiring advanced literary knowledge.
Undertake an Independent Study/Project- (Semester 6)
Under faculty guidance, pursue an independent research project or a mini-dissertation on a chosen literary topic. This could involve in-depth analysis of a particular author, genre, or literary theory, culminating in a significant written output.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology guides, One-on-one faculty mentoring, Academic conferences
Career Connection
Showcases advanced research capabilities, critical thinking, and the ability to work independently, highly valued in academic and specialized content creation roles.
Network and Explore Placement Opportunities- (Semester 6)
Attend career fairs, workshops on resume building and interview skills. Connect with alumni working in relevant fields through platforms like LinkedIn. Actively look for internships or entry-level positions in publishing houses, media companies, or educational institutions.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, Career guidance workshops
Career Connection
Maximizes chances for securing immediate employment post-graduation in various sectors like content development, editing, teaching, and corporate communication.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 from Board of School Education, Haryana or any equivalent examination with English as a subject.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 144 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-COMP-101 | English (Compulsory) | Compulsory | 4 | Reading Comprehension, Precis Writing, Grammar and Usage, Composition, Report Writing, Letter Writing |
| ENG-101 | History of English Literature (From Chaucer to Elizabethan Age) | Core (Specialization Elective) | 4 | Old English Period, Middle English Period, Chaucer, Elizabethan Age, Elizabethan Drama, Prose and Poetry |
| ENG-102 | Reading English Poetry (From Elizabethan to Romantic Age) | Core (Specialization Elective) | 4 | Elizabethan Poetry, Metaphysical Poetry, Neoclassical Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Major Poets, Poetic Forms |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-COMP-201 | English (Compulsory) | Compulsory | 4 | Translation, Paragraph Writing, Expansion of Ideas, Precis Writing, Vocabulary Building, Comprehension |
| ENG-201 | History of English Literature (From Jacobean to Neoclassical Age) | Core (Specialization Elective) | 4 | Jacobean Age, Puritan Age, Restoration Age, Augustan Age, Major Dramatists, Satire and Comedy |
| ENG-202 | Reading English Poetry (From Victorian to Modern Age) | Core (Specialization Elective) | 4 | Victorian Poetry, Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Georgian Poetry, Modern Poetry, Major Poets, Imagism |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-301 | Indian Writing in English (Prose) | Core (Specialization Elective) | 4 | Early Indian English Prose, R.K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand, Raja Rao, Post-Independence Writers, Themes in Indian English Prose |
| ENG-302 | Introduction to Literary Forms | Core (Specialization Elective) | 4 | Poetry, Drama, Novel, Short Story, Essay, Literary Terms |
| SEC-ENG-301 | English Communication Skills | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Listening Skills, Speaking Skills, Reading Skills, Writing Skills, Presentation Techniques, Interview Skills |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-401 | Indian Writing in English (Poetry) | Core (Specialization Elective) | 4 | Early Indian English Poetry, Sarojini Naidu, Toru Dutt, Nissim Ezekiel, A.K. Ramanujan, Contemporary Indian Poets |
| ENG-402 | Literary Criticism | Core (Specialization Elective) | 4 | Classical Criticism, Romantic Criticism, New Criticism, Feminist Criticism, Post-structuralism, Reader-Response Theory |
| SEC-ENG-401 | Business Communication | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Official Correspondence, Memos, Report Writing, Business Proposals, Resume Writing, Interview Preparation |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-501 | American Literature | Core (Specialization Elective) | 4 | Colonial Literature, Transcendentalism, Realism, Modernism, African American Literature, Contemporary American Writers |
| ENG-502 | Literary Theory | Core (Specialization Elective) | 4 | Structuralism, Deconstruction, Postcolonial Theory, Cultural Studies, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Eco-criticism |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-601 | Postcolonial Literature | Core (Specialization Elective) | 4 | Commonwealth Literature, Postcolonial Theory, African Literature, Caribbean Literature, South Asian Literature, Diaspora Writers |
| ENG-602 | Gender Studies in Literature | Core (Specialization Elective) | 4 | Feminist Literary Criticism, Gender and Representation, Women''''s Writing, Masculinity Studies, Queer Theory, Sexualities in Literature |




