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B-A in English at Sharda University
Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English at Sharda University Gautam Buddh Nagar?
This B.A. (Hons.) English program at Sharda University focuses on developing a deep understanding of literature, language, and critical theory across diverse periods and cultures. The curriculum offers a rich blend of classical, British, American, Indian, and Postcolonial literatures, preparing students for intellectual challenges in a globalized world. It emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication skills, key differentiators for success in various Indian industries.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a passion for literature, language, and cultural studies, seeking to build strong foundational and advanced critical analysis skills. It caters to aspiring writers, journalists, educators, content developers, and those preparing for competitive examinations or further academic pursuits. Individuals aiming for roles in publishing, media, and communication sectors will find this specialization highly relevant.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including content writing, editing, journalism, public relations, teaching, and civil services. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 6-12 LPA or more in specialized roles. The strong emphasis on communication and analytical skills ensures growth trajectories in dynamic Indian companies and academic institutions, aligning with demands for critical thinkers.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Extensive Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Engage with a wide range of literary texts beyond the syllabus, including Indian authors and classical works. Join university literary clubs and participate in book discussions to broaden perspectives and improve comprehension.
Tools & Resources
University Library, Goodreads, Project Gutenberg, Literary Clubs
Career Connection
Strong reading habits improve vocabulary, critical analysis, and general knowledge, crucial for competitive exams, content creation, and effective communication in any profession.
Master Academic Writing and Research Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing clear, concise, and well-structured academic essays. Pay attention to grammar, syntax, and proper citation methods from the very first semester. Seek feedback from professors regularly.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL, Grammarly, MLA/APA style guides, Writing Center/Faculty office hours
Career Connection
Proficient academic writing is foundational for research roles, journalism, publishing, and producing high-quality professional documents in corporate settings.
Participate in Public Speaking and Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in debates, extempore competitions, and presentations. This builds confidence, improves articulation, and refines argumentation skills necessary for academic discussions and future professional interactions.
Tools & Resources
Debate Societies, Toastmasters (if available), Departmental seminars
Career Connection
Excellent public speaking skills are highly valued in fields like education, public relations, law, and corporate leadership, enhancing employability and leadership potential.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Critical Literary Analysis Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Go beyond summarizing texts to analyze themes, literary devices, socio-political contexts, and theoretical frameworks. Engage in independent critical essays and discussions with peers and faculty on complex literary theories.
Tools & Resources
Literary Theory textbooks, Online academic journals, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Advanced analytical skills are essential for research, higher education, literary criticism, and problem-solving roles in diverse Indian industries.
Explore Creative Writing and Content Creation- (Semester 3-5)
Take initiative to write short stories, poetry, or articles for university magazines, blogs, or local publications. Experiment with different genres and receive constructive feedback to hone your craft.
Tools & Resources
Creative Writing Workshops, University Magazine/Blog, Online writing platforms
Career Connection
This directly translates into careers in content writing, journalism, marketing, advertising, and even becoming an author in India''''s growing literary scene.
Undertake Mini Research Projects and Internships- (Semester 4-5)
Collaborate with professors on small research projects or seek internships related to publishing, media, or content development during summer breaks. This provides practical experience and helps network within the industry.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentorship, University Placement Cell, Internship platforms (Internshala, LinkedIn)
Career Connection
Internships offer real-world exposure, making you job-ready and providing a competitive edge for placements in publishing houses, media companies, or NGOs in India.
Advanced Stage
Specialize in a Niche Area of Literary Studies- (Semester 5-6)
Identify a specific area of interest (e.g., Postcolonial Literature, Gender Studies, Digital Humanities) and pursue advanced readings, independent research, and elective courses. Consider a dissertation or capstone project in this area.
Tools & Resources
Academic conferences, Specialized research databases, Mentorship from faculty experts
Career Connection
Specialization enhances your profile for higher studies (MA, PhD), academic positions, or expert roles in specific content domains for research-oriented organizations.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations and Higher Education- (Semester 5-6)
Begin systematic preparation for competitive exams like UPSC, NET/JRF, or entrance exams for MA/MPhil programs. Focus on general studies, current affairs, and advanced English literature topics.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/NET coaching centers, Online test series, Previous year question papers, Dedicated study groups
Career Connection
Success in these exams opens doors to prestigious government jobs, research fellowships, and opportunities to pursue advanced academic careers in leading Indian institutions.
Build a Professional Portfolio and Network- (Semester 6)
Compile your best academic papers, creative writing samples, and project reports into a professional portfolio. Attend literary festivals, workshops, and network with professionals in your chosen field through LinkedIn and industry events.
Tools & Resources
Online portfolio platforms, LinkedIn, Industry events and seminars
Career Connection
A strong portfolio and robust professional network are invaluable for securing placements, freelance opportunities, and advancing your career in India''''s dynamic media and literary landscapes.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 with minimum 50% marks from a recognized board.
Duration: 3 Years / 6 Semesters
Credits: 136 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG101 | History of English Literature I (From Chaucer to Restoration) | Core | 4 | Chaucer''''s Age, Elizabethan Age (Shakespeare, Marlowe), Jacobean Age (Donne, Jonson), Caroline Age, Commonwealth Period (Milton), Restoration Period (Dryden) |
| ENG102 | European Classical Literature | Core | 4 | Homer''''s Iliad, Sophocles'''' Oedipus Rex, Virgil''''s Aeneid, Horace''''s Ars Poetica, Aristotle''''s Poetics |
| FL/GE1 | Foreign Language / General Elective I | Elective | 3 | Introduction to selected language/discipline, Basic grammar and vocabulary, Cultural aspects, Fundamental concepts |
| SSC101 | Academic Skill Building (Aptitude & Reasoning) | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, Critical Thinking |
| EVS101 | Environmental Studies | AECC (Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course) | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resources, Global Environmental Issues, Sustainable Development |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG103 | History of English Literature II (18th Century to Contemporary) | Core | 4 | Augustan Age (Pope, Swift), Romantic Age (Wordsworth, Coleridge), Victorian Age (Dickens, Tennyson), Modernism (Eliot, Woolf), Postmodernism, Contemporary Literature |
| ENG104 | Indian English Literature | Core | 4 | Beginnings of Indian English Writing, Early Novelists (Raja Rao, Mulk Raj Anand), Post-Independence Literature, Major Poets (Tagore, Daruwalla), Contemporary Indian Fiction (Rushdie, Ghosh), Indian Drama in English |
| FL/GE2 | Foreign Language / General Elective II | Elective | 3 | Advanced grammar and conversation, Cultural nuances, Selected literary texts/advanced concepts |
| ENG212 | English Language Teaching (ELT) | SEC (Skill Enhancement Course) | 2 | Principles and Approaches to ELT, Methods and Techniques, Classroom Management, Materials Development, Assessment in ELT |
| COM101 | Computer Fundamentals | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Introduction to Computers, Hardware and Software, Operating Systems, Microsoft Office Suite, Internet and Web Browsing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG201 | British Poetry and Drama of the 17th & 18th Century | Core | 4 | Metaphysical Poetry (Donne, Marvell), John Milton''''s Paradise Lost, Restoration Comedy (Congreve), Augustan Poetry (Dryden, Pope), Satire and Mock-Heroic, 18th Century Sentimental Drama |
| ENG202 | British Novel and Prose of the 18th Century | Core | 4 | Rise of the Novel (Defoe, Richardson), Satirical Prose (Swift, Sterne), Domestic Fiction (Fielding, Austen), Johnson and Boswell, Essays of Addison and Steele, Gothic Novel |
| ENG203 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Early American Writing, Romanticism (Poe, Emerson), Transcendentalism, Realism and Naturalism (Twain, Crane), Modern American Fiction (Fitzgerald, Hemingway), African American Literature |
| ENG311 | Academic Writing | SEC (Skill Enhancement Course) | 2 | Essay Structure and Argumentation, Research Paper Writing, Paraphrasing and Summarizing, Citation Styles (MLA, APA), Critical Analysis and Review Writing |
| GE3 | General Elective III (Humanities/Social Sciences) | Elective | 3 | Selected topics from Humanities or Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary concepts, Analytical frameworks |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG204 | British Romantic Literature | Core | 4 | Pre-Romanticism, First Generation Romantics (Wordsworth, Coleridge), Second Generation Romantics (Byron, Shelley, Keats), Gothic Fiction, Romantic Prose (Lamb, Hazlitt), Romantic Lyric and Ballads |
| ENG205 | British Literature: 19th Century | Core | 4 | Victorian Poetry (Tennyson, Browning, Arnold), Victorian Novel (Dickens, Eliot, Hardy), Social Issues in Victorian Literature, Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Aestheticism and Decadence, Children''''s Literature of the Era |
| ENG206 | Women’s Writing | Core | 4 | Feminist Literary Theory, Virginia Woolf''''s Contribution, Sylvia Plath''''s Poetry, Alice Walker''''s Prose, Margaret Atwood''''s Dystopian Fiction, Representation of Women in Literature |
| ENG312 | Creative Writing | SEC (Skill Enhancement Course) | 2 | Poetry Writing Techniques, Short Story Structure and Elements, Playwriting Basics, Character and Plot Development, Dialogue and Imagery |
| GE4 | General Elective IV (Humanities/Social Sciences) | Elective | 3 | Advanced topics in chosen elective, Research and analytical skills, Cross-disciplinary applications |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG301 | Modern European Drama | Core | 4 | Realism and Naturalism (Ibsen, Chekhov), Expressionism, Theatre of the Absurd (Beckett, Ionesco), Epic Theatre (Brecht), Existentialist Drama, Modern Indian Drama Influences |
| ENG302 | Postcolonial Literatures | Core | 4 | Postcolonial Theory (Said, Spivak), African Literature (Achebe, Ngugi), Caribbean Literature (Naipaul, Walcott), South Asian Literature (Rushdie, Ghosh), Themes of Identity, Diaspora, Hybridity, Subaltern Studies |
| ENG303 | Literary Criticism and Theory | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Romantic Criticism, New Criticism, Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Feminist and Marxist Criticism |
| DSE1 | Discipline Specific Elective I (Choose any one) | Elective | 4 | ENG307: Literature and Cinema (Film adaptation, narrative, genre), ENG308: Literary Translation (Theories, cultural aspects, practice), ENG309: Myth, Folklore and Literature (Archetypes, oral traditions, literary use) |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG304 | Partition Literature | Core | 4 | Historical Context of Indian Partition, Themes of Trauma, Displacement, Memory, Fiction (Manto, Khushwant Singh), Poetry (Amrita Pritam), Oral Narratives and Personal Testimonies, Identity and Nationhood |
| ENG305 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research, Research Design and Methods, Data Collection and Analysis (Qualitative/Quantitative), Literary Research Ethics, Academic Writing and Citation, Project Proposal and Report Writing |
| ENG306 | Literature for Children & Young Adults | Core | 4 | History of Children''''s Literature, Genres (Fantasy, Adventure, Bildungsroman), Picture Books and Early Readers, Young Adult Fiction, Moral and Didactic Aspects, Adaptations and Media |
| DSE2 | Discipline Specific Elective II (Choose any one) | Elective | 4 | ENG310: Understanding Popular Culture (Media, consumerism, subcultures), ENG313: Modern Indian Drama (Girish Karnad, Vijay Tendulkar, themes), ENG314: Text and Performance (Performance theory, dramaturgy, reception) |
