

BA in English at Shri Kalidas Arts and Commerce College


Bagalkot, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is English at Shri Kalidas Arts and Commerce College Bagalkot?
This English program at Shri Kalidas Arts and Commerce, Bagalkot, focuses on developing a deep understanding of literature, language, and communication skills, as prescribed by Rani Channamma University''''s CBCS curriculum. It covers a vast canvas from classical to contemporary literary traditions, including Indian, British, American, and Post-Colonial writings. The program is designed to cultivate critical thinking, analytical abilities, and effective expression, addressing the growing demand for skilled communicators and content creators in the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a passion for language, literature, and critical inquiry, seeking entry into fields requiring strong communication and analytical skills. It also benefits aspiring writers, content developers, educators, and those preparing for competitive exams in India where English proficiency is key. Students with a strong background in humanities and a keen interest in cultural studies will find this specialization particularly engaging.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in content writing, journalism, publishing, teaching, public relations, and corporate communications. 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 strong foundation in analytical and communication skills aligns well with roles in government services, NGOs, and the burgeoning digital media industry in India.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Language Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to consistently improve grammar, vocabulary, and sentence construction. Regularly read English newspapers, classic literature, and academic articles to expand exposure and linguistic nuance. Practice writing short essays and summaries to hone expression.
Tools & Resources
Oxford Learner''''s Dictionaries, Grammarly, The Hindu/Indian Express editorials, NCERT English Literature books
Career Connection
Strong language skills are fundamental for all career paths, especially in media, content creation, and competitive examinations, ensuring clarity and impact in professional communication.
Engage Actively in Literary Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Participate in classroom discussions, literary clubs, and academic forums. Share interpretations of texts, engage in constructive debates, and learn from diverse perspectives. This enhances critical thinking and presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
College Literary Club, Departmental Seminars, Online literary communities like Goodreads
Career Connection
Develops analytical and public speaking skills, crucial for roles in teaching, journalism, public relations, and any field requiring articulate expression and persuasive arguments.
Build a Strong Reading Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Systematically read the prescribed texts, supplementing with critical essays and literary analyses. Understand the historical and cultural context of each literary movement. Develop a habit of annotating and taking detailed notes.
Tools & Resources
Class textbooks, Online academic journals (JSTOR via college library access), Literary companion guides
Career Connection
A broad literary knowledge base supports higher studies, competitive exams like UGC NET, and provides a rich cultural understanding valuable in diverse professional settings.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-4)
Connect literary studies with other disciplines like history, sociology, psychology, and philosophy. This broadens understanding and offers new analytical frameworks, allowing for a more nuanced interpretation of texts and real-world issues.
Tools & Resources
Cross-disciplinary elective courses, Research papers on cultural studies, Documentaries on historical periods
Career Connection
Fosters a holistic perspective, highly valued in research, policy analysis, and roles that require understanding complex societal dynamics and cultural contexts.
Develop Academic and Creative Writing Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Practice different forms of writing: essays, research papers, reviews, and creative pieces like short stories or poems. Seek feedback from professors and peers to refine style, structure, and argumentation. Explore content writing internships.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), College writing workshops, Internships with local content agencies
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for careers in content development, technical writing, publishing, journalism, and academic research, enabling them to produce high-quality written material.
Participate in National Level Literary Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek out and participate in essay writing, debate, poetry, or storytelling competitions organized by other universities or national bodies. This hones competitive skills, provides exposure, and builds a strong resume.
Tools & Resources
College notice boards for competition announcements, Youth literary festivals, Online platforms hosting writing contests
Career Connection
Demonstrates initiative, talent, and resilience to potential employers, enhancing employability for roles in media, communications, and creative industries across India.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Research Project or Dissertation- (Semester 5-6)
Identify an area of interest within English literature or language and conduct in-depth research. Work closely with a faculty mentor to develop a thesis, gather resources, analyze data, and produce a scholarly paper, as applicable in Semester 6.
Tools & Resources
University library databases, Online research tools (Google Scholar), Mentorship from faculty
Career Connection
Develops essential research, analytical, and academic writing skills, preparing for postgraduate studies, roles in research and development, and advanced content creation positions.
Network with Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 5-6)
Attend guest lectures, seminars, and alumni meets to connect with professionals in fields like journalism, publishing, education, and HR. Seek mentorship and internship opportunities to gain practical insights and build industry contacts.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College alumni network events, Industry conferences/webinars
Career Connection
Crucial for job searching and career progression in the Indian market, facilitating internships, placements, and guidance from experienced professionals in the humanities field.
Prepare for Higher Education or Competitive Exams- (Semester 5-6)
If pursuing higher education, research MA/M.Phil/PhD programs and prepare for entrance exams. For civil services or other competitive exams, focus on general knowledge, current affairs, and advanced English proficiency sections.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET study material, Civil Services exam guides, Coaching institutes, Mock tests
Career Connection
Directly supports career advancement into academia, government services, or other high-demand sectors in India that require specialized knowledge and exam readiness.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed the Two Years Pre-University Course or equivalent examination is eligible for admission to the BA Degree course.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: Credits for English Major/Core Subjects: 56-60 (Total BA credits are higher, depending on other subjects taken) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA101 | Indian Writing in English | Core | 4 | Indian English Poetry, Indian English Prose, Indian English Drama, Major Indian English Authors, Themes in Indian English Literature |
| ENGA102 | English Language and Communication Skills I | Core | 4 | Grammar Review, Vocabulary Building, Reading Comprehension, Paragraph Writing, Basic Conversation Skills |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA201 | British Literature: From Chaucer to the 18th Century | Core | 4 | Age of Chaucer, Elizabethan Drama, Metaphysical Poetry, Restoration Comedy, Augustan Age Literature |
| ENGA202 | English Language and Communication Skills II | Core | 4 | Report Writing, Letter Writing, Public Speaking, Group Discussions, Presentation Skills |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA301 | British Literature: The Romantics and Victorians | Core | 4 | Romantic Poetry, Victorian Novel, Victorian Poetry, Pre-Raphaelites, |
| ENGA302 | American Literature | Core | 4 | American Poetry, American Novel, African American Literature, Transcendentalism, Harlem Renaissance |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA401 | British Literature: Modern and Contemporary | Core | 4 | Modernist Poetry, Modernist Novel, Absurdist Drama, Post-War British Fiction, Contemporary Voices |
| ENGA402 | Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism, Romantic Criticism, New Criticism, Feminist Criticism, Post-structuralism |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA501 | Post-Colonial Literature | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | African Literature, Caribbean Literature, South Asian Literature, Diaspora Writing, Theories of Post-Colonialism |
| ENGA502 | Women''''s Writing | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Feminist Theory, Women Poets, Women Novelists, Autobiographical Writing, Gender and Literature |
| ENGA503 | English Language Teaching (ELT) | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 3 | Methods of ELT, Materials Development, Classroom Management, Assessment in ELT, Language Skills Teaching |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGA601 | Literary Theory | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Structuralism, Post-structuralism, Deconstruction, Psychoanalysis, Cultural Studies |
| ENGA602 | New Literatures in English | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Canadian Literature, Australian Literature, New Zealand Literature, Contemporary Global Voices, World Literature |
| ENGA603 | Research Methodology in English | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 3 | Research Design, Data Collection, Academic Writing, Citation Styles, Dissertation Writing |




