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BA-HONS in English at Sri Guru Gobind Singh College
Chandigarh, Chandigarh
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About the Specialization
What is English at Sri Guru Gobind Singh College Chandigarh?
This BA (Hons) English program at Sri Guru Gobind Singh College, Chandigarh focuses on a deep exploration of English literature, language, and critical theory. It provides a comprehensive understanding of literary traditions from various periods and cultures, alongside crucial linguistic and pedagogical skills. The Indian academic landscape highly values graduates with strong analytical and communication skills, which are central to this specialization, opening avenues in diverse sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a passion for literature, language, and critical thinking, seeking entry into fields like teaching, journalism, content creation, or civil services. It also suits individuals aspiring for higher studies in humanities. Students with strong verbal aptitude and a desire to engage with complex texts and ideas will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as educators, editors, content writers, public relations specialists, or researchers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with significant growth potential in publishing, media, and education sectors. The program provides a strong foundation for competitive examinations like UPSC and various state civil services.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immerse in Literary History and Theory- (Semester 1-2)
Develop a strong foundation in literary periods, key authors, and fundamental literary forms by regularly reading prescribed texts and engaging with critical commentaries. Actively participate in classroom discussions and utilize library resources.
Tools & Resources
College library, Project Gutenberg, Academic journals
Career Connection
Builds analytical and critical thinking skills essential for any career in humanities, civil services, or content creation.
Cultivate Strong English Language Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering grammar, vocabulary, and written communication. Practice essay writing regularly, seek feedback, and engage in debates to improve verbal fluency. Pay close attention to the General English papers.
Tools & Resources
Wren & Martin, Grammarly, Newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express)
Career Connection
Excellent communication is paramount for journalism, teaching, corporate communications, and competitive exams, enhancing overall employability.
Join Departmental Literary Societies- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in the college''''s English Literary Society or similar clubs. Engage in poetry readings, book discussions, debates, and creative writing workshops to foster a deeper connection with literature and peers.
Tools & Resources
College literary club, Local literary events, Online writing communities
Career Connection
Develops public speaking, networking, and collaborative skills, crucial for leadership roles and interdisciplinary projects.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Critical Literary Theory- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond understanding literature, delve into various critical theories (Feminism, Post-colonialism, Marxism etc.) to interpret texts from multiple perspectives. Apply these theories in assignments and research papers.
Tools & Resources
Critical theory anthologies, JSTOR, Google Scholar, Peer-reviewed articles
Career Connection
Develops advanced analytical skills, essential for academic research, specialized content writing, and deep-dive journalism.
Explore Internship Opportunities- (Semester 4-5)
Seek out internships in publishing houses, media agencies, content writing firms, or NGOs. Even short-term projects or volunteer work related to communication can provide valuable practical experience.
Tools & Resources
College career services, LinkedIn, Internshala.com
Career Connection
Gain industry exposure, build professional networks, and translate academic learning into practical skills, significantly boosting placement prospects.
Participate in Academic Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Attend national/state-level literary festivals, essay writing competitions, debate championships, and workshops on specific literary periods or authors. Present research papers if opportunities arise.
Tools & Resources
University/college notice boards, Literary event calendars, Academic conference listings
Career Connection
Enhances academic profile, refines presentation skills, and provides recognition, beneficial for higher studies applications and competitive roles.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project (Dissertation)- (Semester 6)
Focus intensively on the Dissertation/Project in the final semester. Choose a topic of genuine interest, conduct thorough research, and produce a high-quality academic paper under faculty guidance.
Tools & Resources
University library''''s research databases, Zotero/Mendeley, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Essential for demonstrating research capabilities for postgraduate studies, think tanks, and research-oriented careers.
Prepare for Higher Education or Competitive Exams- (Semester 6)
If aiming for MA English, start preparing for entrance exams (e.g., Panjab University''''s own entrance test, NET/JRF for future academia). If aiming for civil services, integrate general studies preparation.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Coaching institutes, Online learning platforms, Mock tests
Career Connection
Directly aligns with aspirations for academic careers, government jobs, or specialized roles requiring advanced subject knowledge.
Refine Portfolio and Networking for Placements- (Semester 6)
Compile a portfolio of best writing samples (essays, research papers, creative pieces). Network with alumni and professionals in target industries through LinkedIn and career fairs. Practice interview skills.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional networking events, Career counsellors, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Maximizes chances of securing desirable placements immediately after graduation by presenting a strong profile and leveraging professional connections.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- As per Panjab University norms; generally 10+2 with English as a subject.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 144 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHENG-101 | History of English Literature (I): From Chaucer to 17th Century | Core | 6 | Old English Literature, Middle English Literature, Elizabethan Age, Jacobean Age, Caroline Age, Commonwealth Period |
| BAHENG-102 | Forms of Literature (I) | Core | 6 | Poetry, Drama, Prose, Fiction, Literary Terms |
| BAHENG-103 | English Language Teaching (I): Theory of Language | Core | 6 | Nature of Language, Language Acquisition, Language Learning, Types of English, Language Varieties |
| GENL-101 | General English (Compulsory) | Compulsory (General) | 6 | Comprehension, Essay Writing, Grammar, Vocabulary, Letter Writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHENG-104 | History of English Literature (II): The Augustan Age to The Romantic Revival | Core | 6 | Augustan Age, Age of Sensibility, Pre-Romanticism, Romantic Movement, Major Writers |
| BAHENG-105 | Forms of Literature (II) | Core | 6 | Literary Genres, Narrative Techniques, Poetic Devices, Dramatic Structures, Prose Styles |
| BAHENG-106 | English Language Teaching (II): Phonetics and Phonology | Core | 6 | Speech Sounds, Phonetic Transcription, Phonemes, Allophones, Suprasegmentals |
| GENL-102 | General English (Compulsory) | Compulsory (General) | 6 | Reading Comprehension, Composition, Advanced Grammar, Report Writing, Summarizing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHENG-107 | History of English Literature (III): The Victorian Age to Early 20th Century | Core | 6 | Victorian Age, Pre-Raphaelites, Aestheticism, Naturalism, Early Modernism |
| BAHENG-108 | Literary Criticism (I): Western Critical Thought from Plato to Matthew Arnold | Core | 6 | Classical Criticism, Romantic Criticism, Victorian Criticism, Plato, Aristotle, Matthew Arnold |
| BAHENG-109 | English Language Teaching (III): Grammar and Usage | Core | 6 | Parts of Speech, Tenses, Modals, Sentence Structures, Common Errors |
| BAHENG-110 | English Novel (I) | Core | 6 | Rise of the Novel, Early Novelists, Eighteenth-Century Novel, Gothic Novel, Sentimental Novel |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHENG-111 | History of English Literature (IV): The Modern Period | Core | 6 | Modernism, Post-War Literature, Contemporary English Literature, Major Movements |
| BAHENG-112 | Literary Criticism (II): Modern Western Critical Thought | Core | 6 | New Criticism, Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Deconstruction, Feminism, Post-colonialism |
| BAHENG-113 | English Language Teaching (IV): Methods of Language Teaching | Core | 6 | Grammar Translation Method, Direct Method, Audio-lingual Method, Communicative Language Teaching, Task-Based Learning |
| BAHENG-114 | English Novel (II) | Core | 6 | Victorian Novel, Psychological Novel, Modernist Novel, Experimental Novel, Contemporary Novel |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHENG-115 | Indian English Literature (I): Poetry and Drama | Core | 6 | Early Indian English Poetry, Post-Independence Poetry, Indian English Drama, Major Playwrights |
| BAHENG-116 | American Literature (I): Poetry and Drama | Core | 6 | Colonial Period, Romanticism, Transcendentalism, Modern American Poetry, American Drama |
| BAHENG-OPT-1 | Optional Paper: English Language Teaching (V): Materials and Methods | Elective | 6 | Textbook Evaluation, Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Assessment Techniques |
| BAHENG-OPT-2 | Optional Paper: Women''''s Writing (I) | Elective | 6 | Feminist Literary Theory, Canonical Women Writers, Suffrage Literature, Women''''s Issues |
| BAHENG-OPT-3 | Optional Paper: Theatre Studies (I) | Elective | 6 | Western Theatre History, Eastern Theatre, Dramatic Theory, Performance Studies |
| BAHENG-117 | English Essay | Core | 6 | Essay Writing Skills, Argumentative Essays, Descriptive Essays, Expository Essays, Critical Essays |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHENG-118 | Indian English Literature (II): Fiction and Prose | Core | 6 | Indian English Novel, Short Story, Non-Fiction Prose, Post-Colonial Narratives |
| BAHENG-119 | American Literature (II): Fiction and Prose | Core | 6 | American Novel, Short Stories, Harlem Renaissance, Contemporary American Fiction |
| BAHENG-OPT-4 | Optional Paper: English Language Teaching (VI): Language Testing and Evaluation | Elective | 6 | Principles of Testing, Types of Tests, Test Design, Validity, Reliability |
| BAHENG-OPT-5 | Optional Paper: Women''''s Writing (II) | Elective | 6 | Contemporary Women Writers, Intersectionality, Gender and Sexuality, Post-Feminist Literature |
| BAHENG-OPT-6 | Optional Paper: Theatre Studies (II) | Elective | 6 | Modern Theatre, Contemporary Performance, Playwriting, Directing, Acting |
| BAHENG-120 | Dissertation/Project | Core | 6 | Research Methodology, Thesis Writing, Literary Research, Academic Writing, Presentation Skills |
