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B-A-HONS-HISTORY in History at Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is History at Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College Delhi?
This B.A. (Hons.) History program at Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College, affiliated with Delhi University, offers a comprehensive exploration of human societies from ancient times to the modern era, with a strong focus on Indian history and global contexts. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and an interdisciplinary approach, preparing students to analyze complex historical processes and their contemporary relevance in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for intellectually curious individuals passionate about the past, fresh graduates aiming for diverse careers in academia, civil services, journalism, or cultural heritage. It particularly suits those aspiring to crack competitive examinations (UPSC, State PSCs), pursue postgraduate studies, or contribute to the preservation and interpretation of India''''s rich historical narrative.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect a wide array of career opportunities in India, including roles as historians, archivists, museum curators, educators, researchers, content writers, and journalists. The strong foundation in analytical skills makes them highly suitable for civil services. Entry-level salaries generally range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant career progression in specialized historical or public service domains within India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Foundational Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Master basic historical research methodologies, including identifying and analyzing primary and secondary sources. Utilize the college library, online academic databases, and learn fundamental citation styles (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style) to ensure academic integrity in early assignments.
Tools & Resources
College Library resources, JSTOR, Google Scholar, Zotero/Mendeley
Career Connection
Essential for any research-oriented career, higher studies, and developing critical information evaluation skills vital for competitive examinations and journalistic roles.
Engage Actively in Academic Discussions and Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Participate regularly in classroom discussions, departmental seminars, and the college''''s History Society events. Practice articulating historical arguments clearly, respectfully, and critically evaluating different perspectives to enhance public speaking and analytical reasoning.
Tools & Resources
History Department Seminars, College Debate Clubs, Online forums for historical discussions
Career Connection
Enhances public speaking, logical reasoning, and communication skills, which are invaluable for teaching, journalism, policy analysis, and administrative roles in India.
Develop Interdisciplinary Awareness- (Semester 1-2)
Strategically choose Generic Electives (GE) from diverse fields such as Political Science, Economics, or Sociology. Understand how these disciplines intersect with historical studies, enriching your analytical framework and providing a broader perspective on societal developments.
Tools & Resources
DU''''s list of GE courses, Introductory texts from other humanities/social science disciplines
Career Connection
Provides a holistic view of societal issues, crucial for civil services, policy analysis, and diverse research areas that demand multi-faceted understanding in the Indian context.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Project-Based Learning and Field Visits- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek opportunities for research projects, essay competitions, or historical walking tours. Participate in college-organized field trips to historical sites, museums (like the National Museum), and archives within Delhi and surrounding regions to gain practical exposure.
Tools & Resources
College History Society, National Museum, National Archives of India, Delhi''''s historical monuments
Career Connection
Provides practical experience, strengthens historical interpretation skills, and offers insights into cultural heritage management and tourism, which are growing sectors in India.
Hone Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Focus on producing well-structured essays, research papers, and presentations with clarity and coherence. Seek constructive feedback from professors, engage in peer review, and develop a precise and compelling academic writing style to effectively convey historical narratives.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing workshops, Online guides, Peer study groups, Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides)
Career Connection
Crucial for academic careers, publishing, effective communication in any professional setting, and drafting reports in administrative roles, enhancing overall professional readiness.
Explore Skill Enhancement Courses for Niche Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Choose Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) that align with specific interests like archaeology, archival studies, museum management, or digital history. These courses provide practical, hands-on skills that can differentiate your profile in the job market.
Tools & Resources
DU''''s SEC course catalogue, Relevant software for data management or digital humanities tools
Career Connection
Opens avenues for specialized roles in heritage, conservation, and cultural industries, adding a practical and marketable edge to your history degree in India.
Advanced Stage
Prepare Systematically for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 6)
Integrate preparation for civil services (UPSC, State PSCs) or other postgraduate entrance exams with your academic studies. Focus on current affairs, general studies, and optional history papers, leveraging your strong humanities foundation for these challenging examinations.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/PSC syllabus, Current affairs magazines, Online test series, Coaching materials (if opted for)
Career Connection
Directly targets a major career aspiration for many History Hons graduates, leading to esteemed public service roles in government and administration across India.
Pursue Internships in Relevant Fields- (Semester 6)
Actively seek internships at institutions like the National Archives of India, IGNCA, various museums, think tanks, or publishing houses. Gain practical exposure to historical research, documentation, and dissemination in a professional environment.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Professional networking platforms (LinkedIn), Direct applications to organizations
Career Connection
Provides invaluable work experience, builds professional networks, and can lead to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations, boosting employability in related sectors.
Undertake Advanced Research Projects & Portfolio Building- (Semester 6)
For final year students, focus on in-depth research projects for Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) papers and build a robust portfolio of academic writing. Participate in student conferences or aim to publish in college journals, showcasing advanced analytical and research capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Faculty guidance and mentorship, Specialized academic journals, Advanced research databases, Academic conferences
Career Connection
Demonstrates expertise and research aptitude, crucial for postgraduate applications in India and abroad, and for research-focused roles in academia or policy analysis.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Higher Secondary Examination) from a recognized board with an aggregate of 40% as per Delhi University norms.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters) with an option for 4 years (8 semesters) for B.A. (Hons.) History with Research
Credits: 104 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
