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B-A in English at Sri Sharada Women's College
Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is English at Sri Sharada Women's College Dakshina Kannada?
This English specialization program at Sri Sharada Women''''s College, affiliated with Mangalore University, focuses on a comprehensive study of English literature, language, and critical theories. It delves into various historical periods of literature, significant literary movements, and the nuances of English as a global language. The curriculum is designed to foster strong communication skills, critical thinking, and an appreciation for diverse literary traditions, preparing students for academic and professional excellence in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring educators, content writers, journalists, translators, and individuals preparing for competitive civil services exams in India. It also suits those passionate about literary analysis, creative writing, and pursuing higher education in English literature or linguistics. Students with a strong foundation in English at the 10+2 level and an eagerness to explore its depths will find this course particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse career paths such as school teachers, college lecturers (after M.A. and NET/SET), content developers, editors, technical writers, and public relations specialists. Entry-level salaries in content roles typically range from INR 2.5-4 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential up to INR 8-15 lakhs with experience in publishing or media. The strong communication and analytical skills are highly valued across various Indian industries.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Literary Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with prescribed prose, poetry, and dramatic texts from early literary periods. Develop a consistent reading habit beyond the syllabus to broaden your literary perspective and improve comprehension and vocabulary.
Tools & Resources
College Library, Online literary archives (e.g., Project Gutenberg), SparkNotes for initial understanding
Career Connection
A strong literary foundation is crucial for critical analysis, which is vital for academic writing, content creation, and competitive exams.
Master English Grammar and Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on improving grammatical accuracy, vocabulary, and phonetic skills. Actively participate in classroom discussions, presentations, and debates to enhance oral communication and public speaking confidence.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, BBC Learning English, Toastmasters (if available locally)
Career Connection
Excellent communication skills are paramount for any career path, especially in teaching, media, content writing, and public relations in India.
Cultivate Academic Writing Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Practice essay writing, literary analysis, and summary writing regularly. Seek feedback from professors on assignments and incorporate corrections to refine your academic writing style and structure.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), Grammar and style guides, Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Proficient academic writing is essential for higher studies, research, content development, and competitive exams requiring descriptive answers.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Critical Literary Analysis- (Semester 3-5)
Go beyond mere reading to critically analyze texts using various literary theories (e.g., feminist, post-colonial). Participate in literary clubs or college debates to hone your analytical and argumentative skills.
Tools & Resources
Literary theory textbooks, JSTOR/Google Scholar for critical essays, College literary society
Career Connection
Developed critical thinking is highly valued in fields like journalism, editing, research, and for nuanced understanding required in civil services.
Explore Indian and Global Literary Contexts- (Semester 3-5)
Actively study Indian Writing in English and European Classics, connecting them to their social, historical, and cultural contexts. This broadens your perspective on diverse narratives and cultural representations.
Tools & Resources
Documentaries on literary periods, Interviews with Indian authors, Translated works
Career Connection
A global and Indian contextual understanding is critical for roles in cultural organizations, diplomacy, content localization, and academic research.
Undertake Mini-Research Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Collaborate with peers or professors on short research papers on topics of interest within literature or language studies. This builds foundational research skills essential for the final year dissertation.
Tools & Resources
MLA Handbook, Research paper databases, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Early research experience is invaluable for postgraduate studies, academic careers, and any role requiring structured inquiry and evidence-based reporting.
Advanced Stage
Specialize and Conduct In-depth Research- (Semester 6)
Choose your final semester electives strategically, aligning them with your career interests (e.g., ELT for teaching, Cultural Studies for media). Dedicate significant effort to your dissertation/project work, demonstrating independent research capability.
Tools & Resources
Mangalore University research guidelines, Expert faculty consultation, Statistical software for data analysis (if applicable)
Career Connection
High-quality specialization and dissertation work significantly enhance employability for academic roles, research positions, and showcase depth of knowledge to potential employers.
Prepare for Post-Graduation and Career Pathways- (Semester 6)
Research postgraduate programs (M.A., B.Ed.) and various career options like NET/SET for lectureship, journalism schools, or content agencies. Attend career guidance workshops and mock interviews.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/SET preparation materials, Career counseling cells, LinkedIn for industry insights
Career Connection
Proactive career planning and preparation ensure a smooth transition from academic life to professional employment or further specialized studies, leading to better career prospects in India.
Network and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 6)
Connect with alumni working in relevant fields, attend guest lectures, and seek mentorship from professors. Utilize these networks for internship opportunities, career advice, and industry insights in the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
Alumni association events, Professional networking platforms, Departmental seminars
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internships, job referrals, and valuable career guidance, significantly boosting placement chances in competitive Indian job markets.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in 10+2 / PUC or equivalent examination from a recognized board, as per Mangalore University regulations.
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 48 credits for English Optional subjects (as per CBCS) Credits
Assessment: Internal: As per Mangalore University CBCS regulations (typically 20%), External: As per Mangalore University CBCS regulations (typically 80%)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | English Language and Literature | Core (English Optional) | 4 | Introduction to English Language, Phonetics and Phonology, Basic Grammar and Usage, Introduction to Literary Forms, Selected Prose and Poetry, Reading and Comprehension Skills |
| ENG 102 | History of English Literature (Old English to Restoration) | Core (English Optional) | 4 | Old English Period, Middle English Period, Renaissance Period, Elizabethan Age and Drama, Jacobean and Caroline Period, Restoration Period |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 151 | Communication Skills in English | Core (English Optional) | 4 | Advanced Grammar and Vocabulary, Listening and Speaking Skills, Public Speaking and Presentations, Group Discussions and Debates, Report Writing and Letter Writing, Interview Skills |
| ENG 152 | History of English Literature (18th - 20th Century) | Core (English Optional) | 4 | The Augustan Age, The Romantic Revival, The Victorian Age, Modern Period (Early 20th Century), Post-Modern Literature, Contemporary Literary Trends |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 201 | Literary Criticism | Core (English Optional) | 4 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Romantic Criticism (Wordsworth, Coleridge), New Criticism, Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Feminist Criticism, Post-colonial Criticism |
| ENG 202 | Indian Writing in English | Core (English Optional) | 4 | Origin and Development of IWE, Major Indian English Poets, Indian English Fiction (e.g., R.K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand), Indian English Drama, Themes in Indian Writing, Diasporic Writing |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 251 | American Literature | Core (English Optional) | 4 | Early American Literature, Romanticism and Transcendentalism, Realism and Naturalism, Modern American Fiction and Poetry, African American Literature, Contemporary American Voices |
| ENG 252 | European Classics in Translation | Core (English Optional) | 4 | Greek Tragedy (e.g., Sophocles), Latin Epic Poetry (e.g., Virgil), Renaissance European Literature (e.g., Dante), Russian Novels (e.g., Tolstoy, Dostoevsky), French Existentialism (e.g., Camus), German Literature (e.g., Goethe) |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 301 | Shakespeare | Core (English Optional) | 4 | Shakespearean Tragedies, Shakespearean Comedies, Historical Plays, Shakespeare''''s Sonnets, Language and Poetic Devices, Themes in Shakespearean Works |
| ENG 302 | English Language Teaching (ELT) | Core (English Optional) | 4 | Principles of Language Learning and Teaching, Methods and Approaches in ELT, Teaching Grammar and Vocabulary, Teaching Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing, Language Testing and Evaluation, Materials Development for ELT |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 351 | Women''''s Writing / Cultural Studies | Core / Elective (Choice-Based) | 4 | Feminist Literary Theory, Women Novelists and Poets, Gender and Representation, Patriarchy and Resistance, Introduction to Cultural Studies, Media and Popular Culture |
| ENG 352 | Dissertation / Project Work | Project | 4 | Research Methodology, Review of Literature, Data Collection and Analysis, Academic Writing and Citation, Presentation Skills, Developing a Research Proposal |
