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BA in English at Sri. Vijay Mahantesh Arts & Commerce College For Women, Ilkal
Bagalkote, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is English at Sri. Vijay Mahantesh Arts & Commerce College For Women, Ilkal Bagalkote?
This English program at Shri Vijay Mahantesh Arts, Science and Commerce College, Bagalkote focuses on a comprehensive study of literature, language, and critical theories. Rooted in the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) of Rani Channamma University, Belagavi, it delves into Indian, European, British, and New Literatures in English. The program aims to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation for diverse literary forms, preparing students for various academic and professional roles in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from PUC/10+2 who possess a passion for reading, writing, and cultural studies. It suits individuals aspiring to careers in teaching, journalism, content creation, civil services, or higher academic pursuits in English literature. Students with a strong aptitude for critical analysis and effective communication will find this program rewarding, enhancing their ability to engage with complex texts and ideas.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as educators, technical writers, editors, content developers, public relations specialists, or competitive exam aspirants. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with significant growth potential in media, publishing, and corporate communications. The program equips students with robust communication and analytical skills highly valued across various Indian industries, paving the way for further postgraduate studies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immerse in Core Texts and Build Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with the prescribed Indian and European classical literature. Join college book clubs or literary societies to discuss texts, broaden perspectives, and develop critical reading habits. This strengthens foundational knowledge and fosters analytical abilities crucial for advanced studies and any career requiring deep textual understanding.
Tools & Resources
College Library, Literary Societies, Online literary forums
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking and analytical skills essential for research, content creation, and nuanced communication.
Master Language and Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay keen attention to the Language English papers, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and effective written and oral communication. Utilize college language labs, online resources like Grammarly or British Council modules, and participate in debates/elocution competitions to refine expression, essential for all professional communication in India.
Tools & Resources
College Language Lab, Grammarly, British Council LearnEnglish, Toastmasters (if available)
Career Connection
Enhances employability across sectors requiring strong verbal and written communication, such as journalism, PR, and teaching.
Establish Strong Academic Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Develop systematic study habits, including effective note-taking, time management, and basic research skills. Collaborate with peers on assignments, seek clarification from faculty during office hours, and understand literary terms thoroughly. This ensures academic excellence and builds a solid base for future specialized studies and competitive exams.
Tools & Resources
Academic Advisors, Study Groups, University''''s online learning resources
Career Connection
Fosters discipline and academic rigor, crucial for higher education and competitive civil services exams in India.
Intermediate Stage
Deepen Literary Analysis and Critical Thinking- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in discussions on literary criticism, British literature, and Indian Writing in English. Practice writing analytical essays and research papers beyond class assignments, utilizing university library resources and academic databases. This sharpens critical thinking and research skills, highly valuable for content creation, journalism, and academic pursuits.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, College Research Journals, Faculty Mentors
Career Connection
Develops analytical and research capabilities for roles like content strategist, editor, and academic researcher.
Hone Skill Enhancement Through Practice- (Semester 3-5)
Focus intensely on Skill Enhancement Courses like Spoken English and Creative Writing. Regularly practice public speaking, participate in mock interviews, and engage in creative writing exercises (poetry, short stories). Share work in college magazines or local literary forums. These practical skills are directly applicable to media, content development, and public relations roles.
Tools & Resources
College Magazine/Newsletter, Creative Writing Workshops, Local cultural events
Career Connection
Provides practical, marketable skills for creative industries, digital marketing, and public communication roles.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections and Network- (Semester 3-5)
While specializing in English, consider how literature intersects with history, philosophy, and sociology. Attend guest lectures, workshops, and literary festivals. Connect with faculty mentors and alumni working in related fields. This broadens perspective and builds a professional network, offering insights into diverse career opportunities in the Indian market.
Tools & Resources
College Alumni Network, LinkedIn, Inter-departmental seminars
Career Connection
Expands career horizons by understanding multi-disciplinary applications and facilitates professional networking for internships and job referrals.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Career and Higher Education- (Semester 6)
Utilize the Research Methodology paper to complete a robust project or dissertation, showcasing independent research and academic writing skills. Attend career counseling sessions, prepare professional resumes, and practice for job interviews, focusing on roles in publishing, digital marketing, or teaching. This ensures readiness for immediate employment or further academic studies.
Tools & Resources
Career Guidance Cell, Resume builders (Canva, Zety), Mock Interview platforms
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for job applications, interviews, and entrance exams for postgraduate studies, maximizing placement success.
Specialise and Apply Knowledge- (Semester 6)
Engage deeply with New Literatures in English, understanding global perspectives and contemporary literary trends. If opting for a dissertation, choose a topic aligned with career interests or an emerging field in Indian literature. Present research at college seminars or local conferences to gain visibility and confidence. This demonstrates expertise and a proactive approach to career development.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Seminars, Literary Conferences, Online research communities
Career Connection
Showcases specialized knowledge and presentation skills, making graduates more attractive for niche roles in academia, media, and cultural institutions.
Develop Professional Portfolio and Network- (Semester 6)
Compile a portfolio of best academic papers, creative writing samples, and research work. Actively seek out internship opportunities in relevant industries (e.g., editorial, content writing, PR firms) during breaks. Leverage alumni networks and professional platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals, facilitating placement and future career growth in India.
Tools & Resources
Personal Portfolio Website (Wix, WordPress), LinkedIn, Industry-specific job portals
Career Connection
Builds a tangible professional presence and expands industry connections, crucial for securing desirable positions and long-term career progression.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- As per University norms, typically 10+2 / PUC or equivalent from a recognized board.
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: Approximately 144 (for the entire BA program across all disciplines) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAOEN3 | Optional English - III: History of English Literature | Discipline Specific Core (DSE) | 4 | Old and Middle English Periods, Elizabethan Drama, Metaphysical Poetry, Restoration and 18th Century, Romantic and Victorian Eras |
| BAAES3.1 | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC): Spoken English | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Phonetics and Phonology, Stress and Intonation, Dialogue Practice, Group Discussion Techniques, Presentation Skills |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAOEN4 | Optional English - IV: Indian Writing in English | Discipline Specific Core (DSE) | 4 | Poetry (Tagore, Sarojini Naidu), Fiction (Mulk Raj Anand, R.K. Narayan), Drama (Girish Karnad), Indian English Criticism, Post-Independence Writings |
| BAAES4.1 | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC): Creative Writing | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Poetry Forms, Short Story Writing, Play Writing, Scripting for Media, Article and Review Writing |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAOEN5 | Optional English - V: British Literature (18th Century to Early 20th Century) | Discipline Specific Core (DSE) | 4 | Romantic Poetry (Wordsworth, Keats), Victorian Novel (Dickens, Eliot), Modernist Poetry (Eliot, Yeats), Eighteenth-Century Prose, Literary Criticism (Arnold) |
| BAOEN6 | Optional English - VI: Literary Criticism and Theory | Discipline Specific Core (DSE) | 4 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Romantic Criticism (Wordsworth, Coleridge), New Criticism, Structuralism, Post-Structuralism and Deconstruction |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAOEN7 | Optional English - VII: New Literatures in English | Discipline Specific Core (DSE) | 4 | African Literature, Canadian Literature, Australian Literature, Caribbean Literature, Postcolonial Studies |
| BAOEN8 | Optional English - VIII: Research Methodology | Discipline Specific Core (DSE) | 4 | Literary Research, Data Collection and Analysis, Academic Writing, Referencing Styles (MLA, APA), Dissertation/Project Planning |
| BAOENDISS | Dissertation/Project Work (Optional) | Discipline Specific Elective (Alternative to a DSE paper) | 4 | Research Question Formulation, Literature Review, Methodology, Thesis Writing, Oral Presentation and Viva |
