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BA in History at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University)
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is History at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University) Chengalpattu?
This BA History program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of historical processes, from ancient civilizations to contemporary global events, with a strong emphasis on Indian and Tamil Nadu history. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, research skills, and an analytical perspective on societal evolution, making it highly relevant in India''''s diverse and historically rich context. It uniquely blends regional, national, and global historical narratives.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in humanities, social sciences, and a passion for understanding the past. It caters to individuals aspiring for careers in academia, research, civil services, heritage management, and journalism. It is also suitable for those looking to develop strong analytical and communication skills, which are invaluable across various professional domains in India. No specific prerequisite background beyond 10+2 is generally required.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archivists, museum curators, archaeologists, heritage conservationists, and educators. The strong analytical and research skills are highly valued in competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services and state public service commissions. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 8 LPA in specialized fields like heritage consulting or research.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Historical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with core concepts of ancient and medieval Indian and Tamil Nadu history. Utilize library resources, online encyclopedias, and historical maps to build a strong factual base. Participate in classroom discussions and weekly quizzes to reinforce learning.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Library, JSTOR (if accessible), Historical atlases, Reputable online history resources
Career Connection
Strong foundational knowledge is crucial for competitive exams (UPSC, TNPSC) and advanced historical research.
Develop Critical Reading and Note-Taking Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice reading historical texts critically, identifying primary versus secondary sources, and discerning different interpretations. Develop effective note-taking strategies (e.g., Cornell Notes) during lectures and while reading academic articles.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals, Reliable online history resources (e.g., EPW, The Wire''''s history sections), University writing center resources
Career Connection
Essential for research, academic writing, and any profession requiring analytical synthesis of information.
Engage in Language Proficiency and Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on improving English language skills for academic writing and presentations, as many historical texts and research materials are in English. Actively participate in debates, seminars, and group projects to enhance verbal communication.
Tools & Resources
English Language Labs, Public speaking clubs, Peer review groups, Online grammar checkers
Career Connection
Strong communication is vital for presenting research, teaching, journalism, and civil services.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Diverse Historical Perspectives- (Semester 3-5)
Delve into European, Indian, and other regional histories, comparing and contrasting different historical narratives and methodologies. Attend guest lectures and workshops on specialized historical topics or historiography.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, Online courses from platforms like Coursera/edX on global history, Specialized academic journals
Career Connection
Broadens intellectual horizons, prepares for interdisciplinary research, and enhances understanding of global affairs.
Undertake Mini-Research Projects and Field Visits- (Semester 3-5)
Proactively seek opportunities for mini-research projects, perhaps as part of course assignments or independently. Organize and participate in field visits to historical sites, museums, and archives (e.g., Chennai archives, Mahabalipuram) to gain practical exposure.
Tools & Resources
Local historical societies, State archives, Faculty mentorship, Museum outreach programs
Career Connection
Builds practical research experience, crucial for post-graduate studies, archaeology, and heritage management.
Network with Faculty and Fellow Students- (Semester 3-5)
Build rapport with professors for academic guidance and mentorship. Form study groups with peers to discuss complex historical topics, share resources, and collaboratively prepare for exams and projects.
Tools & Resources
Faculty office hours, Departmental student associations, University events
Career Connection
Creates a supportive academic and professional network that can lead to research opportunities, recommendations, and future collaborations.
Advanced Stage
Specialize through Electives and Project Work- (Semester 6)
Choose elective subjects strategically based on career interests (e.g., archaeology, human rights). Dedicate significant effort to the final year project, focusing on a niche area and conducting in-depth research, applying learned methodologies.
Tools & Resources
Project guides, Specialized books and journals, Research databases (e.g., ProQuest, Shodhganga)
Career Connection
Develops expertise in a specific sub-field, highly valuable for postgraduate studies, research positions, or specialized roles in heritage.
Prepare for Higher Studies and Civil Services- (Semester 6)
Begin rigorous preparation for postgraduate entrance exams (e.g., MA History, M.Phil) or competitive examinations like UPSC Civil Services. Focus on current affairs, general studies, and specific history syllabi for these exams.
Tools & Resources
Online coaching platforms, Previous year question papers, Dedicated study groups, Newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express
Career Connection
Directly impacts eligibility and success for advanced academic pursuits or coveted government positions in India.
Build a Professional Portfolio and CV- (Semester 6)
Compile all academic achievements, research papers, project reports, and certificates into a well-structured portfolio. Craft a professional CV highlighting research skills, analytical abilities, and communication strengths for potential employers or academic applications.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Online portfolio platforms (e.g., LinkedIn), Mentorship from faculty on CV building
Career Connection
Essential for showcasing capabilities to recruiters, securing internships, and gaining admission to higher education programs.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 / HSC / equivalent examination with a minimum aggregate of 50% from any recognized Board / University.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LEH101 | English I | Language | 3 | Communication Skills, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary Building, Basic Grammar, Introduction to Literary Forms |
| 21LTA101 / 21LHI101 / 21LFR101 | Tamil I / Hindi I / French I | Language | 3 | Basic Grammar, Reading and Writing, Cultural Context, Conversational Skills, Literary Appreciation |
| 21BHH101 | History of India upto 600 CE | Core | 5 | Pre-Historic Cultures, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Age, Janapadas and Mahajanapadas, Mauryan Empire, Gupta Age |
| 21BHH102 | History of Tamil Nadu upto 1336 CE | Core | 5 | Early Tamil Society, Sangam Age, Imperial Cholas, Pallavas, Pandyan Kingdom, Art and Architecture |
| 21BHS101 | Environmental Studies | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Social Issues and the Environment, Human Population and the Environment |
| 21NSS101 / 21NCC101 / 21YOG101 / 21PED101 | NSS / NCC / Yoga / Physical Education | Non-Credit Course | 0 | Civic Responsibility, Community Service, Physical Fitness, Discipline and Leadership, Holistic Well-being |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LEH201 | English II | Language | 3 | Advanced Grammar, Creative Writing, Public Speaking, Literary Analysis, Essay Writing |
| 21LTA201 / 21LHI201 / 21LFR201 | Tamil II / Hindi II / French II | Language | 3 | Advanced Grammar, Prose and Poetry, Cultural Studies, Professional Communication, Translation Skills |
| 21BHH201 | History of India 600 CE - 1707 CE | Core | 5 | Post-Gupta Period, Sultanate Period, Mughal Empire, Vijayanagara and Bahmani Kingdoms, Socio-Economic Conditions, Religious Movements |
| 21BHH202 | History of Tamil Nadu 1336 CE - 1707 CE | Core | 5 | Vijayanagara Rule, Nayaks of Madurai, Marathas, European Trading Companies, Socio-Economic Life, Art and Culture |
| 21BHS201 | Indian Heritage and Culture | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Ancient Indian Art, Classical Music and Dance, Indian Philosophy, Religious Traditions, Modern Indian Heritage |
| 21NSS201 / 21NCC201 / 21YOG201 / 21PED201 | NSS / NCC / Yoga / Physical Education | Non-Credit Course | 0 | Civic Responsibility, Community Service, Physical Fitness, Discipline and Leadership, Holistic Well-being |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BHH301 | History of India 1707 CE - 1947 CE | Core | 5 | Decline of Mughals, Rise of Regional Powers, Advent of Europeans, British Colonialism, Indian National Movement, Partition of India |
| 21BHH302 | History of Tamil Nadu 1707 CE - 1947 CE | Core | 5 | Carnatic Wars, British Expansion, Vellore Mutiny, Freedom Movement in Tamil Nadu, Social Reform Movements, Justice Party Rule |
| 21BHH303 | History of Europe 1453 CE - 1815 CE | Core | 5 | Renaissance, Reformation, Rise of Nation States, Age of Enlightenment, French Revolution, Napoleonic Era |
| 21BHL301 | Allied - I (Choice from Political Science, Sociology, Economics) | Allied | 5 | Basic Concepts of Social Sciences, Foundations of Political Thought, Sociological Theories, Principles of Microeconomics, Indian Economic Development |
| 21BHS301 | Professional English | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Resume Writing, Interview Skills, Business Communication, Presentation Skills, Report Writing |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BHH401 | History of India 1947 CE - 2000 CE | Core | 5 | Post-Independence Challenges, Nehruvian Era, Emergency, Economic Reforms, Coalition Politics, India''''s Foreign Policy |
| 21BHH402 | History of Tamil Nadu 1947 CE - 2000 CE | Core | 5 | Post-Independence Politics, Dravidian Movement, Socio-Economic Development, Land Reforms, Education Policies, Cultural Renaissance |
| 21BHH403 | History of Europe 1815 CE - 1945 CE | Core | 5 | Congress of Vienna, Industrial Revolution, Unification of Germany and Italy, Imperialism, World War I, Inter-War Period, World War II |
| 21BHL401 | Allied - II (Choice from Political Science, Sociology, Economics) | Allied | 5 | Comparative Politics, Public Administration, Social Problems in India, Rural and Urban Sociology, Development Economics, International Economics |
| 21BHS401 | Indian Constitution and Human Rights | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Union and State Governments, Judiciary, Human Rights Concepts |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BHH501 | Historiography, Methodology and Historical Methods | Core | 5 | Nature and Scope of History, Historical Sources, Objectivity in History, Schools of Historiography, Research Methodology, Footnotes and Bibliography |
| 21BHH502 | History of USA 1776 CE - 1945 CE | Core | 5 | American Revolution, Formation of the Republic, Civil War, Industrialization, Imperialism, World War I, Great Depression, World War II |
| 21BHEE01 / 21BHEE02 / 21BHEE03 | Elective - I (e.g., History of Science and Technology in India) | Elective | 4 | Ancient Indian Science, Medieval Technological Advancements, Colonial Impact on Science, Post-Independence Scientific Growth, India''''s Space Program |
| 21BHEE04 / 21BHEE05 / 21BHEE06 | Elective - II (e.g., History of Contemporary Asia) | Elective | 4 | Rise of China, Decolonization in Southeast Asia, Korean War, Vietnam War, Economic Tigers of Asia, Regional Conflicts |
| 21BHS501 | Research Methodology and Academic Writing | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Research Design, Data Collection, Data Analysis, Thesis Structure, Referencing Styles, Academic Ethics |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BHH601 | History of World Civilizations (Ancient to Medieval) | Core | 5 | Mesopotamian Civilizations, Egyptian Civilization, Greek Civilization, Roman Empire, Chinese Dynasties, Islamic Golden Age |
| 21BHH602 | History of USA 1945 CE - 2000 CE | Core | 5 | Cold War, Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War, Post-Cold War Era, Social and Cultural Changes, Economic Developments |
| 21BHEE07 / 21BHEE08 / 21BHEE09 | Elective - III (e.g., Principles of Archaeology) | Elective | 4 | History of Archaeology, Field Methods, Excavation Techniques, Dating Methods, Cultural Resource Management, Interpretation of Artifacts |
| 21BHEE10 / 21BHEE11 / 21BHEE12 | Elective - IV (e.g., Human Rights and International Law) | Elective | 4 | Evolution of Human Rights, UN Charter and Declarations, International Covenants, Refugee Law, Humanitarian Law, Human Rights Institutions |
| 21BHS601 | Intellectual Property Rights | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, Industrial Designs, Geographical Indications, IPR in India |
| 21BHP601 | Project | Project | 4 | Project Design, Literature Review, Data Collection, Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Research Ethics |
