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BA-HONS in Bengali at S.S.L.N.T. Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Dhanbad
Dhanbad, Jharkhand
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About the Specialization
What is Bengali at S.S.L.N.T. Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Dhanbad Dhanbad?
This Bengali Hons program at Shree Shree Lakshmi Narayan Trust Mahila Mahavidyalaya focuses on a comprehensive study of Bengali language, literature, and culture. It delves into the rich literary traditions from ancient to modern periods, encompassing poetry, prose, drama, and critical theories. The program is vital in India, particularly in Bengal and surrounding regions, for preserving cultural heritage and catering to a consistent demand for experts in language, media, and education. It offers a deep understanding of one of India''''s most significant literary landscapes.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for students passionate about Bengali language and literature, fresh graduates seeking entry into teaching, media, publishing, or cultural institutions, and individuals aiming for civil services with a strong humanities background. It also suits those wishing to pursue higher studies in linguistics, comparative literature, or cultural studies. A strong foundation in Bengali at the 10+2 level is a beneficial prerequisite, alongside a keen interest in historical and contemporary literary analysis.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as educators (school/college), content writers, editors in publishing houses, journalists, translators, and cultural researchers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4 LPA, growing significantly with experience, potentially reaching INR 7-10 LPA or more for senior roles. The program provides a solid base for competitive exams and fosters critical thinking, research skills, and a profound appreciation for Bengali heritage.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Language Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering Bengali grammar, phonetics, and early literary forms. Regularly practice reading classical and modern Bengali texts to improve comprehension and vocabulary. Actively participate in class discussions and utilize grammar workbooks for self-study.
Tools & Resources
Bengali grammar books (e.g., by Suniti Kumar Chatterji), Online dictionaries, Classical Bengali literature anthologies, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Strong language skills are foundational for all career paths, especially in teaching, editing, and content creation, ensuring accuracy and fluency.
Engage with Literary History and Context- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond textbook learning, explore the socio-political context behind ancient and medieval Bengali literature. Read biographies of key authors and consult supplementary historical texts. Join departmental seminars or book clubs to gain diverse perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals, Historical documentaries, Literary criticism essays, University library resources, Local cultural events
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking and analytical skills crucial for research, journalism, and academic roles, enabling deeper interpretation and contextual understanding.
Develop Effective Study Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Establish a consistent study routine, focusing on active recall and regular revision. Practice essay writing for internal assessments, paying attention to structure, argument, and language. Seek feedback from professors to refine academic writing.
Tools & Resources
Time management apps, Note-taking strategies (e.g., Cornell method), Academic writing guides, Professor office hours
Career Connection
Enhances academic performance, crucial for postgraduate studies and competitive exams. Strong writing skills are transferable to any professional communication role.
Intermediate Stage
Cultivate Creative and Critical Writing Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in creative writing workshops and exercises (SEC papers). Experiment with different genres like short stories, poetry, and essays. Read widely across modern Bengali authors to understand various styles and critical approaches.
Tools & Resources
Creative writing prompts, Online platforms for sharing writing (e.g., Bengali literary blogs), Peer review sessions, Literary magazines
Career Connection
Essential for careers in content writing, journalism, publishing, and media. Develops a unique voice and ability to produce engaging and well-structured text.
Explore Translation and Applied Linguistics- (Semester 3-4)
Deepen understanding of translation theories and practice translating various texts (SEC paper). Attend workshops on Bengali linguistics to grasp the nuances of language structure and evolution. Consider learning basic English-to-Bengali translation software.
Tools & Resources
Bilingual dictionaries, Online translation tools (for analysis, not direct use), Language learning apps, Academic papers on translation studies
Career Connection
Opens up opportunities in translation, localization, technical writing, and language-related services in India, a growing field.
Network with Literary Scholars and Practitioners- (Semester 3-5)
Attend university-level seminars, literary festivals, and guest lectures by prominent Bengali authors or critics. Engage with faculty on research interests and potential project ideas. Join literary societies or online forums to connect with peers and mentors.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, Social media literary groups, Professional networking events (if applicable)
Career Connection
Builds professional connections, offers insights into the industry, and can lead to mentorship opportunities, research collaborations, or early career opportunities.
Advanced Stage
Specialize and Deepen Research- (Semester 5-6)
Choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) aligned with career interests (e.g., Modern Fiction for publishing, Comparative Literature for academia). Undertake a mini-research project or a detailed literary analysis under faculty guidance, focusing on primary texts.
Tools & Resources
University library databases, Research methodology guides, Academic writing software (e.g., Zotero for references), Mentorship from DSE faculty
Career Connection
Develops expertise in a specific area, enhancing readiness for postgraduate studies or specialized roles in research, content development, or academia.
Prepare for Career and Higher Education- (Semester 6)
Actively research postgraduate programs (MA, B.Ed) or civil services exam preparation strategies. Refine CVs and cover letters, focusing on literary skills, analytical abilities, and cultural understanding. Practice interview skills for potential roles in education, media, or government.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, Online job portals (Naukri.com, LinkedIn), University placement cell, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Directly impacts success in securing desired employment or admission to advanced degree programs, providing a structured approach to career launching.
Contribute to Literary and Cultural Preservation- (Semester 6)
Engage in departmental initiatives, college magazines, or local cultural organizations to promote Bengali language and literature. Volunteer for events that showcase Bengali heritage. Document folk traditions or conduct interviews with local artists.
Tools & Resources
College literary club, Local NGOs, Cultural community centers, Digital archiving tools, Local historical societies
Career Connection
Builds a strong portfolio of community engagement and cultural stewardship, which is highly valued in public service, cultural organizations, and academic institutions, enhancing societal impact.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 Pass from any recognized Board/Council
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 148 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BENG CC-1 | History of Bengali Literature (Ancient & Medieval Period) | Core | 6 | Old Bengali Language and Literature, Charyapada, Srikrishnakirtan, Mangalkavya, Vaishnava Padavali, Translation of Ancient Texts |
| BENG CC-2 | Bengali Grammar (Part-I) & Rhetoric (Alankar) | Core | 6 | Origin of Bengali Language, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology (Word Formation), Sanskrit Rhetoric Traditions, Figures of Speech (Alankar), Prosody and Metre |
| GE-1 | General Elective (Open Choice from other disciplines) | Elective | 6 | |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Compulsory | 4 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Natural Resources, Environmental Pollution, Social Issues and Environment, Human Population and Environment |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BENG CC-3 | History of Bengali Literature (Early Modern Period) | Core | 6 | Fort William College and Early Prose, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Michael Madhusudan Dutt, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Rabindranath Tagore (Early Works) |
| BENG CC-4 | History of Bengali Literature (Later Modern Period) | Core | 6 | Post-Tagore Era, Kallol Yug Literature, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Jibanananda Das, Manik Bandopadhyay |
| GE-2 | General Elective (Open Choice from other disciplines) | Elective | 6 | |
| AECC-2 | MIL/English Communication (Bengali) | Compulsory | 4 | Process of Communication, Reading Comprehension, Precis Writing and Essay Writing, Official Correspondence in Bengali, Developing Spoken and Written Skills |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BENG CC-5 | Bengali Poetry (Pre-Tagore) | Core | 6 | Vidyapati and Chandidas (Padavali), Bharatchandra Ray Gunakar, Ishwar Chandra Gupta, Michael Madhusudan Dutt (Meghnad Badh Kavya), Hemchandra Bandopadhyay and Nabin Chandra Sen |
| BENG CC-6 | Bengali Drama (Part-I) | Core | 6 | Origin and Evolution of Bengali Drama, Dinabandhu Mitra (Neel Darpan), Girish Chandra Ghosh, Dwijendralal Ray, Rabindranath Tagore (Symbolic Dramas) |
| BENG CC-7 | Bengali Prose (Part-I) | Core | 6 | Rammohan Roy and Raja Radhakanta Deb, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (Anandamath), Rabindranath Tagore (Gora), Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay |
| SEC-1 | Translation Studies | Skill-based | 4 | Theories of Translation, Types and Techniques of Translation, Practice of Translation (Bengali to English and vice-versa), Transliteration and Adaptation, Glossary and Terminology Development |
| GE-3 | General Elective (Open Choice from other disciplines) | Elective | 6 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BENG CC-8 | Bengali Poetry (Tagore & Post-Tagore) | Core | 6 | Rabindranath Tagore''''s Mature Poetry, Jibanananda Das, Sudhindranath Dutta, Amiya Chakravarty, Shakti Chattopadhyay, Sunil Gangopadhyay |
| BENG CC-9 | Bengali Drama (Part-II) | Core | 6 | Manoj Mitra, Badal Sircar (Ebong Indrajit), Mohit Chattopadhyay, Contemporary Bengali Drama, Influence of Folk Theatre |
| BENG CC-10 | Bengali Prose (Part-II) | Core | 6 | Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay (Pather Panchali), Tarashankar Bandopadhyay (Hansuli Banker Upakatha), Manik Bandopadhyay (Putul Nacher Itikatha), Ashapurna Devi, Mahasweta Devi |
| SEC-2 | Creative Writing | Skill-based | 4 | Principles of Creative Writing, Story Writing Techniques, Poetry Writing (Imagery and Metaphor), Essay Writing (Structure and Style), Dialogue and Character Development |
| GE-4 | General Elective (Open Choice from other disciplines) | Elective | 6 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BENG CC-11 | Literary Criticism (Part-I) | Core | 6 | Introduction to Western Literary Theories, Plato and Aristotle, Sanskrit Poetics (Rasa, Dhvani, Alankar), Romanticism and Realism, Formalism and Structuralism |
| BENG CC-12 | Folk Literature & Culture of Bengal | Core | 6 | Definition and Types of Folk Literature, Bengali Folk Tales and Ballads, Folk Songs (Baul, Bhatiali, Kirtan), Proverbs, Riddles, and Rhymes, Folk Art Forms and Festivals of Bengal |
| DSE-1 | Discipline Specific Elective (Options varied, e.g., Modern Bengali Poetry/Novel/Drama) | Elective | 6 | Modern Bengali Poetry: Jibanananda Das, Bishnu Dey, Subhash Mukhopadhyay, Bengali Novel: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Rabindranath Tagore, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Bengali Drama: Selected Contemporary Plays, Historical Dramas |
| DSE-2 | Discipline Specific Elective (Options varied, e.g., Bengali Fiction/Literary Theories) | Elective | 6 | Bengali Fiction: Short Stories by Tagore, Manik, Bibhutibhushan, Tarashankar, Literary Theories: New Criticism, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Myth Criticism, Children''''s Literature in Bengali |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BENG CC-13 | Literary Criticism (Part-II) | Core | 6 | Marxist Criticism, Feminist Criticism, Post-Structuralism and Deconstruction, Postcolonial Theory, Reader-Response Theory, Cultural Studies |
| BENG CC-14 | Bengali Language & Linguistics | Core | 6 | General Linguistics (Scope and Branches), Phonetics and Phonology of Bengali, Morphology and Syntax of Bengali, Semantics and Lexicography, History of Bengali Language Development |
| DSE-3 | Discipline Specific Elective (Options varied, e.g., Comparative Literature/Journalism & Mass Communication) | Elective | 6 | Comparative Literature: Definition, Scope, Influence, Translation, Journalism and Mass Communication: Principles, Media Ethics, Reporting, Research Methodology in Humanities |
| DSE-4 | Discipline Specific Elective (Options varied, e.g., Modern Bengali Short Story/Autobiographical Writings) | Elective | 6 | Modern Bengali Short Story: Tagore, Premendra Mitra, Banaphul, Subodh Ghosh, Autobiographical Writings: Selected Bengali Autobiographies, Literary Movements in Bengali Literature |
