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BACHELOR-OF-ARTS-BA in Bengali at Surendranath Evening College
Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Bengali at Surendranath Evening College Kolkata?
This Bengali Honours program at Surendranath Evening College, affiliated with the University of Calcutta, focuses on a comprehensive study of Bengali language and literature. It delves deep into the rich history, diverse genres, critical theories, and linguistic aspects of Bengali, a language with profound cultural and literary significance in India. The program emphasizes both classical and modern texts, providing a holistic understanding of Bengali''''s literary evolution and its societal impact. There is a consistent demand for Bengali language and literature experts in various sectors across West Bengal and India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for students with a keen interest in Bengali literature, language, and culture, who aspire to pursue careers in academia, journalism, publishing, creative writing, or content creation. It suits fresh graduates seeking entry into teaching, media, or research roles, as well as those looking to understand and contribute to Bengali intellectual discourse. A strong foundation in Higher Secondary Bengali is generally beneficial for students enrolling in this specialization.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including teaching roles in schools and colleges, positions in print and electronic media (journalists, editors, content writers), opportunities in publishing houses, and roles as translators or cultural critics. Entry-level salaries for graduates typically range from INR 2.5 to 4 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in senior roles. The program aligns well with opportunities in educational institutions, government services, and cultural organizations across West Bengal.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Foundational Reading Habit- (undefined)
Engage deeply with prescribed ancient and medieval Bengali texts. Beyond the syllabus, cultivate a habit of reading classic Bengali literature to build a strong base in narrative styles, vocabulary, and historical context. Join departmental book clubs or informal reading groups to discuss works.
Tools & Resources
College Library, University of Calcutta Central Library, Online archives of Bengali classics, Student reading circles
Career Connection
A broad and deep reading base is crucial for developing critical analysis skills, enriching vocabulary, and understanding literary evolution, which are essential for academic research, teaching, and creative writing careers.
Master Bengali Grammar and Linguistics- (undefined)
Focus intensely on the foundational aspects of Bengali grammar, phonetics, morphology, and syntax covered in early semesters. Utilize grammar workbooks, practice exercises, and online Bengali language learning resources. Seek clarification from professors for difficult linguistic concepts promptly.
Tools & Resources
Standard Bengali Grammar books (e.g., Sunil Kumar Chattopadhyay), Online Bengali grammar tutorials, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Strong grammatical proficiency is non-negotiable for writing, editing, translation, and teaching, ensuring accuracy and clarity in all professional communications and literary works.
Participate in Departmental Co-curricular Activities- (undefined)
Actively engage in departmental seminars, workshops, literary discussions, and cultural events. Volunteer for organizing events like literary festivals or debates. This enhances public speaking, organizational skills, and builds a professional network early on.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, College cultural committees, Literary clubs
Career Connection
These activities develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership, which are highly valued in any profession, particularly in media, event management, and education.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Critical Analysis and Research Skills- (undefined)
As you delve into literary theory and modern texts, practice writing analytical essays and research papers beyond assigned coursework. Focus on developing original arguments and supporting them with evidence. Learn to use academic databases effectively.
Tools & Resources
University e-journals and databases, Research methodology workshops, Academic writing guides, Professors for guidance
Career Connection
These skills are fundamental for postgraduate studies, academic research, literary criticism, and advanced journalism, preparing you for roles requiring deep intellectual engagement.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (undefined)
Utilize your Generic Elective choices to explore subjects like History, Philosophy, or Sociology, and consciously draw connections to Bengali literature. This broader perspective enriches your understanding of literary contexts and enhances critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
Lectures and materials from other departments, Interdisciplinary seminars, Books exploring cultural history
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary approach makes you a more versatile candidate for diverse roles in cultural organizations, policy-making, or media that require a nuanced understanding of societal dynamics.
Engage in Creative Writing and Translation Projects- (undefined)
Apply your understanding of literary forms and language through creative writing (poetry, short stories) or translation projects. Submit your work to college magazines, local literary journals, or participate in university-level writing competitions.
Tools & Resources
College magazine editorial board, Local literary circles, Online writing platforms, Translation tools (dictionaries, thesaurus)
Career Connection
Directly develops skills for careers in creative writing, content development, editing, and professional translation, showcasing your practical command of the language.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Mini-Research Project or Dissertation- (undefined)
In the final year, identify a specific area of Bengali literature or linguistics that deeply interests you. Work closely with a faculty mentor to conduct an in-depth research project or a mini-dissertation. This provides hands-on experience in academic inquiry.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, University libraries and archives, Research software (if applicable), Peer review sessions
Career Connection
This capstone experience is invaluable for demonstrating research aptitude for higher studies (MA, PhD), academic positions, or specialized roles in research and analysis firms.
Prepare for Competitive Exams and Further Studies- (undefined)
Alongside your final semester studies, start preparing for relevant competitive examinations for government jobs (e.g., WBCS, UPSC with Bengali optional) or entrance exams for Master''''s programs. Attend career guidance workshops and mock interviews.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling cells, Online test series platforms, Previous year question papers, Mentorship from alumni
Career Connection
Directly prepares you for securing prestigious government positions, entry into top universities for postgraduate studies, and opens pathways to academic or administrative careers.
Build a Professional Network and Portfolio- (undefined)
Actively network with professors, alumni, authors, journalists, and publishers. Attend literary events, book fairs, and workshops. Curate a portfolio of your best essays, creative writing pieces, translations, and research papers to showcase your abilities to potential employers or academic institutions.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn profiles, Professional literary associations, Departmental alumni events, Personal website/blog
Career Connection
A strong professional network facilitates job opportunities and mentorship, while a well-curated portfolio acts as a tangible demonstration of your skills, enhancing your employability in diverse fields.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 10 marks (for 6-credit & 2-credit papers), External: 65 marks (for 6-credit papers), 40 marks (for 2-credit papers)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNGA-CC-1 | History of Bengali Literature (Ancient & Medieval Period) | Core Course | 6 | Outline of Bengali Literature, Charyapada, Srikrishnakirtan Kavya, Mangal-kavya, Vaishnava Padavali, Shakta Padavali, Translation Literature |
| BNGA-CC-2 | Evolution of Bengali Poetry & Prosody | Core Course | 6 | Trends in Bengali Poetry, Prosody and Rhetoric, Various Poetic Styles, Modern Poetry, Tagore''''s Poetry, Jibanananda''''s Poetry |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective I | Generic Elective | 6 | Interdisciplinary Studies, Broad-based knowledge, Enhancing General Skills, Introduction to another field |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Natural Resources, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and its Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Social Issues and the Environment |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNGA-CC-3 | Rabindra Sahitya (Rabindranath Tagore''''s Literature) | Core Course | 6 | Tagore''''s Short Stories, Tagore''''s Novels, Tagore''''s Plays, Tagore''''s Essays, Tagore''''s Poetry, Tagore''''s Songs and Music |
| BNGA-CC-4 | 19th Century Bengali Literature | Core Course | 6 | Rise of Bengali Prose, Iswarchandra Vidyasagar''''s Contributions, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay''''s Works, Michael Madhusudan Dutt''''s Poetry, Dinabandhu Mitra''''s Plays, Social Reforms and Literature |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective II | Generic Elective | 6 | Developing varied perspectives, Interdisciplinary skills, Understanding diverse subjects, Critical thinking |
| AECC-2 | Communicative English | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary Building, Reading Comprehension Strategies, Effective Writing Skills, Spoken English and Presentation Skills |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNGA-CC-5 | Literary Theory & Criticism | Core Course | 6 | Concept of Literary Theory, Rasa Theory, Alankar Theory, Western Literary Theories, Various Critical Approaches, Textual Analysis |
| BNGA-CC-6 | Bengali Short Stories & Novels | Core Course | 6 | Evolution of Bengali Short Story, Modern Bengali Short Stories, Rise of Bengali Novel, Social Novels, Psychological Novels, Historical Novels |
| BNGA-CC-7 | Bengali Drama | Core Course | 6 | History of Bengali Drama, Prohason (Farce), Tragedy and Comedy, Social Drama, Mythological Drama, Modern Bengali Plays |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective III | Generic Elective | 6 | Enhancing academic breadth, Skill development in new areas, Critical inquiry, Multidisciplinary perspectives |
| BNGA-SEC-A-1 | Bengali Prose & Translation | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Essay Writing Techniques, Translation Principles and Practice, Types of Translation, Practical Bengali Usage, Editing and Proofreading |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNGA-CC-8 | Bengali Language & Grammar | Core Course | 6 | Origin of Bengali Language, Phonetics (Dhwani-tattwa), Morphology (Rup-tattwa), Syntax (Bakya-tattwa), Parts of Speech (Pad Prokoron), Cases (Karak) |
| BNGA-CC-9 | History of Bengali Literature (Modern Period) | Core Course | 6 | Post-Tagore Literature, Kallol Era and its Influence, Post-Modern Bengali Literature, Works of Jibanananda Das, Manik Bandyopadhyay''''s Contribution, Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay''''s Novels |
| BNGA-CC-10 | Modern Bengali Poetry | Core Course | 6 | Poets of the Thirties, Trends in Modern Bengali Poetry, Individualist Poetry Movement, Partition and Modern Poetry, Works of Shakti Chattopadhyay, Poetry of Sunil Gangopadhyay |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective IV | Generic Elective | 6 | Exploring diverse subjects, Interdisciplinary insights, Knowledge enrichment, Developing holistic understanding |
| BNGA-SEC-B-1 | Functional Bengali | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Advertisement Writing, Report Writing Techniques, Editing and Proofreading Skills, Interviewing and Communication, Professional Language Application |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNGA-CC-11 | Folk Literature & Rhymes | Core Course | 6 | Nature of Folk Literature, Bengali Rhymes (Chhara), Proverbs and Idioms, Folk Tales (Lokkatha), Folk Drama (Loknatya), Folk Dance and Music |
| BNGA-CC-12 | Linguistics & Bengali Language | Core Course | 6 | Introduction to Linguistics, Origin of Language, Language Families, Dialects of Bengali Language, Semantics (Orthotattwa), Etymology and Lexicology |
| BNGA-DSE-A-1 | Bengali Folk Culture & Literature | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Folk Literature and Folk Culture, Folk Literature of Bangladesh, Bengali Folk Music, Folk Painting and Art Forms, Rituals and Customs in Folk Culture, Impact on Modern Literature |
| BNGA-DSE-B-1 | Form & Style of Bengali Novel | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Definition and Characteristics of Novel, Various Types of Novels, Narrative Techniques in Fiction, Structure of Social Novel, Analysis of Historical Novels, Elements of Psychological Novel |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNGA-CC-13 | Translation & Essays | Core Course | 6 | Translation Methods and Theories, Practical Translation Exercises, Nature and Forms of Essays, Types of Essays (Analytical, Descriptive), Modern Bengali Essays, Literary Essay Analysis |
| BNGA-CC-14 | Comparative Literature | Core Course | 6 | Concept of Comparative Literature, Methodology in Comparative Studies, Eastern and Western Literary Traditions, World Literature Perspectives, Cross-Cultural Literary Relations, Thematic and Stylistic Comparisons |
| BNGA-DSE-A-2 | Modern Bengali Essays | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Origin and Development of Essays in Bengal, Prominent Bengali Essayists, Characteristics of Modern Essays, Social and Political Essays, Scientific and Cultural Essays, Critical Analysis of Essays |
| BNGA-DSE-B-2 | Form & Style of Bengali Short Story | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Definition and Unique Characteristics of Short Story, Various Types of Short Stories, Narrative Style of Prominent Storytellers, Structure and Plot Development, Modern Bengali Short Stories, Symbolism and Theme in Short Stories |
