

B-A-HONOURS in English at The Graduate School College for Women, Jamshedpur


East Singhbhum, Jharkhand
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is English at The Graduate School College for Women, Jamshedpur East Singhbhum?
This B.A. Honours English program at The Graduate School College for Women, Jamshedpur, focuses on a comprehensive study of English literature, language, and critical theories. It provides a deep dive into various literary periods, genres, and cultural contexts, equipping students with strong analytical, communication, and research skills. The program is designed to meet the evolving demands for proficient communicators and critical thinkers in diverse Indian professional landscapes.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in literature, language, and critical analysis. It also caters to individuals aspiring for careers in teaching, journalism, content writing, publishing, civil services, and media. Strong reading comprehension and a foundational understanding of English are beneficial prerequisites for prospective students.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as content writers, editors, teachers, media professionals, and PR specialists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program also serves as an excellent foundation for pursuing higher education like MA, B.Ed, or competitive examinations.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immersive Reading and Critical Analysis- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with prescribed literary texts by reading them thoroughly and practicing critical analysis. Focus on understanding historical context, literary devices, and thematic elements. Maintain a reading journal to track insights and questions.
Tools & Resources
College library, Online literary databases (e.g., Project Gutenberg, Internet Archive), Peer study groups
Career Connection
Develops analytical thinking, interpretation skills, and attention to detail, crucial for content creation, research, and effective communication in any professional field.
Enhance Language Proficiency and Grammar- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate focused time to strengthen foundational English grammar, vocabulary, and effective writing skills. Practice essay writing, summarization, and precise expression. Seek regular feedback on written assignments from faculty.
Tools & Resources
Grammar books (e.g., Wren and Martin), Online platforms like Grammarly, BBC Learning English, College''''s language lab (if available), English Department faculty for guidance
Career Connection
Essential for effective communication in all professional roles, from corporate communications to academic writing and preparation for competitive examinations.
Active Participation in Literary Societies and Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Join the college''''s literary club or debate society. Participate actively in discussions, poetry recitations, creative writing workshops, and debates. This builds confidence, public speaking abilities, and critical engagement.
Tools & Resources
College literary society, Inter-college cultural fests, Public speaking forums and competitions
Career Connection
Cultivates presentation skills, rhetorical abilities, and confidence, highly valued in teaching, journalism, public relations, and leadership roles.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Diverse Literary Theories and Schools- (Semester 3-5)
Deepen understanding of various literary theories (e.g., Feminism, Post-colonialism, Structuralism). Apply these frameworks to analyze texts beyond the syllabus and engage in theoretical discussions with peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
Recommended theory texts, Online academic journals (e.g., Jstor, although access may vary), Departmental seminars and workshops
Career Connection
Sharpens critical thinking, advanced research skills, and the ability to interpret complex information, invaluable for higher studies, academic research, and policy analysis.
Undertake Mini Research Projects and Presentations- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek opportunities for small research projects, either individually or in groups, focusing on specific authors, literary movements, or critical theories. Present findings in college symposia or departmental events.
Tools & Resources
College library''''s research section, Online academic databases, Faculty mentorship, Presentation software and tools
Career Connection
Builds research aptitude, presentation skills, and the ability to articulate complex ideas, crucial for roles in academia, think tanks, and advanced corporate communication.
Network with Alumni and Industry Professionals- (Semester 3-5)
Attend alumni talks, career guidance workshops, and virtual industry webinars. Connect with alumni working in relevant fields like media, publishing, or education to gain insights, mentorship, and career advice.
Tools & Resources
College alumni network, LinkedIn platform, Career counseling cell, Industry-specific online forums and events
Career Connection
Facilitates career exploration, mentorship opportunities, and potential internship leads, crucial for securing placements and understanding industry expectations in the Indian context.
Advanced Stage
Specialized Skill Development and Portfolio Building- (Semester 6-8)
Identify areas of specific interest (e.g., content writing, editing, translation, teaching) and pursue advanced certifications or workshops. Create a professional portfolio of written work, editing samples, or teaching aids to showcase skills.
Tools & Resources
Online certification courses (e.g., Coursera, Udemy for writing/editing), Professional workshops, Freelance platforms to build a portfolio, College career cell for guidance
Career Connection
Directly prepares for specific job roles, demonstrating practical skills and experience to potential employers in publishing, media, education, and content industries.
Intensive Preparation for Higher Education or Competitive Exams- (Semester 6-8)
Begin focused preparation for entrance examinations for MA (English), B.Ed, or civil services (UPSC/JPSC/SSC). This involves solving previous year papers, mock tests, and targeted, comprehensive study.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes (if desired), Online test series, Previous year question papers, Government job portals, Mentorship from faculty or senior students who have succeeded
Career Connection
Provides a direct pathway to advanced academic qualifications, teaching careers, or prestigious government service positions within India.
Participate in Internships and Community Engagement Projects- (Semester 6-8)
Secure an internship with a publishing house, media agency, NGO, or educational institution. Alternatively, engage in community projects involving literacy promotion, language instruction, or content creation for social causes.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Internship portals (e.g., Internshala, LinkedIn), NGO networks, Local media organizations
Career Connection
Provides invaluable real-world experience, networking opportunities, and often leads to pre-placement offers, significantly boosting employability immediately after graduation in the Indian job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- As per University/College Admission norms (typically 10+2 with English from a recognized board)
Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
Credits: 160 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25% (Continuous Internal Assessment), External: 75% (End Semester Examination)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJ-1 | English Language and Literary Terms | Core (Major) | 6 | Introduction to English Language, Communication Skills, Basic English Grammar, Literary Forms, Literary Terms, Figures of Speech |
| Minor-1 | Foundation of English Literature | Minor | 5 | Old and Middle English Period, Elizabethan Age, Metaphysical Poetry, Puritan Age, Restoration Literature, Augustan Age |
| MDC-1 | Multidisciplinary Course 1 | Multidisciplinary (Choice Based) | 3 | |
| AEC-1 | Ability Enhancement Course 1 | Ability Enhancement (Choice Based) | 2 | |
| VAC-1 | Value Added Course 1 | Value Added (Choice Based) | 2 | |
| SEC-1 | Skill Enhancement Course 1 | Skill Enhancement (Choice Based) | 3 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJ-2 | British Literature: 18th Century | Core (Major) | 6 | Augustan Poetry, Rise of Novel, Satire in Literature, Sentimental Comedy, Beginnings of Romanticism, Gothic Literature |
| Minor-2 | European Classical Literature | Minor | 5 | Greek Epic (Homer), Greek Tragedy (Sophocles), Roman Comedy (Plautus), Aristotle''''s Poetics, Virgil''''s Aeneid |
| MDC-2 | Multidisciplinary Course 2 | Multidisciplinary (Choice Based) | 3 | |
| AEC-2 | Ability Enhancement Course 2 | Ability Enhancement (Choice Based) | 2 | |
| VAC-2 | Value Added Course 2 | Value Added (Choice Based) | 2 | |
| SEC-2 | Skill Enhancement Course 2 | Skill Enhancement (Choice Based) | 3 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJ-3 | British Literature: 19th Century | Core (Major) | 6 | Romantic Poetry, Victorian Novel, Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Dramatic Monologue, Literary Theory in 19th Century, Realism and Naturalism |
| Minor-3 | Indian Writing in English | Minor | 5 | Early Indian English Poetry, Indian English Novel Development, Post-Colonial Indian Writing, Indian Drama in English, Indian Short Stories, Indian Literary Criticism |
| MDC-3 | Multidisciplinary Course 3 | Multidisciplinary (Choice Based) | 3 | |
| AEC-3 | Ability Enhancement Course 3 | Ability Enhancement (Choice Based) | 2 | |
| VAC-3 | Value Added Course 3 | Value Added (Choice Based) | 2 | |
| SEC-3 | Skill Enhancement Course 3 | Skill Enhancement (Choice Based) | 3 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJ-4 | British Literature: 20th Century | Core (Major) | 6 | Modernism and Avant-Garde, War Poetry, Absurdist Drama, Stream of Consciousness, Postmodernism in Literature, Post-War British Novel |
| Minor-4 | Literary Theory and Criticism | Minor | 5 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Romantic Criticism, Russian Formalism, New Criticism, Structuralism, Post-Structuralism |
| MDC-4 | Multidisciplinary Course 4 | Multidisciplinary (Choice Based) | 3 | |
| AEC-4 | Ability Enhancement Course 4 | Ability Enhancement (Choice Based) | 2 | |
| VAC-4 | Value Added Course 4 | Value Added (Choice Based) | 2 | |
| SEC-4 | Skill Enhancement Course 4 | Skill Enhancement (Choice Based) | 3 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJ-5 | American Literature | Core (Major) | 6 | Colonial and Early American Literature, American Romanticism, Transcendentalism, American Realism and Naturalism, Modern American Novel, African-American Literature |
| MJ-6 | Post-Colonial Literatures | Core (Major) | 6 | Theories of Decolonization, Concepts of Hybridity and Diaspora, African Literature, Caribbean Literature, Australian and Canadian Literature, Subaltern Studies |
| Minor-5 | Comparative Literature | Minor | 5 | Theories of Comparative Literature, East-West Literary Relations, Thematic Studies in Literature, Genre Studies across Cultures, Influence and Reception Studies |
| SEC-5 | Skill Enhancement Course 5 | Skill Enhancement (Choice Based) | 3 |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJ-7 | Women''''s Writing | Core (Major) | 6 | Feminist Literary Criticism, History of Women''''s Writing, Suffrage Movement and Literature, Canonical Women Writers, Dalit Women''''s Writing, Gender and Sexuality in Literature |
| MJ-8 | Film Studies | Core (Major) | 6 | History of Cinema, Film Theory and Criticism, Film Genres, Narrative Structure in Film, Indian Cinema (Bollywood and Regional), Adaptation of Literature to Film |
| Minor-6 | English Language Teaching (ELT) | Minor | 5 | Principles of ELT, Approaches to Language Teaching, Classroom Management, Materials Development for ELT, Assessment in ELT |
| SEC-6 | Skill Enhancement Course 6 | Skill Enhancement (Choice Based) | 3 |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJ-9 | Popular Literature | Core (Major) | 6 | Theories of Popular Culture, Detective Fiction, Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature, Graphic Novels and Comics, Children''''s Literature, Bestsellers and Mass Market Fiction |
| MJ-10 | Research Methodology | Core (Major) | 6 | Introduction to Research in Humanities, Research Design and Methods, Data Collection Techniques, Academic Writing and Citation, Plagiarism and Ethics in Research, Dissertation Writing Guidelines |
| OE-1 | Open Elective 1 | Elective (Choice Based) | 3 | |
| RP-1 | Research Project/Dissertation | Project | 6 |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MJ-11 (DSE-1) | Major Elective 1 (Discipline Specific Elective) | Elective (Major) | 6 | Literary Translation (Theories, Practice, Cultural aspects), English for Media (Media Language, News Reporting, Feature Writing, PR) |
| MJ-12 (DSE-2) | Major Elective 2 (Discipline Specific Elective) | Elective (Major) | 6 | Ecocriticism (Nature in Literature, Environmental Ethics, Green Studies), Children''''s Literature (History, Genres, Picture Books, Young Adult Fiction) |
| OE-2 | Open Elective 2 | Elective (Choice Based) | 3 | |
| IP-1 | Internship / Apprenticeship / Community Engagement Project | Practical/Project | 6 |




