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M-A-BENGALI in Bengali at Visva-Bharati
Birbhum, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Bengali at Visva-Bharati Birbhum?
This M.A. Bengali program at Visva-Bharati University focuses on an in-depth study of Bengali language, literature, and culture, from ancient to contemporary periods. It delves into literary history, linguistics, various genres like poetry, fiction, drama, and critical theories. The program nurtures a deep appreciation for Bengali''''s rich heritage, a subject with enduring cultural and academic significance in India and globally, catering to a strong demand for language experts.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor''''s graduates in Bengali Literature seeking advanced academic knowledge and research skills. It also serves aspiring educators, researchers, content creators, and cultural preservationists who wish to specialize in Bengali studies. Individuals passionate about the linguistic and literary traditions of Bengal will find this course fulfilling, building on a strong undergraduate foundation in the subject.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as college/university lecturers (after qualifying NET/SET), researchers in academic institutions, content writers, editors, translators, journalists in Bengali media, and roles in cultural organizations. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities also exist in civil services and cultural diplomacy, contributing to language and literature promotion.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Mastering Classical Bengali Texts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly read and understand the primary texts of Old and Medieval Bengali Literature. Utilize critical commentaries and participate in discussion groups to clarify concepts. Focus on building a strong historical and cultural context.
Tools & Resources
University Library''''s collection of classical texts, Scholarly articles on Jstor/Google Scholar, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation in classical texts is essential for advanced research, academic presentations, and developing deep analytical skills required for literary critique and teaching roles.
Strengthening Linguistic Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly practice grammar, phonology, and morphology through exercises and reading academic papers on Bengali linguistics. Pay attention to the historical evolution of the language. This builds accuracy and analytical prowess.
Tools & Resources
Standard Bengali grammar books (e.g., Suniti Kumar Chatterji), Online linguistic resources, Faculty consultations
Career Connection
Proficiency in linguistics is crucial for research, translation, lexicography, and teaching positions where precise language understanding is vital.
Engaging in Academic Discussions and Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom discussions and departmental seminars. Practice articulating your literary interpretations and critical analyses. This hones presentation skills and critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
Classroom environment, Departmental seminars/webinars, Literature discussion forums
Career Connection
Enhances public speaking, argumentative skills, and confidence, which are invaluable for academic careers, conference presentations, and professional communication.
Intermediate Stage
Exploring Specialized Literary Theories- (Semester 3)
Dive deep into both Indian and Western literary theories. Read original texts of theorists and apply these frameworks to analyze Bengali literature. Engage in comparative studies to broaden your perspective.
Tools & Resources
Critical theory anthologies, Research papers applying theories to Bengali literature, Faculty-led workshops
Career Connection
Develops sophisticated analytical abilities, preparing you for advanced research, academic writing, and teaching literary criticism at higher levels.
Undertaking Minor Research Projects- (Semester 3)
Collaborate with peers or faculty on short research papers beyond coursework. This provides hands-on experience in topic selection, literature review, methodology, and academic writing, crucial for the eventual dissertation.
Tools & Resources
University research guides, Jstor, Project Muse, Departmental research forums
Career Connection
Builds a strong research portfolio, strengthens academic writing, and prepares for doctoral studies or research-oriented careers in think tanks or cultural institutions.
Attending and Presenting at Literary Conferences/Workshops- (Semester 3)
Seek opportunities to attend national or regional literary conferences, even as an audience. If possible, present a paper from your coursework. This exposes you to broader academic discourse and networking.
Tools & Resources
Conference announcements (university notice boards, online), Presentation skills workshops
Career Connection
Offers networking opportunities with scholars, refines presentation skills, and adds valuable experience to your CV for academic and research roles.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Dissertation Work and Mentorship- (Semester 4)
Begin dissertation work early, maintaining regular contact with your supervisor. Focus on clear methodology, rigorous analysis, and academic integrity. This is your capstone project.
Tools & Resources
Assigned faculty supervisor, Thesis writing guides, Citation management software (Zotero, Mendeley)
Career Connection
Essential for PhD admissions and demonstrating independent research capabilities, highly valued in academic, research, and policy-making roles.
Preparing for NET/SET and Competitive Exams- (Semester 4)
Simultaneously prepare for the National Eligibility Test (NET) and State Eligibility Test (SET) crucial for college-level teaching. Regularly solve previous year''''s papers and attend mock tests. Explore opportunities for civil services exams.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/SET study materials, Online coaching platforms, Previous year question papers
Career Connection
Directly paves the path for a career in academia (Assistant Professor) and significantly enhances prospects for various government jobs in India.
Building a Professional Academic Portfolio- (Semester 4)
Compile all your academic achievements, research papers, presentations, and certifications into a professional portfolio. Start drafting your CV and a statement of purpose for future applications (PhD, jobs).
Tools & Resources
Professional CV templates, University career services, LinkedIn profile
Career Connection
Crucial for showcasing your expertise and achievements to prospective employers, PhD committees, and for securing desirable positions post-graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree (B.A. Hons. in Bengali or B.A. Pass with Bengali as a subject) from a recognized university, with specific marks as per university norms.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Old and Medieval Bengali Literature (Part-I) | Core | 4 | Charyapada, Shrikrishna Kirtan, Mangal Kavyas (Manasamangal, Chandimangal), Vaishnava Padavali, Translation Literature (Ramayana, Mahabharata) |
| Paper II | History of Bengali Language and Linguistics (Part-I) | Core | 4 | Origin and Development of Bengali Language, Indo-European Family of Languages, Old Indo-Aryan, Middle Indo-Aryan, New Indo-Aryan, Phonology and Morphology of Bengali, Dialects of Bengali |
| Paper III | History of Bengali Literature (Ancient and Medieval Period) | Core | 4 | Early Bengali Literature, Pre-Chaitanya and Post-Chaitanya Periods, Religious and Secular Literature, Contribution of Muslim Poets, Development of Prose in Medieval Period |
| Paper IV | Modern Bengali Poetry (Part-I) | Core | 4 | Evolution of Modern Bengali Poetry, Rabindranath Tagore''''s Early Poetry, Poetry of the Kallol Era, Works of Jibanananda Das, Influence of Western Poetic Traditions |
| Paper V | Modern Bengali Fiction (Part-I) | Core | 4 | Genesis of Bengali Novel and Short Story, Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay''''s Novels, Rabindranath Tagore''''s Short Stories, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay''''s Fiction, Social Realism in Early Modern Fiction |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper VI | Old and Medieval Bengali Literature (Part-II) | Core | 4 | Biographical Literature (Chaitanya Charitamrita), Nath Sahitya, Maimansingha Gitika, Shakta Padavali, Folk Tales and Ballads |
| Paper VII | History of Bengali Language and Linguistics (Part-II) | Core | 4 | Semantics and Lexicography, Syntax and Sentence Structure, Bengali Grammar, Role of Fort William College in Language Development, Standard Colloquial Bengali (Cholit Bhasha) |
| Paper VIII | Modern Bengali Drama | Core | 4 | Origin and Development of Bengali Drama, Michael Madhusudan Dutt''''s Contributions, Dinabandhu Mitra''''s Plays, Rabindranath Tagore''''s Dramatic Works, Modern Trends in Bengali Theatre |
| Paper IX | Modern Bengali Poetry (Part-II) | Core | 4 | Post-Tagore Poetry, Works of Amiya Chakravarty and Sudhindranath Dutta, Modernist and Progressive Poetry, Poetry of the Fifties and Sixties, Contemporary Bengali Poetry |
| Paper X | Modern Bengali Fiction (Part-II) | Core | 4 | Post-Sarat Chandra Fiction, Works of Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay, Manik Bandyopadhyay''''s Realistic Portrayals, Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay''''s Nature-centric Narratives, Contemporary Trends in Bengali Fiction |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper XI | Literary Theories (Indian and Western) | Core | 4 | Classical Indian Poetics (Rasa, Dhwani, Alankara), Western Literary Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Romanticism and Realism, Marxist Literary Theory, Structuralism and Post-Structuralism |
| Paper XII | Folk Literature | Core | 4 | Definition and Characteristics of Folk Literature, Folk Tales and Legends, Folk Songs and Ballads, Proverbs and Riddles, Oral Tradition and its Significance |
| Paper XIII | Modern Bengali Prose (Non-Fiction) | Core | 4 | Development of Bengali Prose, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar''''s Contributions, Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay''''s Essays, Rabindranath Tagore''''s Essays and Travelogues, Biographical and Autobiographical Writings |
| Paper XIV | Modern Bengali Essay and Critical Writings | Core | 4 | Evolution of Essay Writing in Bengali, Literary Criticism in Modern Era, Academic and Scholarly Essays, Social and Political Essays, Contemporary Essayists |
| Paper XV | Special Paper - I | Elective | 4 | Rabindranath Tagore''''s Works (Selected Novels, Plays, Poetry), Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay''''s Works (Selected Novels, Essays), Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay''''s Works (Selected Novels, Short Stories), Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay''''s Works (Selected Novels, Travelogues) |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper XVI | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Research, Types of Research (Qualitative, Quantitative), Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Citation Styles, Ethics in Research |
| Paper XVII | Indian Poetics | Core | 4 | Rasa Theory (Bharata Muni), Dhwani Theory (Anandavardhana), Alankara and Riti, Vakrokti and Auchitya, Major schools of Indian Poetics |
| Paper XVIII | Special Paper - II | Elective | 4 | Michael Madhusudan Dutt''''s Works (Meghnad Badh Kavya, Plays), Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay''''s Works (Selected Novels, Short Stories), Manik Bandyopadhyay''''s Works (Selected Novels, Short Stories), Jibanananda Das''''s Works (Selected Poetry, Essays) |
| Paper XIX | Special Paper - III | Elective | 4 | Sukanta Bhattacharya''''s Works (Selected Poetry), Jyotirindranath Tagore''''s Works (Selected Plays, Essays), Dwijendralal Ray''''s Works (Selected Plays, Songs), Buddhadev Bose''''s Works (Selected Poetry, Novels, Essays) |
| Paper XX | Dissertation / Project | Project | 4 | Topic Selection and Literature Review, Methodology and Data Analysis, Drafting and Editing, Presentation and Viva Voce, Independent Research |
