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BA (Hons.) - English
Program Details
The BA (Hons.) English program at UPES School of Liberal Studies is a comprehensive four-year (3+1) undergraduate course that combines three years of foundational study with an additional fourth year focused on research-driven exploration in English. The curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to encompass a wide spectrum of literary forms, including poetry, prose, drama, photo essays, manga, and alternative text formats. Central to the program are core papers that delve into the history of literature(s) in English or translated works, fostering a deep understanding of literary production, textual tradition, and critical theory.
One of the distinctive features of the program is its emphasis on nurturing essential skills such as close textual reading, critical thinking, and academic writing. Beyond the core papers, students have the flexibility to choose from a diverse range of electives, allowing them to specialise in their preferred areas of interest. The program's overarching goal is to instil in students a holistic understanding of language and texts, acknowledging their potential impact within societal contexts. This approach is particularly evident in the program's commitment to addressing socio-political, historical, cultural, and environmental concerns, encouraging students to contribute to a more inclusive, just, and sustainable future.
The BA (Hons.) English program strongly emphasises practical application through its collaboration with the Writing Praxis Lab, where students are trained in creative and intelligent writing. The intention is to produce graduates who can think critically and creatively about real-world challenges, engaging with the complexities of textual representation, tensions, conflicts, and ideologies. The School of Liberal Studies adopts an interdisciplinary approach to learning, organizing film screenings-cum-readings, research seminars, lecture series, and master classes by global academicians. This enriching environment, coupled with various interdisciplinary and extracurricular opportunities, ensures the holistic development of students, preparing them for dynamic roles in the ever-evolving landscape of English literature and beyond.
Program Highlights
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of global literature in English, explore both new and traditional works, and learn from internationally acclaimed academicians and researchers.
- The BA (Hons.) English program develops practical skills through fellowships, internships, and hands-on experiences, fostering a dynamic and experiential approach to education both inside and outside the classroom.
- Cultivate the ability to express ideas incisively and critically, fostering a complex and nuanced understanding of the world through literary exploration.
- The BA (Hons.) English programs engage in experiential learning through reflection, delving into the intricacies of cultural, social, and historical milieus through literary and artistic expressions.
- Reflect critically on issues of marginality, intersectionality, and exclusion, addressing societal concerns related to class, caste, creed, gender, and other pertinent topics.
- Graduate with the capability to deliberate on socio-political and artistic contexts of literary production, utilizing creative reasoning to question and critique social reality, while also identifying literary techniques across various genres and appreciating literature's interdisciplinary connections with history, politics, cultural studies, economics, and psychology.
Future Scope / Industry Trends
The BA (Hons.) English program at UPES is a unique Four-Year (3+1) initiative that combines three years of undergraduate study with an additional fourth year focused on research-driven exploration of English literature. The curriculum covers a diverse range of literary forms, including poetry, prose, drama, photo essays, and manga, fostering skills in close textual reading, critical thinking, and academic writing. Students can choose electives for specialisation, and the program emphasizes understanding the socio-political, historical, cultural, and environmental aspects of language and texts. With a commitment to inclusivity and justice, the program aims to shape students capable of critically and creatively addressing real-world challenges through an exploration of tensions, conflicts, and ideologies in textual representation. The interdisciplinary approach includes film screenings, research seminars, master classes, and workshops to enhance the learning experience. The School of Liberal Studies at UPES encourages holistic development by providing various interdisciplinary and extracurricular opportunities for students on campus.
Career Opportunities
A BA (Hons.) English degree opens doors to diverse and exciting career paths. Highly desirable in the publishing industry, media, and journalism, it also paves the way for roles in teaching, research, administrative services, and creative writing. Graduates can excel as communication experts, content creators, and literary and cultural critics, or contribute to library services, archival work, and museum education. Moreover, the degree proves valuable in the realms of digital and social media marketing, copywriting, and the advertising industry. The versatility of skills acquired makes BA (Hons.) English graduates are well-equipped for a dynamic range of professional opportunities.
Placements
The BA (Hons.) English program at UPES boasts an impressive track record of placements, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for diverse professional opportunities. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of English literature, language, and critical thinking skills, preparing students for the demands of the modern workplace. UPES emphasizes practical application through internships, workshops, and industry collaborations, fostering a dynamic learning environment. The dedicated placement cell at UPES works tirelessly to connect students with leading corporations, media houses, and literary organizations. Graduates from the BA (Hons.) English program consistently secures positions in content creation, editing, publishing, journalism, and communication roles, showcasing the program's commitment to producing well-rounded professionals with a strong foundation in English studies and excellent employability prospects.
Fee Structure
Click here for detailed Fee Structure.
Curriculum
Semester 1
Course | Credits |
---|---|
English Studies: An Introduction | 4 |
Understanding Canon | 4 |
‘The Human’ and the Humanities | 4 |
British Literature - I | 4 |
Reading Genres | 4 |
Semester 2
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Writing Gender | 4 |
British Literature - II | 4 |
Why Shakespeare? | 4 |
Theorising Drama | 4 |
American Literature | 4 |
Semester 3
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Colonial Writings | 4 |
Postmodern Turn in Literature | 4 |
Evolution of Poetry | 4 |
Literature and the Creative Arts | 4 |
Electives: The World of Historical Fiction or Literature and Cinematic Adaptations | 4 |
Semester 4
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Basics of Cultural Studies | 4 |
Literature in the Digital Age | 4 |
Literary Theory and Criticism - I | 4 |
Postcolonial Literature | 4 |
Electives: Reading Popular Fiction Or Revisiting Oral Narratives Or Literature of Diaspora | 4 |
Semester 5
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Literary Theory and Criticism - II | 4 |
Introduction to Linguistics | 4 |
Literature and the Environmental Discourse | 4 |
Course on Language - Choice Based (Hindi/ Bengali/ Marathi/ Spanish/Korean/ French/ German etc) – Level I | 4 |
Electives: Science Fiction and Fantasy Or Creative Writing Or Literature of Resistance | 4 |
Semester 6
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Research Methodologies | 4 |
Research Paper | 4 |
The Art of Translation | 4 |
Course on Language - Choice Based (Hindi/ Bengali/ Marathi/ Spanish/Korean/ French/ German etc) – Level II | 4 |
Electives: Technical Writing Or Laughing out Loud: Aesthetics and Politics of Stand-Up Comedy Or Mystery, Madness, and Monstrosity: An Introduction to Gothic Studies | 4 |
Semester 7
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Academic Writing and Publication | 4 |
Research Ethics and Academic Integrity | 4 |
Research Specific Seminar Course | 4 |
Electives: Literature from the Margins Or Partition Literature Or Graphic Narratives | 4 |
Semester 8
Course | Credits |
---|---|
Dissertation / Research Project | 6 |
Research Project Centric Online Course (Self-taught) | 4 |
Eligibility
Interested students must fulfil the prescribed minimum eligibility criteria for BA (Hons.) English: 50% in 10th & 12th Any Stream.
Selection Criteria
The selection criteria for students aspiring to pursue BA (Hons.) English at UPES depends on the individual's performance in Personal Interview/ Valid SAT Score / CUET.
Minors
To opt the minors, please choose the minors from the bucket. Click here to know more.