Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English

Course Overview:
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English offers an in-depth study of literature, language, and writing. Students explore classic and contemporary works, enhance critical thinking, and develop advanced communication skills. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers or further study.

Course Duration:

3 years (6 semesters)

Syllabus (Semester-Wise):

Semester 1:

  • Indian Classical Literature: Study of ancient Indian texts like Kalidasa, Bhasa, and other classical works.

  • European Classical Literature: Exploration of Greek and Roman literature.

  • Introduction to Literary Forms: Prose, poetry, drama, and fiction.

Semester 2:

  • Indian Writing in English: Literature written in English by Indian authors, focusing on the post-colonial era.

  • British Poetry and Drama: 14th to 17th Century: Works from Chaucer, Shakespeare, and other early British poets and dramatists.

  • Modern English Grammar and Usage: In-depth study of English grammar, syntax, and linguistic structure.

Semester 3:

  • American Literature: Study of significant American writers like Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, and Herman Melville.

  • British Poetry and Drama: 17th to 19th Century: Analysis of poets and dramatists like Milton, Wordsworth, and Shelley.

  • Literary Criticism: Introduction to classical and modern literary theories and critiques.

Semester 4:

  • Postcolonial Literatures: Exploration of literature from former colonies such as Africa, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia.

  • British Novel: Study of novelists like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and the Brontë sisters.

  • Women’s Writing: Examination of the contribution of female authors to literature from different periods.

Semester 5:

  • Modern European Drama: Study of dramatists like Ibsen, Brecht, and Beckett.

  • Literary Theory: Contemporary literary theory and application of critical approaches.

  • Literature and Cinema: Exploration of the relationship between literary texts and their cinematic adaptations.

Semester 6:

  • Literature of the Indian Diaspora: Study of works by Indian writers settled abroad.

  • Contemporary Literature: Literature from the 20th century to the present.

  • Project Work: Dissertation or research project on a literary topic of choice.

Exams to Attend:

  • Most universities require passing continuous assessment tests such as mid-terms, assignments, and end-semester exams.

  • Entrance exams like CUET (Common University Entrance Test) or university-specific entrance tests may be required for admission.

Average Fees:

The fees for BA in English can vary depending on the institution:

  • Public Universities: INR 5,000 to INR 25,000 per year

  • Private Universities: INR 50,000 to INR 1,50,000 per year

Top Ten Ranking Institutions (All India Combined Ranking):

  1. Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi

  2. St. Stephen’s College, Delhi

  3. Christ University, Bangalore

  4. Miranda House, Delhi

  5. Loyola College, Chennai

  6. Presidency College, Kolkata

  7. Hindu College, Delhi

  8. Jadavpur University, Kolkata

  9. Fergusson College, Pune

  10. Madras Christian College, Chennai

Top Ten Institutions in Kerala:

  1. St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam

  2. Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam

  3. Sacred Heart College, Thevara

  4. Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram

  5. University College, Thiruvananthapuram

  6. Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram

  7. St. Thomas College, Thrissur

  8. CMS College, Kottayam

  9. Farook College, Kozhikode

  10. Bishop Moore College, Mavelikara