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BA English Honours: Syllabus, Subjects, Eligibility, Course Details, and Career Scope

12-02-2025

BA English Honours: Syllabus, Subjects, Eligibility, Course Details, and Career Scope

The BA English (Hons) degree is the right course for those passionate about English literature. Various BA English Hons subjects provide an extensive understanding of English literary works and equip students with the essential skills required in today’s professional world, preparing them for various career opportunities.

This blog offers comprehensive details about the BA English (Hons) degree, including the BA English Hons subjects, the BA English Hons scope, and the BA English Hons syllabus details. However, candidates must first check and verify the eligibility criteria for this programme.

BA English Hons Eligibility

The BA English Hons eligibility requirement requires candidates to have a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in their 12th grade from a recognised board. Some colleges or universities might also consider the scores secured in the entrance exam for admission to the BA Hons English course.

BA English Hons Course Details

Knowing the BA English Hons syllabus is crucial for individuals pursuing BA English Hons. The BA English Honours course commonly spans three years, comprising six semesters. The BA in English Honours syllabus details are mentioned below according to each semester.

Semester I

  1. British Literature (14th to 16th centuries)
  2. Literary forms and tools of Critical Appreciation
  3. Elective (English Communication/ Environment Science)
  4. Creative Writing/ Technical Writing Fluency in English

Semester II

  1. British Literature(17th to 18th century)
  2. Nineteenth-Century British Literature
  3. Environment Science/English Communication
  4. Content Writing/ Translation Techniques
  5. Academic Writing and Composition

Semester III

  1. Victorian British Literature
  2. Indian Writing in English
  3. Literary Theory and Criticism
  4. Script Screenplay, English Language Teaching or Summer Training
  5. Communicative English

Semester IV

  1. Twentieth-century British Literature
  2. American Literature
  3. Movements and History of English Literature
  4. Advertising and Public Relations or Language Education
  5. English for Professionals

Semester V

  1. Modern European Drama
  2. Language, Linguistics and Practical
  3. Post-World War British Literature, Media and Communication Skills and its Practical
  4. Literature of the Indian Diaspora, or Language, Literature and Culture, and its Practical

Semester VI

  1. Post Colonial Writing
  2. Women Writing in English and its Practical
  3. World Literature or Writing for Media and its Practical
  4. Modern Indian Writing in English Translation, Film Studies or Dissertation and its Practical

BA English Honours Subject List

The BA English Honours subjects can differ slightly from institute to institute. The availability of various BA English Honours subjects also depends on the specific BA English Hons syllabus. The B.A. Honours subjects include the core subjects and the elective subjects. Students can explore the BA English Hons subjects below.

List of Core Subjects in BA English Honours Syllabus

1. Indian Classical Literature
2. European Classical Literature
3. Indian Writing in English
4. British Poetry and Drama: 14th to 17th Centuries
5. American Literature
6. Popular Literature
7. British Poetry and Drama: 17th and 18th Centuries
8. British Literature: 18th Century
9. British Romantic Literature
10. British Literature: 19th Century
11. Women's Writing
12. British Literature: The Early 20th Century
13. Modern European Drama
14. Postcolonial Literature

List of Elective Subjects in BA English Honours Syllabus

Discipline-Centric Elective Subjects -

1. Modern Indian Writing in English Translation
2. Literature of the Indian Diaspora
3. British Literature: Post-World War II
4. Nineteenth-Century European Realism
5. Literary Theory
6. Literary Criticism
7. Science fiction and Detective Literature
8. Literature and Cinema
9. World Literature
10. Partition Literature
11. Research Methodology
12. Travel writing
13. Autobiography

Generic Elective Subjects -

1. Academic Writing and Composition
2. Media and Communication Skills
3. Text and Performance
4. Language and Linguistics
5. Contemporary India: Women and Empowerment
6. Gender and Human Rights
7. Language, Literature and Culture

The Scope of BA Hons English Degree

After completing a BA in English Honours, candidates can explore various career opportunities. The BA English Honours scope is extensive, and candidates can pursue any of the below career options.

  1. Publishers/Editors/Writers
  2. Teachers in secondary or post-secondary education
  3. Jobs in Advertising/Public Relations/Journalism/Content Production

The BA English Honours scope covers the above opportunities and further opens doors to higher education opportunities. The BA English Hons graduates can choose to pursue an MA or PhD degree.

Conclusion

Opening a doorway to a world of possibilities, the BA English Hons degree is the right choice for students with a keen interest in English Literature. The programme enhances the knowledge of English literary theories and develops strong critical and writing skills in candidates. Candidates can check out the BA English Hons scope that will inspire them to opt for the BA English Hons programme.

FAQs

Q1: What is BA English Honours?

A1: A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Honours is an undergraduate degree programme that covers linguistics, literature, cultural studies, literary theories, and literary studies. The BA English Honours course is a suitable option for candidates who have a passion for writing, reading and literature.

Q2: Is BA English Honours tough?

A2: The BA English Honours is not at all challenging as far as the student is interested in studying it! However, it demands deep critical thinking skills from students. Candidates must understand various identities and ideologies. They should know how to analyse the text closely.

Q3: What is the difference between BA English and BA English Honours?

A3: BA English degree is an undergraduate degree with English as one of the several subjects. On the contrary, BA English Honours primarily focuses on the study of English Literature and other related topics.

Q4: What after BA English Honours?

A4: After the completion of their BA English Honours degree, candidates can either pursue careers in content writing, journalism, teaching, etc. or they can opt for further higher studies options, like, a PhD or MA.

Q5: Is BA English Hons a good course?

A5: BA English Honours is a good course offering multiple career opportunities. It is especially suitable for those with a passion for teaching. One can avail numerous teaching opportunities after a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in English Honours.

Q6: Is BA Hons 4 years now?

A6: The BA Hons degree is of 3 years. However, some universities and programmes can extend it to 4 years depending on the student’s choice of research and study.