Syllabus of B.A. (English) firsst samester meaning and everything

 download syllabus

Indian writing in English (IWE) is a diverse and vibrant literary tradition that has emerged over the past two centuries. It is a product of India's colonial encounter with Britain, and it reflects the unique social, cultural, and historical experiences of the Indian people.

Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) is considered to be the father of modern Indian literature. He was a prolific writer in both Bengali and English, and his work has been translated into over 100 languages. Tagore was a poet, playwright, novelist, essayist, and philosopher, and his work explores a wide range of themes, including love, loss, spirituality, and nationalism.

R. K. Narayan (1906-2001) is another iconic figure in Indian writing in English. He is best known for his novels and short stories, which are set in the fictional town of Malgudi. Narayan's work is characterized by its humor, warmth, and insights into human nature.

Mulk Raj Anand (1905-2004) was a novelist and short story writer who was concerned with the social and economic problems of India. His work often deals with the lives of the poor and marginalized.

Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949) was a poet and politician who is known for her lyrical verse and her activism in the Indian independence movement. Her poetry is often patriotic and inspirational, but she also wrote about love, nature, and the everyday lives of ordinary people.

Kamala Markandaya (1924-2004) was a novelist who wrote about the lives of Indian women in the transition from traditional to modern society. Her work explores themes such as gender roles, social change, and identity.

Nayantara Sahgal (born 1927) is a novelist and journalist who is known for her critical portrayal of the Indian elite. Her work often deals with themes such as class, caste, and corruption.

These are just a few of the many prominent writers who have contributed to the growth of Indian writing in English. Other notable IWE writers include Nirad C. Chaudhuri, Raja Rao, Anita Desai, Vikram Seth, and Arundhati Roy.

Contributions of IWE Writers

IWE writers have made significant contributions to the field of English literature. They have introduced new voices, perspectives, and themes to the global literary canon. IWE writers have also helped to challenge stereotypes and promote a more nuanced understanding of Indian culture and society.

Here are some specific examples of the contributions of IWE writers:

• Tagore's work, such as the novel Gitanjali, introduced Western readers to the rich spiritual and philosophical tradition of India.
• Narayan's novels, such as Malgudi Days, provide a glimpse into the everyday lives of ordinary people in India.
• Anand's work, such as the novel Untouchable, highlights the social and economic problems of India, such as the caste system.
• Naidu's poetry, such as the poem "The Bird of Time", celebrates Indian culture and heritage.
• Markandaya's work, such as the novel Nectar in a Sieve, explores the challenges faced by Indian women in a changing society.
• Sahgal's work, such as the novel A Time to Tell, provides a critical perspective on the Indian elite.

Conclusion

Indian writing in English is a diverse and vibrant literary tradition that has made significant contributions to the field of English literature. IWE writers have introduced new voices, perspectives, and themes to the global literary canon. They have also helped to challenge stereotypes and promote a more nuanced understanding of Indian culture and society.

University-Level Examples

Here are some university-level examples of how Indian writing in English can be studied and analyzed:

• A student could write a paper on the ways in which Tagore's work challenges traditional Western notions of spirituality.
• A student could compare and contrast the ways in which Narayan and Anand represent the lives of ordinary people in India.
• A student could analyze the social and political commentary in Markandaya's work.
• A student could compare and contrast the ways in which Sahgal and Roy portray the Indian elite.

Indian writing in English is a rich and complex literary tradition that offers a wealth of opportunities for scholarly research and analysis.

Elements of Short Story

• Plot: The plot is the sequence of events that take place in a story. It is the story's driving force, and it keeps the reader engaged.
• Characterization: Characterization is the process of developing and revealing the characters in a story. This can be done through their actions, dialogue, thoughts, and feelings.
• Narrative Technique: Narrative technique is the way in which the author tells the story. This includes the point of view, setting, tone, and pacing.
• Structure: The structure of a short story is the way in which the plot is organized. This includes the beginning, middle, and end.

Types of Prose

• Autobiography: An autobiography is a nonfiction account of a person's life, written by that person.
• Biography: A biography is a nonfiction account of a person's life, written by someone else.
• Travelogue: A travelogue is a nonfiction account of a person's journey or travels.
• Periodical Essay: A periodical essay is an essay that is published in a magazine, journal, or other periodical publication.
• Formal Essay: A formal essay is an essay that is written in a formal style, with a clear thesis statement, supporting evidence, and a conclusion.
• Personal Essay: A personal essay is an essay that is written in a personal style, often about the author's own experiences or thoughts.

Prose Style

Prose style is the way in which an author uses language to convey their ideas. It can be formal or informal, simple or complex, and concise or verbose.

Here are some examples of prose style:

• Formal style: "The Constitution of the United States of America is the supreme law of the land."
• Informal style: "The Constitution is the law of the land."
• Simple style: "The sun is bright."
• Complex style: "The sun is a giant ball of plasma that is held together by gravity. It is the source of light and energy for our planet."
• Concise style: "The sun is bright."
• Verbose style: "The sun is a large and luminous celestial body that is located at the center of our solar system. It is a star that is made up of mostly hydrogen and helium gas. The sun emits light and heat, which are essential for life on Earth."

Conclusion

Elements of short story and types of prose are important concepts to understand for both readers and writers. By understanding these concepts, we can better appreciate the craft of writing and create more effective pieces of our own.

Prose Devices

• Theme: The theme of a piece of writing is its central message or idea. It is what the author wants to say about the world or about human nature.
• Point of View: The point of view of a piece of writing is the perspective from which the story is told. It can be first person (the narrator is a character in the story), second person (the narrator addresses the reader directly), or third person (the narrator is not a character in the story).
• Imagery: Imagery is the use of language to create a sensory experience for the reader. It can be visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, or gustatory.
• Tone or Mood: The tone or mood of a piece of writing is its overall atmosphere or feeling. It can be serious, humorous, ironic, or suspenseful.
• Antithesis: Antithesis is a literary device in which two contrasting ideas are placed next to each other. It can be used to create emphasis or to highlight a contrast between two things.
• Aphorism: An aphorism is a concise and memorable statement that expresses a general truth or observation.
• Diction: Diction is the choice of words that an author uses. It can be formal or informal, simple or complex.

Real Examples

• Theme: The theme of Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird is the importance of courage and standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
• Point of View: The point of view of the novel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is first person. The story is told from the perspective of the main character, Holden Caulfield.
• Imagery: The following passage from To Kill a Mockingbird uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the setting:

Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.

• Tone or Mood: The tone or mood of the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of nostalgia and regret.
• Antithesis: The following sentence from the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens uses antithesis to create emphasis:

They were two such men as proclaimed themselves, in all places, to be above the law, and who by daily repetition of this assertion, had come to believe it themselves.

• Aphorism: The following aphorism by Mark Twain is a concise and memorable statement that expresses a general truth about human nature:

The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd rather not.

• Diction: The following passage from the novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen uses formal diction:

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

These are just a few examples of prose devices that can be used in writing. By using these devices, writers can create more vivid, engaging, and meaningful pieces of writing.

The Last Leaf by O. Henry

Summary:

The story is set in Greenwich Village, New York City, during the early 20th century. Two young artists, Sue and Johnsy, are roommates in a small apartment. When Johnsy contracts pneumonia, she becomes convinced that she will die when the last leaf falls from the ivy vine that grows outside her window.

Sue tries to comfort Johnsy and keep her spirits up, but Johnsy's condition worsens. One day, Sue wakes up to find that the last leaf has fallen. She is convinced that Johnsy will now give up hope and die.

However, the next morning, Sue sees that the last leaf is still there. She realizes that someone has painted it on the wall to give Johnsy hope. The leaf is so realistic that Johnsy cannot tell the difference.

Johnsy's condition begins to improve, and she eventually recovers from her illness. The identity of the person who painted the leaf is never revealed, but it is clear that he or she saved Johnsy's life.

Themes:

• Hope: The story is a celebration of hope and the human spirit. Johnsy's recovery is a testament to the power of hope to overcome even the most difficult challenges.
• Kindness: The person who painted the leaf is a kind and compassionate person who went out of their way to help someone they didn't even know. This act of kindness reminds us that we all have the power to make a difference in the world.
• Art: The story also highlights the power of art to inspire and uplift people. The painted leaf gives Johnsy the hope she needs to recover from her illness.

The Terror by Guy de Maupassant

Summary:

The story is set in a small village in France during the Franco-Prussian War. The villagers are terrified of the Prussian soldiers who are occupying their village. One day, a group of villagers see a Prussian soldier hiding in the woods. They chase him down and kill him.

However, the villagers soon realize that the soldier was only a young boy. They are filled with guilt and remorse for what they have done.

One of the villagers, Jerome Coignard, is particularly affected by the incident. He becomes obsessed with the dead boy's face. He sees the boy's face everywhere he goes.

Coignard's obsession eventually drives him insane. He begins to act strangely and behaves erratically. He eventually abandons his family and home and wanders off into the woods.

One day, Coignard is found dead. His body is lying next to the skeleton of the Prussian soldier.

Themes:

• Guilt: The story explores the theme of guilt and the psychological effects of violence. The villagers are consumed by guilt after killing the Prussian soldier. Coignard's guilt eventually drives him insane.
• The Absurd: The story also explores the theme of the absurd. The villagers' decision to kill the Prussian soldier is a senseless act of violence. Coignard's obsession with the dead boy's face is also absurd.

Both stories are excellent examples of short fiction. They are both well-written and thought-provoking stories that explore important themes.

The Barber's Trade Union by Mulk Raj Anand

Summary:

The story is set in a small town in India during the early 19th century. The story's protagonist is a young barber named Ramu. Ramu is a skilled barber, but he is also very poor. He works long hours for low pay.

One day, Ramu decides to start a trade union for barbers. He wants to unite the barbers in the town so that they can demand better wages and working conditions.

Ramu faces many challenges in organizing the trade union. The other barbers are initially hesitant to join the union. They are afraid that the union will lead to retaliation from their employers.

However, Ramu is persistent. He eventually convinces the other barbers to join the union. The union goes on strike to demand better wages and working conditions.

The strike is successful. The barbers are able to negotiate a new contract with their employers. They receive higher wages and better working conditions.

Themes:

• Labor rights: The story is a celebration of labor rights and the power of collective action. Ramu and the other barbers are able to improve their working conditions by joining a trade union and going on strike.
• Social justice: The story also explores the theme of social justice. Ramu is motivated by a desire to create a more just and equitable society. He wants to ensure that all barbers, regardless of their caste or social status, are treated fairly.

Under the Banyan Tree by R.K. Narayan

Summary:

The story is set in the fictional town of Malgudi in India. The story's protagonist is a young boy named Raju. Raju is a curious and mischievous boy. He spends his days playing with his friends under the banyan tree in the town square.

One day, Raju and his friends decide to play a prank on the village elders. They climb the banyan tree and start throwing down leaves and branches.

The village elders are furious. They chase Raju and his friends away from the tree. Raju is punished by his father for his prank.

However, Raju is not deterred. He continues to play under the banyan tree with his friends. The banyan tree is a place where Raju can escape from the mundane world and experience the joy of childhood.

Themes:

• Childhood: The story is a celebration of childhood and the power of imagination. Raju and his friends create their own world of adventure under the banyan tree.
• Nature: The story also highlights the importance of nature in children's lives. The banyan tree is a place where Raju and his friends can connect with nature and experience the beauty of the world around them.

Both stories are excellent examples of short fiction. They are both well-written and thought-provoking stories that explore important themes.

Professions for Women by Virginia Woolf

Summary:In her essay "Professions for Women," Virginia Woolf argues that women should have the same opportunities as men to pursue careers in any field they choose. She writes that women are just as capable as men of doing any job, and that they should not be limited to traditional female roles.

Woolf also discusses the challenges that women face in the workplace. She writes that women are often paid less than men for doing the same work, and that they are often discriminated against in hiring and promotion decisions.

Woolf concludes her essay by calling for a more egalitarian society where women have the same opportunities as men to pursue their dreams and goals.

Themes: Feminism: The essay is a feminist manifesto that calls for equal rights for women. Woolf argues that women should have the same opportunities as men to pursue careers in any field they choose.

• Gender roles: The essay also challenges traditional gender roles. Woolf argues that women should not be limited to traditional female roles, such as wife and mother.
• Education: Woolf also emphasizes the importance of education for women. She writes that education is the key to empowering women and enabling them to achieve their goals.

Patriotism Beyond Politics & Religion (from Our Ignited Minds) by A.P.J. Kalam

Summary: In his essay "Patriotism Beyond Politics & Religion," A.P.J. Kalam defines patriotism as "a love for one's country and the willingness to sacrifice oneself for its betterment." He argues that patriotism is not about politics or religion, but about working together to build a better future for India.

Kalam writes that patriotism is essential for India's development. He calls on Indians to be united and to work together to overcome the challenges facing the country.

Themes: Patriotism: The essay is a celebration of patriotism and the importance of working together to build a better future for India. Kalam argues that patriotism is not about politics or religion, but about putting the country first and working together to achieve common goals.

• Development: The essay also discusses the importance of development for India. Kalam argues that India needs to develop its economy, infrastructure, and education system in order to become a world leader.
• Unity: Kalam also emphasizes the importance of unity for India. He calls on Indians to be united and to work together to overcome the challenges facing the country.

Both essays are excellent examples of persuasive writing. They are both well-written and thought-provoking essays that explore important themes. Computer & Writing skills in English

PowerPoint Presentation

PowerPoint is a presentation software that allows you to create visually appealing and informative presentations. It can be used for a variety of purposes, such as giving presentations at work or school, creating marketing materials, or teaching.

To create a PowerPoint presentation, you will need to choose a template or create your own. Once you have chosen a template, you can start adding content to your slides. You can add text, images, videos, and charts to your slides. You can also format your text and add transitions and animations to your slides.

When you are finished creating your presentation, you can save it as a PowerPoint file (.pptx) or a PDF file (.pdf). You can also export your presentation to a video file (.mp4).

Preparing Resumes/CV using Microsoft Word/ Letter of Acceptance/ Resignation (Job)

Microsoft Word is a word processing software that allows you to create and edit documents. It can be used to create a variety of documents, such as resumes, CVs, letters of acceptance, and letters of resignation.

To create a resume or CV in Microsoft Word, you will need to create a new document and start typing in your information. You can use a template or create your own format. Be sure to include your contact information, education, work experience, and skills. You may also want to include a cover letter.

To create a letter of acceptance or resignation, you will need to create a new document and start typing in your letter. Be sure to include the date, your contact information, the recipient's contact information, and the body of your letter.

Online Writing (Blogging, Content Writing, Effective E-mail Writing)

Online writing is a broad term that encompasses a variety of types of writing, such as blogging, content writing, and effective email writing.

• Blogging: Blogging is the act of writing and publishing blog posts on a website or blog. Blog posts can be about any topic, but they are often about the blogger's personal experiences, thoughts, or opinions.
• Content writing: Content writing is the act of writing content for websites, blogs, and other online platforms. Content writers often write about topics that are relevant to the target audience of the website or blog.
• Effective email writing: Effective email writing is the art of writing clear, concise, and informative emails. Effective email writers are able to get their point across quickly and efficiently.

To be successful at online writing, you need to have strong writing skills. You also need to be able to write in a variety of styles, depending on the type of writing you are doing.

Here are some tips for writing effective online content:

• Choose a topic that you are interested in and knowledgeable about. This will make it easier for you to write informative and engaging content.
• Do your research. Even if you are knowledgeable about a topic, it is always a good idea to do some research before you start writing. This will help you to ensure that your content is accurate and up-to-date.
• Write for your audience. Keep in mind who your target audience is and write in a way that will be appealing to them.
• Use clear and concise language. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that your audience may not understand.
• Proofread your work carefully. Before you publish your content, be sure to proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling.

By following these tips, you can write effective online content that will engage your audience and help you to achieve your goals.