MA I Sem ( New Syllabus: 2025-26) Paper: IV (Prose)

Hareshwar Roy,

 Semester: I; Paper IV (Prose)

Syllabus (Session 2025-26 onward)
MA English Literature: PG 2- Year Programme
Semester: I
Course Title: Prose (Paper IV)
Course Type: Core Course
Credit Value: Option I= 5, II & III= 4
Max Marks- 40+60; Min. Passing Marks- 40
Content of the Course
Unit I:Annotations
Essay- Introduction, Development, Types, Types of Style- Aphoristic
Suggested Enrichment Activities (SEA): 1. Hunting for the historical facts in the library.
Aphorism Hunt & Imitation:
Task 1: Identify- Provide excerpts from Francis Bacon or other aphoristic writers. Students highlight and analyze aphorisms.
Task 2: Create- Students rewrite a short essay paragraph in aphoristic style (i.e., packed with compact, thought provoking sentences).
Unit II: Philosophical and Biographical Writings
J. Krishnamurti: Awareness, Desire.
Radhakrishnan: Religious Experience (1st Chapter of Hindu Way of life)
Romain Roland: The Life of Swami Vivekananda
Suggested Enrichment Activities (SEA):1. Speech practice, shashtrarth (group discussion).
2. Drama/Performance:
Students script and perform a short scene from Vivekananda’s life, focusing on moments of moral courage or deep insight.
Unit III: Political and Social Essays
Bacon: Of Youth and Age, Of Marriage and Single Life
Addison: The Coverley Witch (On Witch-Craft: Story of Moll White)
Charles Lamb: The Superannuated Man
Suggested Enrichment Activities (SEA):
1. Comparative Reflection Journal: Prompt: Compare your views on marriage or youth/age with those expressed by Bacon. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
2. Contextual Research: Research 17th-18th century English witch trials or superstitions. Present findings in a mini-poster or short presentation.
Unit IV: Argumentative Essays
William Hazlitt: On the Pleasure of Hating
Bertrand Russell: On Being Modern Minded (from Unpopular Essays)
G.K. Chesterton: The Worship of the Wealthy
Suggested Enrichment Activities (SEA):
1. Debate: Is hatred a natural and necessary part of human nature? Split students into pro/con sides to explore Hazlitt’s argument.
2. Comparison Chart: Compare Russell’s idea of the ‘modern mind’ with today’s social media-driven culture - how does open-mindedness differ from trend following?
Unit V: Familiar Essays and Contemporary Essays (Non-detailed study)
R.N. Tagore: Nationalism
APJ Abdul Kalam: Ignited Minds
Suggested Enrichment Activities (SEA):
1. Panel Discussion: Nationalism and Culture, Students act as various historical figures (Tagore, Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, etc.) and discuss how nationalism should Shape culture, education, and politics.
2. Vision 2040 Presentation: Students present their own vision for India in 2040, inspired by Kalam's themes of innovation, education, and unity.
*****
Location: B-37, City Homes Colony, Jawahar Nagar Satna, Madhya Pradesh, India
Currently Dr. Roy is working as Professor of English at Govt. P.G. College Satna, Madhya Pradesh. He is the author of the following books: (1) Diasporic Articulation in the Novels of M.G. Vassanji (2) A Study of M.G. Vassanji 's Novels (3) Varieties of Indianity in the Works of M.G. Vassanji & Rohinton Mistry (4)Diaspora & Indian Diaspora: A Brief Study (5) Short Notes of English Literature - I (6) Short Notes of English Literature - II (7) हमार पहचान ह भोजपुरी - भोजपुरी कविता संकलन (8) हमरा प्यार हो गइल - भोजपुरी गज़ल संकलन (9) भोजपुरी कविताएँ

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