English Honours, the trendiest course offered by the University of Delhi, stands in the limelight always. Considered as a prestigious, status offering course, English Honours is not what you think it is. After the courses that offer direct entry into the corporate world, this is the most sought course. It is regarded as one of the “coolest” courses in the University and the people who pursue this course are regarded as “elite class”.
The course is offered by almost all the colleges of the University of Delhi. St. Stephen’s College, Ramjas College, Hindu College, Indraprastha College for Women, Lady Shri Ram College, Gargi College are among the big names that offer English Honours
FROM SCHOOL TO COLLEGE
Aspirants have to keep in mind that “English Honours” is pursued in the truest sense in college. In simpler words, the course is very different from the literature you learned in school. The course is not limited to a restricted amount of syllabus. It demands attention and carefulness. A student is expected to have general awareness about complicated concepts such as gender, sexuality, etc. You should have the ability and will to question some predetermined norms.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
You should expect a detailed understanding, close reading, vigorous research, and the power to comprehend and criticize. English Honours take you through a journey of the history of the world throughout different periods, the economic history, and the socio-political backgrounds of popular eras. It instills confidence in you. You should not expect a school teacher to teach basic literature. It explores the field of literature (including literature from different languages translated into English) and criticizes the literary works with respect to modern-day reality. The course is expansive and vast and nourishes a person with confidence, ability to speak perfectly, and write creatively along with knowledge about literary texts.
The course dives into psychological, and physiological theories and expects you to research and learn on various subjects. Besides, it offers an insight into gender studies and film studies which widens the career scope for you. From Classical Literature to Popular Literature, this course touches every aspect you can possibly think of.
OPPORTUNITIES AFTER PURSUING LITERATURE
English Honours, as a complete course, offers various career options. Along with Journalism (backstage and frontstage), it opens fields for those who want to be film critics or literary critics in general. When pursued together with a foreign language course, you can possibly enter into the fields of translation. It provides you space to become a scriptwriter or a content writer with a multinational institution.
For post graduation, it opens space for many fields. Apart from History, Literature is the second favourite of all UPSC aspirants. You can choose to opt for courses like MBA, M.A.(in any subject). There are vast options available after graduating in literature.
The course is highly popular and incorporates a great deal of knowledge about history, literature, and modern concepts. The course may not run in the league of B.Com or any commerce courses, but do not expect the cut-offs to be lower. It is the most liberating of all the courses and offers you a sense of freedom to decide on what you want to pursue in the future. The course itself is very modern and designed in a manner that demands liberty, justice and freedom.
Also read: Political Science Honours: What to Expect
