JOIN USOf the numerous courses being offered by Delhi University, one that has been luring students for decades now for its ‘cool’ tag is the one and only English (Hons).
The course has never faced a dearth of students even when admissions were dependent on a Common Entrance Test for English (CATE) until last year. Now, when the varsity administration has introduced the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) and has brought in a host of changes, the course still remains in high demand.
Need evidence? Consider this: Miranda House this year received 43,000 applications for a mere 85 seats in English. Undoubtedly, the cut-off had to be high. It was 95-97.5 per cent. But what will surprise you more is that out of 43 seats for the general category students, 42 were filled with the first cut-off. Now, one can easily get an idea about the popularity of the course. But what makes this course so much in demand especially when it does not come with a 100 per cent job assurance after completion.
“It’s a misconception that by taking English a student can only enter into the teaching profession,” says Susan George, Professor of English, Hindu College. “After graduation in English, students can pursue their education in Sociology, International Relations or Law. The subject acts as a spring mode to take jump into other careers,” she says.
But when DU is already offering courses like Sociology at undergraduate level, how is English as a course helping students in understanding these courses? “First of all, English is not a language course. It is literature-oriented subject,” says Shampa Roy, professor of English, Miranda House. “When we read about authors we get an account of the world history, socio-economic and political situations of different countries. So, students get an idea of the world around them,” she says.
Adding to Shampa’s view is Ashma Sharma, Teacher In-charge, English Department, Hindu College says, “When students read the author in the context of history, they get an idea about the social and political situations all around the world. This knowledge makes them a critical thinker. So, when students opt for other disciplines they are never new to the subject. In three years, students have generated ability to analyse certain national and international issues.”
However, Saswati Sen Gupta, again from Miranda has a different take on the matter. She cites the impact of colonial rule as a reason behind the popularity of the course. “In contemporary world, English is a powerful language. And, in a country like ours which has faced British rule for centuries, the language in itself becomes a part of it. So, for Indians, English as a language is considered as elite and always associated with prestige.” Perhaps, that is the main reason why the course in DU gets a ‘cool’ tag.
Sanaa Bhutani, who withdrew from Hansraj College to take admission in St.Stephens, says, “For me English as a subject is very interesting. I have been reading books since the age of six and that’s why I am fascinated by it. The subject has a lot of potential because it is a gateway to other things in life. Also, when your English is strong you easily avail opportunities in MNCs,” says Sanaa.
Need we say more?