Department of History - BA History CBCS SyllabusSt. Philomena's College Mysuru
Overview of BA History CBCS Program
The Bachelor of Arts in History program at St. Philomena's College Mysuru follows the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) as mandated by the University of Mysore. This flexible curriculum allows students to choose courses according to their interests and career aspirations while ensuring comprehensive coverage of historical knowledge and research methodologies.
The three-year undergraduate program is divided into six semesters, with each semester comprising core courses, electives, skill enhancement courses, and ability enhancement courses. The CBCS framework provides students with interdisciplinary exposure and develops critical thinking, analytical skills, and historical consciousness.
St. Philomena's College has designed its History syllabus to balance traditional narrative history with contemporary approaches, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for various career paths or higher studies in history and related fields.
Semester-wise Course Structure
The BA History program follows a structured progression that builds historical understanding from foundational concepts to specialized themes.
Semester I
Core Paper: History of India from Ancient Times to 1526 CE
This foundational course covers the history of India from prehistoric times to the establishment of the Mughal Empire. Topics include:
- Pre-historic cultures and Indus Valley Civilization
- Vedic age and emergence of Mahajanapadas
- Mauryan Empire and its administration
- Gupta period and early medieval kingdoms
- Delhi Sultanate and regional kingdoms
- Society, economy, and culture in ancient and medieval India
Ability Enhancement Course (AEC): Environmental Science/History of Science
This interdisciplinary course introduces students to the relationship between human societies and their environments throughout history.
Semester II
Core Paper: History of India from 1526 to 1857 CE
This course covers the Mughal period and the transition to colonial rule. Topics include:
- Establishment and consolidation of Mughal Empire
- Mughal administration, economy, and culture
- Decline of Mughal Empire and rise of regional powers
- Advent of European companies and colonial expansion
- Economic impact of colonial policies
- Revolts against colonial rule including the 1857 uprising
Ability Enhancement Course (AEC): Indian Constitution and Democracy
This course provides historical context to India's constitutional development and democratic institutions.
Semester III
Core Paper: History of Modern India (1857-1947)
This course focuses on the Indian national movement and the formation of modern India. Topics include:
- Administrative and economic changes after 1857
- Social and religious reform movements
- Rise of nationalism and formation of Indian National Congress
- Gandhian phase of the freedom struggle
- Peasant, tribal, and working-class movements
- Partition and independence
Skill Enhancement Course (SEC): Historical Methodology and Historiography
This course introduces students to historians' methods, source analysis, and different schools of historical thought.
Semester IV
Core Paper: World History
This course provides a global historical perspective. Topics include:
- Rise of civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome
- Medieval world: feudalism, crusades, and Islamic civilizations
- Renaissance and Reformation in Europe
- Age of revolutions and industrialization
- Imperialism and colonialism
- The two World Wars and their aftermath
Skill Enhancement Course (SEC): Archives Management
This course teaches techniques of document preservation, cataloging, and managing archival materials.
Semester V
Core Paper: History of Karnataka
This course focuses on the regional history of Karnataka. Topics include:
- Early kingdoms of Karnataka: Kadambas, Chalukyas, Gangas
- Rashtrakutas and their contributions
- Chola-Chalukya conflicts
- Hoysala Empire and its cultural achievements
- Vijayanagara Empire
- Sultanates of Deccan and Mysore Wodeyars
- Unification of Karnataka and socio-political developments
Discipline Specific Elective (Group A): History of Southeast Asia
This elective explores the historical development of Southeast Asian nations, their interactions with India, and their unique cultural trajectories.
Semester VI
Core Paper: Contemporary India (1947 onwards)
This course examines India's development after independence. Topics include:
- Challenges of nation-building
- Constitutional development
- Planning and economic development
- Foreign policy and international relations
- Social movements and political changes
- Cultural developments in modern India
Discipline Specific Elective (Group B): Heritage Tourism and Museum Studies
This elective explores the relationship between history, heritage preservation, and tourism development.
Dissertation/Project Work
Students undertake a guided research project on a historical topic of their choice, applying research methodologies learned throughout the program.
Elective Courses
In addition to core courses, students can choose from the following electives offered by the History Department:
| Elective Group | Course Options |
|---|---|
| Group A | History of Southeast Asia, History of China and Japan, History of Modern Far East |
| Group B | Heritage Tourism and Museum Studies, Archaeology of India, Numismatics and Epigraphy |
| Group C | Women in Indian History, Caste and Class in Indian Society, Social History of Modern India |
Students may also choose interdisciplinary electives from other departments such as Political Science, Sociology, Economics, or Literature, subject to availability and departmental approval.
Assessment and Evaluation
The CBCS system employs a comprehensive evaluation approach that combines continuous assessment with final examination:
- Continuous Internal Assessment (CIA): 40% marks, comprising tests, assignments, seminars, and class participation
- Semester End Examination (SEE): 60% marks, conducted at the end of each semester
Grading System
Students are evaluated on a 10-point grading scale as per University of Mysore guidelines:
| Grade Point | Letter Grade | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | O (Outstanding) | 80% |
| 9 | A+ (Excellent) | 70-79.9% |
| 8 | A (Very Good) | 60-69.9% |
| 7 | B+ (Good) | 55-59.9% |
| 6 | B (Above Average) | 50-54.9% |
| 5 | C (Average) | 40-49.9% |
| 0 | F (Fail) | <40% |
Students must maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) to qualify for the degree and graduate with distinction.
Career Opportunities
The BA History program opens diverse career pathways for graduates:
- Higher Education and Research: Pursue MA, M.Phil., and Ph.D. in History or related fields
- Civil Services: Competitive examinations for IAS, IPS, and other administrative services
- Museums and Archives: Curators, archivists, conservationists, and museum educators
- Heritage and Tourism: Heritage managers, tour guides, cultural consultants
- Academic Institutions: Teachers and lecturers in schools and colleges
- Journalism and Media: History writers, researchers for documentaries, content creators
- Non-Profit Organizations: Development organizations, cultural foundations
- Government Agencies: Historical commissions, cultural departments
- Digital Humanities: Digital archiving, historical databases, virtual museum curators
- Publishing: Editors, researchers, and writers for historical publications
Admission Process
Admission to the BA History program at St. Philomena's College follows University of Mysore guidelines:
- Eligibility: Candidates who have passed the Pre-University Course (10+2) or equivalent examination with History as one of the optional subjects are eligible to apply.
- Application Procedure: Applications must be submitted online through the college admission portal during the notified period.
- Selection Process: Admissions are based on merit, considering marks obtained in the qualifying examination.
- Reservation Policy: reservations for SC/ST/OBC and other categories are implemented as per government norms.
- Document Verification: Selected candidates must verify original documents before final admission.
For detailed information on admissions, including important dates and fees, prospective students should contact the college admission office or visit the official website.
Contact Information
Department of History
St. Philomena's College
Mysuru, Karnataka
India
For more information about the BA History program, students are encouraged to visit the college website or contact the Department of History directly.
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