BA History of Urdu Literature and Language SyllabusCourse Overview:This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the history of Urdu literature and language. Through the study of various texts, students will explore the development of Urdu as a language and its significant contributions to literature. The course will cover various periods, movements, and genres in Urdu literature, allowing students to analyze and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Urdu.
Course Duration:The BA History of Urdu Literature and Language course is typically a three-year undergraduate program, divided into six semesters.
Course Structure:The course is structured to provide a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students will engage in lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research to develop a deep understanding of the subject.
Course Content:Semester 1:1. Introduction to Urdu Language and Literature
- Origins and evolution of Urdu
- Urdu as a literary language
- Major dialects and regional variations
2. Early Urdu Literature
- Pre-Islamic and Islamic literary traditions in Urdu
- Influence of Persian and Arabic on early Urdu literature
- Notable early Urdu poets and their works
3. Urdu Prose and Poetry: Forms and Genres
- Ghazal, Nazm, Marsiya, and other poetic forms
- Qissa, Dastan, and other narrative forms
- Essay, Novel, and other prose forms
Semester 2:1. Development of Urdu in the Mughal Era
- Patronage of Urdu by Mughal emperors
- Contribution of Mughal poets and scholars to Urdu literature
- Urdu as a courtly language
2. Urdu Literature in the Deccan
- Influence of Deccani culture on Urdu literature
- Notable Deccani poets and their works
- Urdu literary traditions in the Deccan region
3. Urdu Drama and Theatre
- Evolution of Urdu drama and theatre
- Notable Urdu playwrights and their works
- Performance and staging techniques in Urdu theatre
Semester 3:1. Urdu Literature in the Colonial Era
- Impact of British colonization on Urdu literature
- Role of Urdu in the Indian independence movement
- Notable Urdu writers and their contributions during the colonial period
2. Modern Urdu Poetry
- Progressive Writers' Movement and its influence on Urdu poetry
- Notable modern Urdu poets and their works
- Social and political themes in modern Urdu poetry
3. Urdu Short Stories
- Evolution of Urdu short stories as a literary form
- Notable Urdu short story writers and their works
- Techniques and narrative styles in Urdu short stories
Semester 4:1. Urdu Prose: Essays and Novels
- Evolution of Urdu essays and novels
- Notable Urdu essayists and novelists and their works
- Themes and narrative techniques in Urdu prose
2. Urdu Literature in Post-Independence Era
- Urdu literature and the partition of India
- Notable Urdu writers and their contributions after independence
- Contemporary trends in Urdu literature
3. Urdu Literature in the Digital Age
- Impact of technology on Urdu literature and language
- Urdu literature in the age of social media and the internet
- Challenges and opportunities for Urdu writers in the digital age
Semester 5:1. Comparative Study of Urdu Literature with Other Languages
- Urdu literature in comparison with Hindi, Persian, and other languages
- Influence of other literary traditions on Urdu literature
- Cross-cultural exchanges and literary borrowings
2. Urdu Literature and Feminism
- Representation of women in Urdu literature
- Feminist perspectives in Urdu literature
- Notable female Urdu writers and their contributions
3. Research Methodology in Urdu Literature
- Research techniques and methodologies in Urdu literature
- Literature review and critical analysis
- Writing research papers and dissertations in Urdu literature
Semester 6:1. Urdu Literature and Film
- Relationship between Urdu literature and Indian cinema
- Urdu poetry and songs in Bollywood films
- Adaptation of Urdu literary works into films
2. Urdu Literary Criticism
- Schools of literary criticism in Urdu
- Notable Urdu literary critics and their theories
- Application of literary criticism to Urdu texts
3. Dissertation/Research Project
- Independent research project on a chosen topic in Urdu literature
- Literature review, data collection, analysis, and interpretation
- Writing and presenting a research paper on the chosen topic
Assessment:Assessment methods may vary depending on the institution, but typically include a combination of written examinations, essays, research papers, presentations, and participation in class discussions and activities.
Conclusion:The BA History of Urdu Literature and Language course provides an in-depth exploration of the historical, cultural, and literary aspects of Urdu language and literature. Students will develop critical thinking skills, research abilities, and a deep appreciation for the diverse literary traditions within Urdu. This course equips students with a strong foundation for further studies or careers in areas such as academia, publishing, journalism, translation, and cultural organizations.
This course is helpful for the following exams: BA