English as Core Major Under NEP 2020: Structural, Cultural, and Pedagogical Transformations

Abstract

English faculties are aware that English is undergoing significant changes as a Core Major Subject, in view of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The researcher has marked evolving changes in BA with Special English (now Core Major in NEP: 2020) of S P Pune University. The paper mainly discusses changes in academic structure, curriculum content, and assessment methodology. In all, with the implementation of the NEP 2020, the content and methodology have undergone significant changes. Both the ‘Theory and Practical’ modules have been stipulated in the college timetable. The researcher believes that the positive implementation of NEP: 2020, with special reference to BA with Major Core English, means not only structural changes but also a cultural shift in how education is perceived and delivered, i.e., a shift from fixed content delivery (through lecture method) to flexible and skill-based, student-centric learning (experiential, collaborative teaching and learning). NEP: 2020 demands the academic, administrative, infrastructural, and cultural changes and emphasises interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary exposure for holistic education. The researcher analyses the earlier (Pre-NEP) English syllabus alongside the NEP-based syllabus and finds that the role of a professor of English (Core Major) has undergone significant changes. Therefore, the evolving changes as observed to date are discussed in the paper.