BUDE-144 IGNOU Handwritten Assignment 2026-27

Course Scope & Syllabus Overview for BUDE-144: Urdu Studies

BUDE-144: Urdu Studies is a foundational course under IGNOU’s CBCS curriculum, designed to introduce students to the rich heritage of Urdu language, literature, and cultural expression. This course meticulously explores the evolution of Urdu from its classical roots to its modern manifestations, emphasizing poetic forms like ghazal and nazm, alongside critical analysis of classical and contemporary prose. Through structured assignments, students develop analytical skills to interpret literary texts, understand poetic devices, and contextualize Urdu literature within its socio-historical framework. The syllabus ensures a balanced blend of theoretical knowledge and practical engagement, fostering an appreciation for Urdu’s linguistic and literary legacy.

Key Syllabus Units & Topics

• Unit 1: Introduction to Urdu Language and Literature: Covers the origins, linguistic features, and phonetic structure of Urdu, including its relationship with Persian and Sanskrit influences. Explores the evolution of Urdu from the Delhi Sultanate to the Mughal era, highlighting key literary movements and their socio-political contexts.
• Unit 2: Ghazal: Form, Structure, and Master Poets: Analyzes the ghazal as a poetic form, dissecting its rhythmic patterns, thematic conventions, and emotional depth. Focuses on seminal poets like Mir Taqi Mir, Ghalib, and Faiz Ahmed Faiz, examining their contributions to Urdu poetic tradition.
• Unit 3: Nazm: Evolution and Modern Urdu Poetry: Examines the nazm as a free-verse poetic form, tracing its development from classical influences to modern experimentation. Includes studies of poets such as Josh Malihabadi, Sahir Ludhianvi, and Parveen Shakir, emphasizing political and philosophical undertones in contemporary nazm.
• Unit 4: Classical Urdu Prose: Rhetoric and Narrative Techniques: Investigates the art of classical Urdu prose, analyzing works by figures like Mir Taqi Mir and Sir Syed Ahmed Khan. Discusses rhetorical devices, narrative structures, and the role of prose in shaping Urdu literary discourse during the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Unit 5: Modern Urdu Prose and Literary Criticism: Explores 20th-century Urdu prose, focusing on authors like Ismat Chughtai and Saadat Hasan Manto. Evaluates critical theories and methodologies applied to Urdu literature, including postcolonial and feminist readings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the marking scheme for the BUDE-144 examination, and how are assignments weighted?
A: The BUDE-144 examination consists of a 100-mark theory paper, with assignments contributing 30 marks to the final grade. Assignments are typically worth 10 marks each, and students must submit a minimum of two assignments to qualify for internal assessment.

Q: What are the minimum pass marks required for BUDE-144, and how does the grading system work?
A: The minimum pass marks for BUDE-144 are 40% overall, including both theory and assignments. Grading follows IGNOU’s standard system, where 50-60% is graded as "C," 60-70% as "B," and 70% or above as "A," with distinctions awarded for exceptional performance.