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MA in English Literature at Maa Shanta Devi College of Management
Betul, Madhya Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English Literature at Maa Shanta Devi College of Management Betul?
This English Literature program at Maa Shanta Devi College of Management, affiliated with Barkatullah University, Bhopal, offers a profound journey through diverse literary landscapes. It meticulously covers historical periods, critical theories, and a wide array of English, Indian, and Commonwealth literatures, preparing students for advanced academic exploration and professional careers in the Indian context. The curriculum emphasizes analytical rigor and cultural understanding, fostering well-rounded literary scholars.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for arts graduates passionate about literary analysis, textual criticism, and cultural studies, who aspire to careers in academia, publishing, content creation, or media. It also caters to in-service educators seeking to enhance their qualifications and expand their subject expertise. Individuals aiming for competitive exams like NET/SET or civil services, where strong analytical and communication skills are paramount, will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this MA English Literature program are well-equipped for diverse career opportunities within India, including roles as college professors, school teachers, content developers, editors, journalists, technical writers, and communication specialists. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 2.5 Lakhs to 5 Lakhs annually, with significant growth for experienced professionals. The program also provides a solid foundation for pursuing M.Phil. or Ph.D. research, opening doors to advanced academic and research positions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master the Canon and Literary History- (undefined)
Dedicate significant time to understanding the major literary periods, movements, and canonical texts from Old English to the 20th century. Utilize the university library''''s vast collection of primary texts and critical commentaries. Form regular study groups to discuss complex works, ensuring a robust grasp of the historical evolution of English literature.
Tools & Resources
University Library (print and digital archives), Class lectures and discussions, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Establishes a fundamental knowledge base essential for teaching, research, and any career requiring a deep understanding of literary heritage.
Develop Advanced Critical Reading and Writing- (undefined)
Cultivate the habit of close reading, annotating texts, and identifying literary devices and theoretical underpinnings. Practice analytical essay writing frequently, focusing on developing strong arguments, using textual evidence, and adhering to academic conventions. Seek constructive feedback from professors on all written assignments.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals (accessible via university), Online literary databases (e.g., JSTOR, Project MUSE if subscribed), Writing workshops/mentorship
Career Connection
Refines analytical and communication skills critical for research, journalism, editing, and content creation roles in India.
Engage with Literary Theory Early On- (undefined)
While challenging, begin grappling with foundational literary theories like New Criticism, Structuralism, and Feminism from the first semester. Attend all theory lectures, read recommended secondary sources, and attempt to apply these theories to literary texts in your assignments. This proactive engagement makes advanced theory easier.
Tools & Resources
Key critical theory texts, Online lecture series (e.g., NPTEL humanities), Departmental seminars
Career Connection
Builds a strong theoretical framework crucial for higher academic pursuits (M.Phil/Ph.D), critical journalism, and interdisciplinary research.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Indian and Commonwealth Literature in Depth- (undefined)
Beyond the syllabus, actively seek out and read diverse works from Indian and other Commonwealth authors. Understand their unique cultural, historical, and postcolonial contexts. Participate in discussions or write reviews focusing on how these literatures offer distinct perspectives on global issues relevant to India.
Tools & Resources
Anthologies of Indian and Commonwealth literature, Local literary events or book clubs, Online platforms for regional literature
Career Connection
Enhances cultural sensitivity and understanding, valuable for roles in cultural studies, international relations, and inclusive content development.
Refine Research Skills and Methodology- (undefined)
Pay meticulous attention to the ''''Research Methodology'''' paper. Actively participate in practical sessions on research design, data collection, and ethical considerations. Start brainstorming potential dissertation topics early and practice writing literature reviews and research proposals to prepare for your final project.
Tools & Resources
University research guidelines, Citation management software (e.g., Zotero), Academic databases
Career Connection
Indispensable for academic careers, government research positions, policy analysis, and any role requiring systematic inquiry.
Participate in Academic Conferences and Workshops- (undefined)
Seek opportunities to attend or even present papers at departmental seminars, national conferences, or workshops related to English Literature. This exposure to current scholarship, networking with academics, and public speaking experience is invaluable for academic growth and career opportunities in India.
Tools & Resources
University notice boards for events, Online calls for papers, Professional literary associations
Career Connection
Builds an academic network, enhances presentation skills, and provides exposure to contemporary research trends, crucial for academic or research roles.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation and Viva-Voce Preparation- (undefined)
Invest deeply in your Project/Dissertation. Choose a topic that truly excites you and aligns with your career goals. Work consistently with your supervisor, adhering to deadlines for drafts. Prepare rigorously for the viva-voce by reviewing your work comprehensively and anticipating potential questions, demonstrating deep understanding.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated supervisor guidance, University thesis submission manual, Mock viva sessions
Career Connection
The dissertation is a tangible demonstration of scholarly capability, vital for M.Phil./Ph.D. admissions and research-oriented positions.
Strategize for NET/SET and Other Competitive Exams- (undefined)
If aspiring for college teaching or research in India, begin dedicated preparation for the UGC NET/SET examinations. Familiarize yourself with the syllabus, practice previous year papers, and consider joining coaching classes if needed. This is a critical step for securing academic positions.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/SET official syllabus and past papers, Online coaching platforms, Study groups focused on competitive exams
Career Connection
Directly impacts eligibility for Assistant Professor positions in Indian colleges and universities, and Junior Research Fellowships.
Network Professionally and Explore Diverse Roles- (undefined)
Actively network with alumni, professionals in publishing, media, and education through LinkedIn, college events, and industry seminars. Explore diverse career paths beyond teaching, such as content writing, instructional design, or public relations. Tailor your resume and interview skills for these varied opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn and other professional networking platforms, Career counseling at college, Industry-specific job portals
Career Connection
Uncovers a broader range of career opportunities in India''''s dynamic job market, beyond traditional academic roles, leveraging communication and analytical skills.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree from a recognized university. Typically requires English as a subject at the undergraduate level, or a strong aptitude in English Literature. (General eligibility as per Barkatullah University norms for MA English)
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 100 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Old and Middle English Literature | Core | 5 | Anglo-Saxon Period and Beowulf, Old English Poetry and Prose, Middle English Romances and Lyrics, Geoffrey Chaucer''''s Canterbury Tales, Medieval Drama: Mystery and Morality Plays |
| Paper II | English Literature: Chaucer to Romantic Age | Core | 5 | Renaissance Period: Elizabethan and Jacobean Drama, Metaphysical Poets and Cavalier Poets, Restoration and 18th Century Literature, Augustan Poetry and Prose, Rise of the Novel and Pre-Romanticism |
| Paper III | Literary Criticism and Theory | Core | 5 | Classical Criticism: Plato, Aristotle, English Criticism: Sidney, Dryden, Johnson, Romantic Criticism: Wordsworth, Coleridge, Matthew Arnold and T.S. Eliot, Introduction to Literary Theory |
| Paper IV | Indian English Literature | Core | 5 | Early Indian English Writers, Poetry of Tagore, Aurobindo, Sarojini Naidu, Indian English Novel: R.K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand, Raja Rao, Post-Independence Indian English Fiction, Indian English Drama and Short Story |
| Paper V | Optional Paper I (English Language Teaching) | Elective | 5 | Historical Development of ELT in India, Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching, Teaching of Language Skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing), Lesson Planning and Classroom Management, Material Development and Evaluation in ELT |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | American Literature | Core | 5 | Colonial and Early American Writing, Transcendentalism and Romanticism (Emerson, Thoreau), Major American Novelists: Hawthorne, Melville, Twain, Modern American Poetry and Drama, African American and Contemporary Literature |
| Paper II | New Literatures in English (Commonwealth Literature) | Core | 5 | Concepts of Postcolonialism and Commonwealth Literature, African Literature (Achebe, Soyinka), Caribbean Literature (Walcott, Naipaul), Australian and Canadian Literature, Diasporic Writings and Global Englishes |
| Paper III | Modern British Literature (20th Century) | Core | 5 | Modernist Poetry (Yeats, Eliot), Modern British Novel (Woolf, Joyce, Lawrence), Modern British Drama (Shaw, Beckett, Pinter), Post-War Literature and Movements, Key themes and trends of 20th Century British Literature |
| Paper IV | Linguistics and Phonetics | Core | 5 | Nature and Scope of Linguistics, Phonetics: Organs of Speech, IPA, Phonology: Phonemes, Allophones, Stress, Intonation, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics, and Sociolinguistics |
| Paper V | Optional Paper II (European Classical Literature in Translation) | Elective | 5 | Greek Epic: Homer''''s Iliad and Odyssey, Greek Tragedy: Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Roman Epic: Virgil''''s Aeneid, Greek and Roman Comedy: Aristophanes, Plautus, Influence of Classical Literature on Western Thought |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Literature and Gender Studies | Core | 5 | Introduction to Feminist Literary Criticism, Patriarchy, Androcentrism, and Representation of Women, Theories of Gender and Sexuality, Women''''s Writing and Subaltern Voices, Queer Theory and Literature |
| Paper II | Research Methodology | Core | 5 | Types of Research and Research Design, Methods of Data Collection in Literary Studies, Qualitative and Quantitative Research Approaches, Ethical Considerations in Research, Academic Writing, Documentation, and Referencing |
| Paper III | Optional Paper III (Afro-Asian Literature) | Elective | 5 | Introduction to Afro-Asian Literary Contexts, African Novel and Poetry (Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka), South African Literature (Nadine Gordimer, J.M. Coetzee), East Asian Literature (Yasunari Kawabata, Lu Xun), Themes of Colonialism, Identity, and Resistance in Afro-Asian texts |
| Paper IV | Optional Paper IV (Film and Literature) | Elective | 5 | Theory of Adaptation: From Text to Screen, Narrative Structures in Film and Literature, Visual Storytelling and Cinematic Techniques, Intertextuality and Auteur Theory, Film as a Medium of Social and Cultural Commentary |
| Paper V | Project / Dissertation | Project | 5 | Identification and Formulation of Research Topic, Extensive Literature Review, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Structure and Organization of Dissertation Chapters, Presentation of Findings and Conclusions |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Literary Theory and Contemporary Approaches | Core | 5 | Post-structuralism and Deconstruction (Derrida, Foucault), Psychoanalytic Criticism (Lacan, Kristeva), Cultural Studies and New Historicism, Ecocriticism and Environmental Humanities, Digital Humanities and its Application to Literature |
| Paper II | Shakespeare | Core | 5 | Shakespearean Tragedies (Hamlet, Othello, King Lear), Shakespearean Comedies (A Midsummer Night''''s Dream, As You Like It), Historical Plays (Henry IV, Julius Caesar), Sonnets and Narrative Poems, The Elizabethan Stage and Modern Adaptations |
| Paper III | Optional Paper V (Literature and Human Rights) | Elective | 5 | Conceptualizing Human Rights in Literature, Narratives of Atrocity, Trauma, and Witnessing, Literature of Resistance and Social Justice, Representation of Marginalized Voices and Identity, Global Human Rights Issues in Contemporary Fiction |
| Paper IV | Optional Paper VI (Digital Humanities) | Elective | 5 | Introduction to Digital Humanities Methods and Tools, Textual Analysis and Data Mining in Literature, Digital Archiving, Curation, and Editing, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in Literary Studies, Computational Linguistics and Literary Applications |
| Paper V | Viva-Voce / Comprehensive Exam | Viva | 5 | Overall understanding of English Literature and Literary Theory, Critical thinking and analytical skills, Research aptitude and presentation abilities, Ability to articulate complex literary concepts, Preparedness for further academic pursuits or professional roles |
