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M-PHIL-HISTORY in General at Alagappa University
Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is General at Alagappa University Sivaganga?
This M.Phil (History) program at Alagappa University, Sivaganga, focuses on advanced historical research methodologies and historiographical approaches. It provides a robust foundation for scholarly inquiry into diverse historical periods and themes, emphasizing critical analysis and interpretation relevant to understanding India''''s rich past and its global interconnections.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students in History who aspire to pursue doctoral research, enter academic professions, or contribute to archival management and heritage conservation in India. It is also suitable for working professionals in related fields seeking to deepen their theoretical understanding and research skills in historical studies.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure roles as junior researchers, archival assistants, or lecturers in colleges across India. The program equips students with advanced critical thinking, research, and writing skills, essential for both academic careers and various government and non-governmental organizations involved in historical and cultural preservation.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodologies- (Semester 1)
Develop a strong grasp of historical research methods, source criticism, and data collection techniques. Actively participate in methodology workshops and seminars offered by the department.
Tools & Resources
Alagappa University Library''''s research guides, Online academic databases (e.g., JSTOR, Shodhganga), Recommended research methodology textbooks
Career Connection
Essential for rigorous academic writing, successful dissertation work, and any future research-oriented role in academia or cultural institutions.
Engage with Historiographical Debates- (Semester 1)
Critically analyze different schools of historical thought (e.g., Marxist, Subaltern, Postmodern). Participate actively in departmental discussions, seminars, and present your interpretations of key historiographical texts.
Tools & Resources
Core readings from the syllabus, Peer study groups, Departmental seminars and guest lectures
Career Connection
Sharpens analytical skills, broadens intellectual horizons, and is crucial for engaging in scholarly discourse and effective teaching of history.
Identify Research Interests and Mentors- (Semester 1)
Explore potential research areas within your special subject paper and beyond. Proactively engage with faculty members to identify a suitable research guide and refine your potential dissertation topic early in the program.
Tools & Resources
Faculty profiles and research interests, Previous M.Phil/Ph.D. dissertations in the department, Academic journals in history
Career Connection
Lays the foundational groundwork for your dissertation, the cornerstone of the M.Phil program, and helps establish professional academic connections.
Intermediate Stage
Develop a Robust Dissertation Proposal- (Early Semester 2)
Based on your identified research interest, formulate a detailed and feasible dissertation proposal. This includes a comprehensive literature review, well-defined research questions, and a clear outline of your research methodology.
Tools & Resources
University guidelines for M.Phil dissertation proposals, Guidance from your assigned supervisor, Academic writing and proposal structuring resources
Career Connection
Demonstrates advanced research planning and proposal writing skills, which are vital for securing future grants, fellowships, or project applications in academic or research roles.
Conduct Intensive Primary and Secondary Source Research- (Mid-Semester 2)
Systematically gather and critically analyze primary and secondary sources relevant to your dissertation topic. This often involves extensive library work, archival visits (e.g., Tamil Nadu Archives), and potentially fieldwork or oral history collection.
Tools & Resources
Alagappa University library resources, Specific regional or national archives, Online digital archives (e.g., National Digital Library of India)
Career Connection
Builds practical research experience, data handling, and critical evaluation skills, which are highly valued in academic research, archival management, and heritage studies positions.
Refine Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Late Semester 2)
Focus on structuring your dissertation logically, maintaining academic rigor, and adhering to appropriate citation standards (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style). Practice presenting your research findings effectively to peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing workshops, Proofreading and grammar checking tools, Presentation software and public speaking practice
Career Connection
Crucial for publishing research, presenting at academic conferences, and effectively communicating complex historical narratives to diverse scholarly and public audiences.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Ph.D. Entrance Examinations- (Post M.Phil completion)
Utilize the M.Phil coursework and dissertation experience to prepare for national-level examinations like NET/SET (National/State Eligibility Test) and Ph.D. entrance tests. These are essential for aspiring academics in India.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers for NET/SET/Ph.D. entrance exams, Online coaching platforms and subject-specific review books, Mentorship from senior research scholars and faculty
Career Connection
Securing these qualifications opens doors for Ph.D. admissions and establishes eligibility for Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and colleges.
Seek Publication Opportunities for Dissertation Research- (Post M.Phil completion)
Convert significant parts or findings of your M.Phil dissertation into research papers suitable for submission to peer-reviewed academic journals or for presentation at national/international conferences.
Tools & Resources
Academic journal databases (e.g., UGC CARE List), Calls for papers from relevant conferences, Guidance from your M.Phil supervisor on manuscript preparation and submission
Career Connection
Establishes your scholarly profile, strengthens your curriculum vitae for academic appointments, and contributes to the broader historical discourse and knowledge production.
Build a Professional Academic Network- (Ongoing through and after M.Phil)
Actively engage with scholars, attend history-specific workshops, seminars, and conferences, and connect with peers and mentors in the field. This fosters collaboration and opens avenues for future career opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Academic social media platforms (e.g., ResearchGate, Academia.edu), University alumni network, Professional historical associations (e.g., Indian History Congress)
Career Connection
Leads to potential research collaborations, mentorship, job referrals, and ensures you stay updated with ongoing research and academic trends within the historical community.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A Master''''s Degree (M.A. History) of Alagappa University or a Master''''s Degree of any other University recognized by the Syndicate as equivalent thereto.
Duration: 1 year (2 semesters)
Credits: 22 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17MHPC1 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of History, Definition of Research, Methods of Research (Historical, Scientific), Types of Sources (Primary, Secondary), Data Collection Techniques, Criticism of Sources, Footnotes and Bibliography, Report Writing |
| 17MHPC2 | Historiography | Core | 4 | Definition and Scope of Historiography, Greek and Roman Historians, Christian and Islamic Historiography, Renaissance and Enlightenment Historians, Positivist School, Subaltern Studies, Marxist Approach, Postmodernism |
| 17MHPE1 (Example) | Elective (Special Subject) - History of Tamil Nadu (Upto 1336 A.D.) | Elective | 4 | Pre-historic Cultures of Tamil Nadu, Sangam Age (Polity, Society, Economy), Kalabhras and their impact, Pallavas (Administration, Art, Architecture), Later Cholas (Imperial Expansion, Local Self-Governance), Socio-Economic Conditions (Trade, Agriculture, Religion) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17MHPC3 | Dissertation & Viva Voce | Dissertation/Project | 10 | Research Topic Selection, Literature Review, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing and Formatting, Presentation of Research Findings, Viva Voce Examination |
