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M-A in History at BABU JAI SHANKER GAYAPRASAD MAHAVIDYALAYA, SUMERPUR, UNNAO
Unnao, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is History at BABU JAI SHANKER GAYAPRASAD MAHAVIDYALAYA, SUMERPUR, UNNAO Unnao?
This M.A. History program at BABU JAI SHANKER GAYAPRASAD MAHAVIDYALAYA focuses on a comprehensive study of past societies, cultures, economies, and political systems, both Indian and global. It delves into critical historiographical approaches and research methodologies. Given India''''s rich historical legacy and the growing emphasis on understanding its heritage, this program is highly relevant for fostering informed citizens and skilled professionals. It stands out by integrating traditional historical narratives with contemporary analytical frameworks, addressing the evolving demands in Indian academia and related sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history graduates seeking to deepen their academic knowledge and research skills. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring for careers in teaching, research, and civil services, providing a strong foundation for competitive examinations like UPSC and State PCS. Working professionals, particularly those in education, journalism, or cultural heritage, looking to enhance their credentials or transition into historical research, will also find this program beneficial. Candidates typically possess a strong interest in critical thinking, extensive reading, and analytical interpretation of historical events.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to develop strong analytical, research, and critical thinking skills, crucial for diverse career paths in India. Potential career paths include university lecturers, school teachers, archivists, museum curators, heritage managers, content writers, journalists, and civil servants. Entry-level salaries for academic or research roles typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing to INR 6-10+ LPA for experienced professionals. The program also prepares students for higher studies like Ph.D. and aligns with qualifications required for UGC NET/JRF examinations, opening avenues in higher education and research.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Historical Concepts and Methods- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding historiography, historical methods, and the different schools of historical thought. Actively participate in classroom discussions and seek clarity on foundational concepts. This ensures a strong theoretical base for advanced studies.
Tools & Resources
Key historical methodology texts (e.g., E.H. Carr''''s ''''What is History?''''), university library resources, peer study groups
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking and analytical rigor, essential for academic writing, research, and excelling in competitive exams like UPSC/PCS (History Optional).
Cultivate Strong Reading and Research Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Go beyond prescribed textbooks; engage with primary and secondary sources, historical journals, and academic articles. Practice effective note-taking, summarizing, and referencing. This builds comprehensive knowledge and research aptitude from early on.
Tools & Resources
University library''''s physical and digital archives, JSTOR, Project MUSE (if accessible), reliable online history portals
Career Connection
Enhances research capabilities vital for dissertations, academic careers, and information synthesis required in various professional roles.
Regular Essay Writing and Presentation Practice- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly write essays on diverse historical topics to refine argumentation, structure, and analytical expression. Practice presenting research ideas to peers and faculty to improve communication skills and receive constructive feedback.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, feedback from professors, peer review sessions
Career Connection
Crucial for scoring well in examinations, developing clear communication for teaching roles, and crafting compelling arguments in civil service examinations.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini Research Projects and Seminars- (Semester 3)
Proactively identify specific historical topics of interest and conduct small-scale research projects. Aim to present findings in departmental seminars or college-level competitions. This helps in applying theoretical knowledge and refining research skills.
Tools & Resources
Research supervision from faculty, academic databases, historical archives (if accessible for short visits)
Career Connection
Prepares for advanced dissertation work, enhances profile for Ph.D. applications, and builds presentation skills valuable in any professional setting.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections and Electives- (Semester 3)
Engage with elective subjects like Archaeology & Museology or Indian Diaspora to broaden historical perspectives. Look for opportunities to connect history with other fields like sociology, political science, or economics, enriching overall understanding.
Tools & Resources
Elective course readings, interdisciplinary workshops, guest lectures from other departments
Career Connection
Fosters a holistic understanding of societal issues, beneficial for civil services, policy analysis, and roles requiring a broad intellectual base.
Participate in Historical Debates and Discussions- (Semester 3)
Actively join history clubs, attend guest lectures, and engage in debates on contemporary and past historical interpretations. This sharpens critical reasoning and ability to articulate nuanced perspectives.
Tools & Resources
College history associations, online forums, reputable historical documentaries
Career Connection
Develops strong communication, argumentation, and persuasive skills, highly valued in teaching, journalism, and public relations.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation/Project Work for Specialization- (Semester 4)
Choose a dissertation topic that aligns with career aspirations or research interests. Work closely with faculty advisors, focusing on original research, rigorous methodology, and timely completion. This is a capstone experience to demonstrate expertise.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated faculty mentorship, primary source materials, advanced research software (if applicable for data organization)
Career Connection
Provides a portfolio of independent research, crucial for Ph.D. admissions, specialized research roles, and demonstrating expert knowledge for competitive exams.
Target NET/JRF and Civil Services Preparation- (Semester 4)
Simultaneously prepare for UGC NET/JRF examinations for teaching/research careers or civil service examinations (UPSC/PCS) with History as an optional subject. Utilize the M.A. curriculum as a core foundation for these exams.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, specialized coaching institutes (if opting), online study materials, daily current affairs analysis
Career Connection
Directly enables entry into higher education as Assistant Professor or research scholar, and opens pathways to prestigious administrative positions in government.
Seek Internships in Related Fields- (Semester 4)
Look for internship opportunities at museums, archives, publishing houses, think tanks, or NGOs working in heritage preservation. Practical experience provides invaluable exposure to professional historical work.
Tools & Resources
University career cell, professional networking, direct applications to institutions
Career Connection
Gains practical work experience, builds professional networks, and enhances employability in cultural, heritage, and research sectors in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in History or a related discipline from a recognized university, as per CSJMU norms.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: Credits not specified
Assessment: Internal: 25-30% (Assignments, Mid-term tests, Presentations), External: 70-75% (End-semester examinations)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAH-101 | Historiography: Concepts, Methods & Tools | Core | 4 | Meaning and Scope of History, Objective and Subjectivity in History, Types of Historical Sources, Historical Causation and Interpretation, Role of Archives and Libraries |
| MAH-102 | History of Ancient India (600 BC - AD 600) | Core | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Rise of Mahajanapadas and Buddhism/Jainism, Mauryan Empire and Administration, Gupta Age: Administration, Society, Economy, Post-Gupta Period and Regional Kingdoms |
| MAH-103 | History of Medieval India (AD 1206 - AD 1707) | Core | 4 | Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire: Babur to Aurangzeb, Socio-Economic Conditions under Mughals, Bhakti and Sufi Movements, Architecture and Art of Sultanate and Mughal periods |
| MAH-104 | History of Modern India (AD 1707 - AD 1964) | Core | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire and Rise of Regional Powers, Advent of European Powers, British Colonial Rule and its Impact, Indian National Movement (1885-1947), Post-Independence India: Nehruvian Era |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAH-201 | Aspects of Indian Culture | Core | 4 | Evolution of Indian Religious Systems, Philosophy and Thought in Ancient India, Education Systems in Ancient India, Indian Art, Architecture and Sculpture, Science and Technology in Indian History |
| MAH-202 | Social & Economic History of India (c. AD 600 - AD 1200) | Core | 4 | Feudalism in Early Medieval India, Agrarian Structure and Land Grants, Trade, Urbanization and Guilds, Social Stratification and Caste System, Position of Women in Society |
| MAH-203 | Political Ideas and Institutions in Ancient & Medieval India | Core | 4 | Statecraft in Ancient India (Kautilya, Manu), Monarchy and Republics, Administration of Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Administrative System, Local Self-Governance in Ancient India |
| MAH-204 | World History (c. AD 1453 - AD 1870) | Core | 4 | Renaissance and Reformation, Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, Industrial Revolutions and its Impact, American and French Revolutions, Nationalism and Unification Movements |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAH-301 | History of Indian National Movement (1857-1947) | Core | 4 | Revolt of 1857: Causes and Consequences, Rise of Indian Nationalism, Emergence of Gandhi and Mass Movements, Constitutional Developments (1909-1935), Partition of India and Independence |
| MAH-302 | Contemporary World History (AD 1870 - AD 1991) | Core | 4 | Age of Imperialism, World War I and its aftermath, Russian Revolution and Rise of Communism, World War II and Cold War Era, Decolonization and Non-Aligned Movement |
| MAH-E01A | Archaeology and Museology (Elective-I) | Elective | 4 | Principles of Archaeology, Methods of Excavation and Exploration, Dating Methods in Archaeology, Origin and Development of Museums, Museum Management and Conservation |
| MAH-E02B | Indian Diaspora (Elective-II) | Elective | 4 | History of Indian Migration, Causes and Patterns of Diaspora, Challenges and Contributions of Diaspora, Diaspora in specific regions, Role of Government in Diaspora relations |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAH-401 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Research Problem Formulation, Data Collection Techniques, Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis, Report Writing and Footnoting, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| MAH-402 | History of Uttar Pradesh | Core | 4 | Ancient Period: Janapadas, Kingdoms, Medieval Period: Sultanate and Mughal Rule, Colonial Period: Administration and Reforms, Role of UP in National Movement, Post-Independence Developments in UP |
| MAH-P01 | Dissertation/Project Work | Project | 4 | Topic Selection and Research Proposal, Literature Review, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Writing and Presentation of Dissertation, Defense of Project Work |
| MAH-E03A | Environmental History of India (Elective-III) | Elective | 4 | Human-Environment Interaction in Ancient India, Forests, Water, and Agriculture in History, Impact of Colonialism on Environment, Environmental Movements in India, Climate Change: Historical Perspectives |
