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MASTER-OF-ARTS in History at BLDEA's Smt. Bangaramma Sajjan B.H.S. Commerce and S.K.S. Arts College, Jamakhandi
Bagalkote, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is History at BLDEA's Smt. Bangaramma Sajjan B.H.S. Commerce and S.K.S. Arts College, Jamakhandi Bagalkote?
This Master of Arts in History program at BLDE Association''''s Commerce, BHS Arts and TGP Science College, affiliated with Rani Channamma University, focuses on developing a deep understanding of historical processes, critical analysis, and research methodologies. It covers diverse periods and regions, including Indian, Karnataka, and World History, with a strong emphasis on historiography and research. The program is designed to equip students with analytical skills relevant to various sectors in the Indian job market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history enthusiasts, fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in History or related fields, and educators seeking to enhance their subject expertise. It also caters to individuals aiming for careers in civil services, heritage management, journalism, and academic research. The curriculum prepares students for roles requiring strong analytical and communication skills, which are highly valued in both public and private sectors.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archivists, museum curators, researchers, journalists, content writers, and educators. Opportunities exist in government agencies, NGOs, media houses, and educational institutions. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3 LPA to 6 LPA, with significant growth potential in specialized fields like heritage conservation and academic research. The program also serves as a strong foundation for pursuing M.Phil and Ph.D. studies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Historical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on understanding fundamental theories of history, key historical periods, and significant events covered in semesters 1 and 2. Utilize library resources, online academic journals, and engage in classroom discussions to build a strong theoretical base.
Tools & Resources
College Library, JSTOR/Project MUSE (access through institutional login), Historical Atlas, Peer Study Groups
Career Connection
A solid conceptual understanding is crucial for any historical research, competitive exams (UPSC, KPSC), and academic roles, enabling clearer articulation of arguments and deeper analysis.
Develop Critical Reading and Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice critically analyzing primary and secondary historical sources. Attend workshops on source criticism, historiography, and academic writing. Learn to identify biases, evaluate evidence, and construct reasoned arguments from multiple perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Academic Writing Guides, Historical Journals, Online repositories of primary sources, Faculty Mentorship
Career Connection
These skills are invaluable for research, journalism, policy analysis, and any role requiring informed decision-making and strong interpretative abilities.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Exploration- (Semester 1-2)
While specializing in history, explore connections with other social sciences like sociology, political science, and economics. Attend guest lectures and seminars from related departments to broaden your analytical framework.
Tools & Resources
Cross-disciplinary seminars, Sociology and Political Science textbooks, Documentaries on historical contexts
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary approach enhances understanding of complex historical phenomena and is highly valued in fields like public policy, social research, and development studies.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Research Projects- (Semester 3)
Beyond formal assignments, take initiative to conduct small research projects on topics of personal interest. This hands-on experience in collecting, analyzing, and presenting historical data is essential for developing research acumen.
Tools & Resources
Access to archives (local/state), Online databases, Research Methodology textbooks, Statistical software (basic for historical data)
Career Connection
Direct research experience is vital for M.Phil/Ph.D. applications, positions in think tanks, research organizations, and roles as historians or archivists.
Network with Historians and Professionals- (Semester 3)
Attend history conferences, seminars, and workshops in Karnataka and other parts of India. Connect with faculty, visiting scholars, and professionals in heritage, media, and civil services. Build a professional network for mentorship and future opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Professional associations (e.g., Indian History Congress), LinkedIn, University/College Alumni Network
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internships, collaborations, job opportunities, and provides insights into diverse career paths within and outside academia.
Develop Digital Humanities Skills- (Semester 3)
Explore digital tools for historical research, data visualization, and mapping. Learn basic software for managing historical data, creating timelines, and building digital archives. This is crucial in the evolving landscape of historical studies.
Tools & Resources
Omeka for digital collections, QGIS for historical mapping, TimelineJS, Excel for data management
Career Connection
Digital humanities skills are increasingly sought after in archives, museums, educational technology, and digital content creation roles.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation/Project Work- (Semester 3-4 (Project Work in Sem 3, Viva-Voce in Sem 4))
Dedicate significant effort to your project work, ensuring it reflects original research, rigorous methodology, and clear argumentation. Seek regular feedback from your supervisor and present your findings effectively.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated Supervisor Meetings, Academic Writing Software (e.g., Zotero for citations), Plagiarism Checkers
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is a powerful portfolio piece for academic admissions (Ph.D.) and research-oriented jobs, demonstrating your capability for independent scholarly work.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 3-4)
If aspiring for civil services (UPSC, KPSC), UGC-NET/SET, or other government jobs, integrate preparation with your MA studies. Focus on general knowledge, current affairs, and history-specific optional papers relevant to these exams.
Tools & Resources
Previous Year Question Papers, Coaching Institutes (if desired), Online Current Affairs Portals (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express), Government Publications
Career Connection
Targeted preparation significantly enhances your chances of securing prestigious positions in Indian bureaucracy, public sector, and academia.
Cultivate Public Speaking and Presentation Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Participate actively in seminars, debates, and conferences, both within and outside the college. Practice presenting your research and arguments clearly and engagingly. Strong communication is vital for all career paths.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters International (if available), Departmental seminar series, Mock Presentation Sessions, Video Recording for Self-Assessment
Career Connection
Effective communication is essential for educators, journalists, public historians, and anyone in leadership or advocacy roles, allowing for persuasive dissemination of knowledge.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed B.A. degree examination with History as one of the major subjects from any recognized University and obtained not less than 45% (40% for SC/ST/Cat-I) of marks in aggregate.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCT 1.1 | Theories and Methods of History | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of History, Objectivity and Bias in History, History and Other Disciplines, Theories of Historical Causation, Historiographical Traditions |
| HCT 1.2 | History of Karnataka (From Early Times to A.D. 1336) | Core | 4 | Sources for Karnataka History, Early Dynasties and Administration, Chalukyas of Badami and Kalyana, Rashtrakutas and their Contributions, Hoysalas: Society and Culture |
| HCE 1.3 | History of Medieval India (A.D. 712-1206) | Core | 4 | Arab Conquest of Sindh, Ghaznavid and Ghorid Invasions, Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Early Turkish Rulers and Administration, Socio-Religious Life in Early Medieval India |
| HCE 1.4 | History of Modern World (1453-1919 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Renaissance and Reformation, Age of Exploration and Discoveries, Industrial Revolution and its Impact, American War of Independence, French Revolution and Napoleonic Era |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCT 2.1 | History of Karnataka (A.D. 1336-1761) | Core | 4 | Vijayanagara Empire: Administration and Culture, Bahmani Kingdom and its Successors, Adil Shahis of Bijapur, Barid Shahis of Bidar, Rise of Maratha Power in Karnataka |
| HCT 2.2 | History of Medieval India (A.D. 1206-1707) | Core | 4 | Consolidation of Delhi Sultanate, Khilji and Tughlaq Dynasties, Sayyid and Lodi Dynasties, Establishment of Mughal Empire, Mughal Administration and Cultural Synthesis |
| HCE 2.3 | History of India (1707-1857 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Decline of the Mughal Empire, Emergence of Regional States, Advent of European Powers, Expansion of British Rule, Revolt of 1857 and its Causes |
| HCE 2.4 | History of Modern World (1919-2000 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Aftermath of World War I, Rise of Fascism and Nazism, World War II and its Consequences, The Cold War Era, Decolonization and New World Order |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCT 3.1 | Research Methodology and Computer Applications | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Historical Research, Sources of Historical Data, Hypothesis and Research Design, Data Analysis and Interpretation, ICT Tools for Historians |
| HCE 3.2 | Elective I: Cultural History of India / History of Indian Economy (Choose one) | Elective | 4 | (Cultural History) Ancient Indian Art and Architecture, Bhakti and Sufi Movements, Colonial Cultural Impact, Modern Indian Cinema and Literature, (Indian Economy) Agrarian Structure in Ancient India, Trade Routes and Merchants, Industrial Policies in Colonial India, Five-Year Plans, Globalization and Indian Economy |
| HCE 3.3 | Elective II: History of Modern Europe (1789-1914 A.D.) / History of America (1776-1945 A.D.) (Choose one) | Elective | 4 | (Modern Europe) French Revolutionary Wars, Congress of Vienna, Unification of Germany and Italy, Imperialism in Africa and Asia, Rise of Nationalism, (America) Formation of the United States, Westward Expansion, American Civil War, Industrialization and Urbanization, Great Depression and New Deal |
| HCD 3.4 | Project Work | Project | 4 | Identifying Research Problems, Formulating Research Questions, Data Collection and Source Analysis, Thesis Writing and Structure, Presentation of Research Findings |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCT 4.1 | Historiography | Core | 4 | Classical Greek and Roman Historiography, Medieval Christian and Islamic Historiography, Enlightenment Historiography, Marxist and Nationalist Historiography, Subaltern and Post-Modernist Approaches |
| HCE 4.2 | Elective III: Indian Freedom Movement (1857-1947 A.D.) / History of Science and Technology in India (Choose one) | Elective | 4 | (Indian Freedom Movement) Causes of 1857 Revolt, Rise of Indian Nationalism, Gandhian Era, Quit India Movement, Partition and Independence, (Science & Technology) Ancient Indian Scientific Knowledge, Medieval Technological Innovations, Impact of Colonial Science, Post-Independence Scientific Research, Traditional Indian Technologies |
| HCE 4.3 | Elective IV: History of East Asia (China and Japan) / History of South-East Asia (Choose one) | Elective | 4 | (East Asia) Dynastic Cycles in China, Tokugawa Japan, Opium Wars and Boxer Rebellion, Meiji Restoration, Sino-Japanese Wars, (South-East Asia) Colonialism in Southeast Asia, Nationalist Movements, Vietnam War, ASEAN Formation, Economic Development of SE Asian Nations |
| HCD 4.4 | Viva-Voce | Assessment | 4 | Comprehensive Subject Knowledge Assessment, Discussion on Project Work, Ability to Articulate Historical Concepts, Critical Thinking and Argumentation, Overall Understanding of Specialization |
