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M-A-HISTORY in General at Central University of Kerala
Kasaragod, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is General at Central University of Kerala Kasaragod?
This M.A. History program at Central University of Kerala focuses on a comprehensive understanding of historical processes, methods, and historiography from ancient to modern periods, with a significant emphasis on Indian and World history. It delves into diverse historical narratives, promoting critical thinking and research skills essential for navigating complex socio-cultural and political landscapes in India. The program differentiates itself by integrating regional history alongside broader themes, reflecting the rich historical tapestry of Kerala and India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history enthusiasts, fresh graduates from any discipline seeking entry into research, academia, or public service. It also suits working professionals like museum curators, archivists, or journalists looking to deepen their historical knowledge and analytical abilities. Candidates with a strong inclination towards critical inquiry, reading, and writing, and those aspiring for civil services or further doctoral studies, will find this program particularly enriching.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archivists, museum professionals, educators, content writers, and researchers. They are well-prepared for civil services examinations (UPSC, State PSCs) and for further academic pursuits like M.Phil. and Ph.D. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience in educational institutions, cultural organizations, or government bodies, with growth trajectories leading to senior academic or research positions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Mastering Historiographical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to thoroughly understand the diverse schools of historical thought, methods, and historiography introduced in the first two semesters. Actively participate in discussions, read primary and secondary sources beyond prescribed texts, and develop a strong analytical framework for historical inquiry.
Tools & Resources
University library''''s e-resources (JSTOR, Project MUSE), Online archives (National Archives of India, British Library), Academic journals
Career Connection
A solid grasp of historical methods is crucial for any research, academic, or content-related role, enabling critical evaluation of information, a highly valued skill in civil services and publishing.
Cultivating Effective Academic Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intently on developing clear, concise, and well-structured academic writing. Seek feedback on essays and assignments, practice proper citation techniques (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style), and avoid plagiarism. Regularly write short critical reviews of historical articles.
Tools & Resources
University Writing Center, Grammarly, Zotero/Mendeley for referencing, Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Essential for research, journalism, content creation, and publishing, strong writing skills are paramount for communicating complex historical ideas effectively in both academic and professional settings.
Engaging with Regional and National History Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Actively follow contemporary debates and scholarship concerning Indian history, particularly regional history (like Kerala''''s). Participate in history club activities, seminars, and workshops. Seek opportunities to present your insights, fostering a deeper connection with India''''s diverse historical narratives.
Tools & Resources
History department seminars, Online forums for history students, Local historical societies, Public lectures by renowned historians
Career Connection
Builds expertise for roles in regional archives, cultural institutions, state civil services, and provides a nuanced perspective valuable for national-level historical research.
Intermediate Stage
Deepening Research Skills through Optional Courses- (Semester 3)
Select optional courses strategically to align with emerging research interests. Actively engage in the advanced readings and discussions, and begin to identify potential areas for dissertation research. Attend workshops on specific research methodologies like archival research or oral history.
Tools & Resources
National Archives of India, State Archives (e.g., Kerala State Archives), CUK research databases, Specialized historical journals
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for dissertation work, which is a gateway to M.Phil./Ph.D. and advanced research positions in think tanks, universities, or heritage foundations.
Exploring Interdisciplinary Approaches and Field Work- (Semester 3)
Leverage the elective course option to explore subjects outside history that complement your interests (e.g., sociology, anthropology, literature). If fieldwork is an option, actively participate to gain practical experience in data collection, site analysis, and oral interviews, connecting theoretical knowledge with real-world historical contexts.
Tools & Resources
Collaboration with other departments, Local community organizations, Archaeological sites, Museums
Career Connection
Enhances versatility for roles requiring interdisciplinary perspectives, such as policy analysis, heritage management, tourism development, and media communication.
Building a Professional Network- (Semester 3)
Attend history conferences, workshops, and guest lectures hosted by the university or other institutions. Network with faculty, visiting scholars, and fellow post-graduate students. Join professional historical associations in India to stay updated on academic developments and job opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Academic conferences (Indian History Congress), CUK alumni network, LinkedIn, Professional associations
Career Connection
Opens doors to mentorship, collaborative projects, academic opportunities, and informs about potential job openings in academia, research, and cultural institutions across India.
Advanced Stage
Focused Dissertation Research and Writing- (Semester 4)
Dedicate consistent effort to your dissertation, ensuring a well-defined research question, robust methodology, and timely completion. Work closely with your supervisor, incorporate feedback, and refine your arguments to produce a high-quality original research piece.
Tools & Resources
University research portal, Thesis writing guides, Academic style manuals, Regular supervisor meetings
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is crucial for pursuing M.Phil./Ph.D. and demonstrates advanced research and analytical capabilities, making graduates highly competitive for research grants and academic positions.
Professional Development and Career Planning- (Semester 4)
Actively engage in career counseling sessions, prepare professional resumes/CVs tailored for academic or non-academic roles, and practice interview skills. Explore potential employers such as universities, museums, archives, publishing houses, and government agencies for entry-level positions or internships.
Tools & Resources
CUK Career Services, Online job portals (e.g., Naukri, LinkedIn), Professional networking events, Alumni mentorship
Career Connection
Directly impacts placement success, helping graduates identify suitable roles, articulate their skills, and navigate the job market effectively in India.
Preparing for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 4)
For those aspiring for civil services or NET/JRF, integrate dedicated preparation for these examinations alongside academic studies. Utilize historical knowledge gained from the MA program, practice mock tests, and engage in group studies to enhance competitive readiness.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/State PSC study materials, NET/JRF previous year papers, Online coaching platforms, Study groups
Career Connection
Significantly increases chances of securing prestigious government positions (IAS, IPS, etc.) or qualifying for lectureship and junior research fellowships in Indian universities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A Bachelor''''s degree in any discipline with not less than 50% marks or equivalent grade in aggregate for all parts of the examination. The relaxation in marks for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/SC/ST/PWD/EWS candidates will be as per the existing CUK/UGC norms.
Duration: 2 years (Four Semesters)
Credits: 72 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HYS 4001 | Historical Methods and Historiography - I | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of History, Causation and Objectivity in History, History and Allied Disciplines, Sources of History, History as a Discipline |
| HYS 4002 | Ancient and Early Medieval India | Core | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Period and Janapadas, Mauryan and Gupta Empires, Post-Gupta Period and Regional States |
| HYS 4003 | Modern World | Core | 4 | Transition from Feudalism to Capitalism, Renaissance and Reformation, Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, French Revolution and Napoleonic Era, Industrial Revolution and its Impact |
| HYS 4004 | Academic Writing | Core | 2 | Introduction to Academic Writing, Research Process in Humanities, Argumentation and Evidence, Citation and Referencing Styles, Avoiding Plagiarism |
| HYS 4005 (A) | History of Subaltern Studies | Optional Course | 4 | Origins of Subaltern Studies, Ranajit Guha and Subaltern Historiography, Critiques of Subaltern Studies, Subalternity in India, Debates and Future Directions |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HYS 4011 | Historical Methods and Historiography - II | Core | 4 | Annales School of Historiography, Marxist and Postmodernist Approaches, Subaltern and Feminist Historiography, Environmental History and Oral History, Memory and History |
| HYS 4012 | Medieval Indian History | Core | 4 | Sources of Medieval Indian History, Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire, Society, Economy and Culture in Medieval India, Bhakti and Sufi Movements, Regional Powers and Resistance |
| HYS 4013 | Post-Modern World | Core | 4 | Cold War and Decolonization, Globalization and Neoliberalism, Rise of New Powers and International Relations, Environmental Concerns and Human Rights, Cultural Transformations and Identity Politics |
| HYS 4014 | Research Design | Core | 2 | Identifying a Research Problem, Formulating Hypotheses and Questions, Data Collection Methods in History, Analysis of Historical Sources, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| HYS 4015 (A) | Gender and History | Optional Course | 4 | Approaches to Gender History, Women in Ancient and Medieval India, Gender and Colonialism, Feminist Movements in India, Masculinity and History |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HYS 4021 | Modern India - I (Political and Economic) | Core | 4 | Advent of European Trading Companies, Establishment of British Colonial Rule, Early Nationalist Movements, Economic Impact of British Policies, Constitutional Developments and Resistance |
| HYS 4022 | History of Kerala | Core | 4 | Ancient Kerala and Sangam Age, Chera Kingdom and Medieval Feudalism, Colonial Encounters and Regional Powers, Social Reform Movements in Kerala, Formation of Kerala State and Modern Politics |
| HYS 4023 (A) | History of Environment | Optional Course | 4 | Environmental History as a Discipline, Human-Environment Interactions in India, Colonial Forestry and Deforestation, Water Management and Resource Exploitation, Climate Change and Environmental Movements |
| HYS 4024 (A) | Intellectual History | Optional Course | 4 | Concept of Intellectual History, Enlightenment Thinkers and Their Ideas, Modern Indian Intellectual Traditions, Ideas of Nation, Caste, and Religion in India, Critiques and Contemporary Debates |
| HYS 4025 | Elective Course / Field Work | Elective | 4 | Interdisciplinary Studies, Practical Field Research Techniques, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Presentation, Experiential Learning |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HYS 4031 | Modern India - II (Social and Cultural) | Core | 4 | Social Reform Movements in 19th and 20th Century, Caste System and Social Change, Education under British Rule, Print Culture and Public Sphere, Nationalist Cultural Production |
| HYS 4032 | Oral History | Core | 4 | Introduction to Oral History, Theory and Methodology of Oral History, Interviewing Techniques and Ethics, Transcription, Archiving, and Interpretation, Oral History Projects in India |
| HYS 4033 (A) | History of Art and Architecture | Optional Course | 4 | Indian Art from Indus Valley to Modern, Buddhist and Jain Art and Architecture, Temple Architecture (North and South India), Mughal and Regional Architecture, Colonial and Post-Colonial Art |
| HYS 4034 (A) | History of Science and Technology | Optional Course | 4 | Ancient Indian Scientific Traditions, Medieval Islamic and European Science, Scientific Revolution and its Impact, Industrial Revolution and Technological Advancements, Modern Science and Technology in India |
| HYS 4035 | Dissertation | Project | 2 | Research Topic Selection and Formulation, Literature Review and Theoretical Framework, Methodology and Data Analysis, Thesis Writing and Structuring, Presentation and Defense |
