

MASTER-OF-ARTS-MA in English at DAV Mahila College, Katras


Dhanbad, Jharkhand
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About the Specialization
What is English at DAV Mahila College, Katras Dhanbad?
This MA English program at D.A.V. Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Dhanbad, focuses on a comprehensive study of English literature, language, and critical theory. It delves into literary history, diverse cultural contexts, and advanced theoretical frameworks. The program addresses the growing demand for skilled communicators and literary analysts in India''''s dynamic educational, media, and publishing sectors, preparing students for impactful careers.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in English literature or language who aspire to advanced academic research, teaching, or content creation roles. It also suits working professionals, such as teachers or journalists, seeking to enhance their literary understanding and analytical skills, facilitating career progression or a transition into academic pursuits.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including academic teaching, research, content writing, editing, and journalism. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program provides a strong foundation for UGC NET/JRF examinations and aligns with demands for literary experts in educational institutions and publishing houses.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Literary History and Theory- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with core literary periods and critical theories by reading primary texts and engaging in structured discussions. Utilize online academic resources like JSTOR and Project MUSE (if accessible) to supplement classroom learning and build a strong foundational knowledge.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Project MUSE, University Library Database
Career Connection
A robust understanding of literary history and theory is crucial for academic success, competitive exams like NET/JRF, and careers in teaching and literary criticism, forming the bedrock of advanced study.
Develop Strong Academic Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice formal essay writing, critical analysis, and research paper construction. Focus on clarity, coherence, and correct citation methods. Seek feedback from professors on assignments and explore workshops on academic writing for effective communication.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Purdue OWL, University Writing Center
Career Connection
Excellent academic writing is indispensable for higher education, research, publishing, and content-related roles, enhancing employability across various professional fields in India.
Engage in Peer Learning and Discussion Forums- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex literary concepts and theoretical frameworks. Participate actively in departmental seminars and online forums to broaden perspectives and enhance critical thinking skills, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Tools & Resources
Google Meet/Zoom for study groups, Departmental Seminars
Career Connection
Collaborative learning improves analytical and communication skills, vital for teamwork in academic settings and professional environments, as well as preparing for group discussions in interviews.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Interdisciplinary Electives- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) and Elective Courses (ECs) that align with personal interests and emerging career trends. This helps in developing specialized knowledge, such as in Film Studies, Translation Studies, or Cultural Studies, making profiles unique.
Tools & Resources
BBMKU Syllabus for DSE/EC options, Career Counseling
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge in areas like Translation or Cultural Studies can open doors to niche industries like media, content localization, and academic specializations, increasing market value.
Undertake Research Projects and Presentations- (Semester 3)
Beyond dissertation, pursue smaller research projects or extended essays on topics of interest. Present findings at departmental or inter-college seminars to hone presentation skills and receive constructive feedback from peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
University Research Grants (if available), Academic Conferences
Career Connection
Developing research and presentation skills is key for academic careers, PhD aspirations, and roles requiring analytical reports or public speaking in corporate or educational settings.
Build a Professional Network- (Semester 3)
Attend guest lectures, workshops, and literary festivals. Connect with faculty, alumni, and industry professionals. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to build a professional network for mentorship, internships, and future job opportunities within India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional Associations (e.g., Comparative Literature Association of India), University Alumni Network
Career Connection
Networking is crucial for uncovering hidden job markets, gaining insights into industry trends, and receiving recommendations, significantly boosting placement prospects.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation for Publication or Higher Studies- (Semester 4)
Invest significant effort in the final dissertation, aiming for a high-quality output that could be published in an academic journal or form the basis for M.Phil./Ph.D. research. Consult extensively with supervisors for rigorous academic work.
Tools & Resources
Plagiarism Checker Software, Academic Journal Guidelines, Thesis Writing Guides
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is a powerful credential for academic positions, research fellowships, and doctoral programs, setting a trajectory for a research-oriented career.
Prepare for UGC NET/JRF and Other Competitive Exams- (Semester 4)
Begin systematic preparation for national-level eligibility tests like UGC NET/JRF, which are essential for teaching and research positions in Indian universities. Enroll in coaching classes or utilize online study materials and mock tests.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/JRF study guides, Online coaching platforms, Previous year question papers
Career Connection
Qualifying NET/JRF is a mandatory requirement for most Assistant Professor positions in India and provides fellowship for PhD, directly impacting career opportunities in academia.
Seek Internships or Volunteer in Content/Publishing- (Semester 4)
Actively look for internships at publishing houses, content creation companies, NGOs, or media organizations, even if unpaid. Volunteer for editorial roles in college magazines or local newspapers to gain practical experience and build a portfolio.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, Naukri.com (for internships), Local publishing houses
Career Connection
Practical experience through internships provides valuable industry exposure, helps in building a portfolio, and often leads to full-time employment opportunities in India''''s competitive job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s Degree (Honours/Major/General) with English as one of the subjects, having minimum 45% marks in Major/Honours or 50% marks in General/Pass in relevant subject, or 55% marks in any other stream from a recognized University.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 68 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGENG CC-101 | History of English Literature (From Chaucer to Shakespeare) | Core | 4 | Old English Literature, Middle English Period, The Renaissance and Reformation, Elizabethan Age, Shakespeare and his Contemporaries |
| PGENG CC-102 | History of English Literature (From the Metaphysical Poets to the Romantics) | Core | 4 | Seventeenth Century Literature, Neo-classical Age, Age of Sensibility, Pre-Romanticism, The Romantic Movement |
| PGENG CC-103 | Principles of Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism, Medieval and Renaissance Criticism, Neoclassical Criticism, Romantic Criticism, Modern Criticism |
| PGENG CC-104 | Literary Theory | Core | 4 | Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Deconstruction, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Feminist Criticism, New Historicism and Cultural Materialism |
| PGENG AECC-101 | Research Methodology | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Introduction to Research, Types of Research, Data Collection Methods, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGENG CC-205 | History of English Literature (Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian, Modern & Contemporary Periods) | Core | 4 | Victorian Age, Edwardian and Georgian Literature, Modernism, Post-War Literature, Contemporary Trends |
| PGENG CC-206 | Indian English Literature | Core | 4 | Emergence of Indian English Writing, Poetry and Drama, Fiction, Post-Independence Indian English Literature, Contemporary Indian English Writers |
| PGENG CC-207 | English Language Teaching | Core | 4 | Principles of Language Teaching, Methods and Approaches to ELT, Teaching Grammar and Vocabulary, Teaching Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing, Language Assessment |
| PGENG CC-208 | Stylistics & Discourse Analysis | Core | 4 | Introduction to Stylistics, Levels of Stylistic Analysis, Introduction to Discourse Analysis, Discourse and Context, Critical Discourse Analysis |
| PGENG AECC-202 | Academic Writing | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Fundamentals of Academic Writing, Essay and Report Writing, Referencing and Citation, Avoiding Plagiarism, Developing a Thesis Statement |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGENG CC-309 | European Classical Literature | Core | 4 | Greek Epic and Drama, Roman Literature, Greek Philosophy and Rhetoric, Classical Poetics, Mythology and Classical Allusions |
| PGENG CC-310 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Early American Literature, Romanticism and Transcendentalism, Realism and Naturalism, Modern American Literature, Contemporary American Voices |
| PGENG DSE-301 A | Postcolonial Literature | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice A) | 4 | Concepts of Postcolonialism, Colonialism and Resistance, Identity and Hybridity, Narratives of Decolonization, Postcolonial Theory and Praxis |
| PGENG DSE-301 B | Translation Studies | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice B) | 4 | Theories of Translation, Types of Translation, Issues in Literary Translation, Machine Translation, Translation in a Multilingual Society |
| PGENG DSE-301 C | Film Studies | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice C) | 4 | History of Cinema, Film Theory, Narrative and Genre, Auteur Theory, Cinema and Society |
| PGENG DSE-301 D | Ecocriticism | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice D) | 4 | Introduction to Ecocriticism, Nature in Literature, Environmental Ethics, Ecofeminism, Ecological Awareness in Indian Writing |
| PGENG DSE-301 E | Canadian Literature | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice E) | 4 | Indigenous Voices, Settler Narratives, Multiculturalism, Regionalism, Contemporary Canadian Authors |
| PGENG DSE-302 A | Women’s Writing | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice A) | 4 | History of Women’s Writing, Feminist Poetics, Gender and Representation, Intersectionality, Contemporary Women Writers |
| PGENG DSE-302 B | Diasporic Literature | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice B) | 4 | Concepts of Diaspora, Themes of Migration and Displacement, Identity and Belonging, Transnationalism, Indian Diaspora Writers |
| PGENG DSE-302 C | Partition Literature | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice C) | 4 | Historical Context of Partition, Trauma and Memory, Displacement and Violence, Representations in Fiction and Poetry, Impact on Indian Society |
| PGENG DSE-302 D | Children’s Literature | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice D) | 4 | History and Evolution, Genres in Children''''s Literature, Moral and Didactic Aspects, Fantasy and Imagination, Picture Books and Young Adult Fiction |
| PGENG DSE-302 E | Science Fiction | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice E) | 4 | Origins and Evolution, Themes in Science Fiction, Utopian and Dystopian Worlds, Technology and Society, Subgenres of Science Fiction |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGENG EC-401 A | Cultural Studies | Elective Course (Choice A) | 4 | Introduction to Cultural Studies, Culture and Ideology, Popular Culture, Media and Representation, Identity and Difference |
| PGENG EC-401 B | Linguistics | Elective Course (Choice B) | 4 | Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics, Psycholinguistics |
| PGENG EC-401 C | Mythology | Elective Course (Choice C) | 4 | Nature and Function of Myth, Classical Mythology, Indian Mythology, Myth in Literature, Symbolism and Archetypes |
| PGENG EC-401 D | Subaltern Studies | Elective Course (Choice D) | 4 | Concept of Subalternity, Postcolonialism and Subalternity, History from Below, Voice and Agency, Subaltern in Indian Context |
| PGENG DSE-402 A | Dalit Literature | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice A) | 4 | Origins and Characteristics, Dalit Aesthetics, Protest and Resistance, Autobiographical Narratives, Contemporary Dalit Voices |
| PGENG DSE-402 B | Literature and Disability | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice B) | 4 | Representations of Disability, Disability as Metaphor, Medical vs. Social Model, Disability Rights Movement, Narratives of Disability |
| PGENG DSE-402 C | Literary Journalism | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice C) | 4 | History and Forms, Narrative Techniques, Ethics in Literary Journalism, New Journalism, Long-form Writing |
| PGENG DSE-402 D | Literary Publishing | Discipline Specific Elective (Choice D) | 4 | Publishing Industry Overview, Editorial Process, Marketing and Distribution, Digital Publishing, Copyright and Intellectual Property |
| PGENG CC-403 | Dissertation | Project | 8 | Topic Selection, Literature Review, Methodology, Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing |




