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M-A-HISTORY in History at D.B. Pampa College, Parumala
Pathanamthitta, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is History at D.B. Pampa College, Parumala Pathanamthitta?
This M.A. History program at D.B. Pampa College, affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, offers a deep dive into historical studies with a strong emphasis on Indian, Kerala, and World history. It prepares students for advanced research and academic careers by fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. The curriculum stands out with its focus on diverse historiographical approaches, including subaltern and gender studies, addressing the evolving demand for nuanced historical understanding in academia, cultural heritage, and policy-making sectors across India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history graduates seeking to pursue higher education, research, or teaching careers. It is also suitable for individuals with a strong interest in social sciences who wish to develop expertise in historical analysis. Fresh graduates aiming for UGC NET/JRF, civil services, or curatorial roles will find it beneficial, while professionals in journalism, cultural tourism, or archives can leverage it to deepen their subject knowledge and enhance their career trajectory.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as college lecturers, researchers, archivists, museum curators, and heritage managers. They are well-prepared for civil services examinations and academic research leading to PhDs. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program fosters analytical rigor and research acumen, essential for growth in educational institutions, cultural organizations, and public administration.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Historical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand foundational historical concepts, theories of historiography, and key periods of Indian, Kerala, and World history. Focus on building a strong conceptual framework, which is crucial for advanced studies and competitive exams like NET/JRF.
Tools & Resources
MGU syllabus readings, Reference books (e.g., Romila Thapar, Bipan Chandra), Online academic journals (JSTOR, EPW archive)
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures academic excellence and provides the bedrock for success in research, teaching, and civil services examinations.
Develop Critical Reading and Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with primary and secondary sources. Practice identifying author biases, historical contexts, and different interpretations. Participate actively in seminars and discussions to refine your analytical and argumentative abilities.
Tools & Resources
Peer-study groups, Departmental seminars, Writing workshops, Accessing institutional library resources
Career Connection
These skills are indispensable for any research-oriented career, academic writing, and effective communication in various professional settings.
Engage with Peer Learning and Academic Events- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex topics, share insights, and prepare for internal assessments. Attend departmental lectures, workshops, and inter-collegiate history fests to broaden perspectives and network with fellow scholars.
Tools & Resources
College History Association, Academic forums, Online discussion platforms, Guest lectures
Career Connection
Builds a supportive academic network, enhances collaborative skills, and exposes students to diverse academic viewpoints, aiding future research collaborations.
Intermediate Stage
Hone Research Methodology and Archival Skills- (Semester 3)
Actively engage with the ''''Methods and Tools for Historical Research'''' course. Practice source criticism, bibliographic techniques, and explore digital humanities tools. Seek opportunities for preliminary archival visits or guided research projects.
Tools & Resources
National Archives of India (online access), Kerala State Archives (on-site/digital), Zotero/Mendeley for citation management, Google Scholar
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for their dissertation, M.Phil./Ph.D. research, and roles in archives or research institutions.
Deepen Specialization through Electives and Readings- (Semester 3)
Choose electives strategically based on your research interests (e.g., Human Rights, Environmental History). Supplement coursework with extensive independent reading in your chosen areas to develop expertise and identify potential dissertation topics.
Tools & Resources
UGC e-PG Pathshala, NPTEL courses on humanities, Specialized academic journals, MGU syllabus recommended readings
Career Connection
Develops a focused area of expertise, making you a more attractive candidate for specialized research projects, fellowships, and academic positions.
Participate in Seminars and Paper Presentations- (Semester 3)
Draft short research papers or review essays based on your coursework and present them in departmental or college-level seminars. This builds confidence in public speaking and receiving academic feedback.
Tools & Resources
College research cell, Departmental seminar series, Student conferences (if available)
Career Connection
Essential for academic career progression, as presentations are a core component of conferences, workshops, and Ph.D. viva voce examinations.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Rigorous Dissertation Work- (Semester 4)
Select a unique and manageable dissertation topic early. Work closely with your supervisor, consistently collecting data, analyzing sources, and meticulously writing your thesis. Aim for original contribution and robust argumentation.
Tools & Resources
Research Supervisors, Thesis writing guides, Anti-plagiarism software (e.g., Turnitin through institution)
Career Connection
The dissertation is the capstone of the MA, demonstrating independent research capability, which is vital for academic and research-oriented careers. A strong dissertation can lead to publications.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 4)
While completing your MA, dedicate significant time to preparing for competitive exams like UGC NET/JRF, SLET, and Civil Services. Review previous year papers, join coaching if beneficial, and focus on both subject knowledge and general awareness.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/JRF previous papers, Online coaching platforms, General knowledge periodicals, NCERT books for civil services foundation
Career Connection
Crucial for securing lectureships, research fellowships, and entry into prestigious government services, offering high career growth and stability.
Network and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 4)
Attend academic conferences, interact with visiting faculty, and connect with alumni to build a professional network. Seek mentorship from experienced historians for career guidance, publication advice, and potential research opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Professional history associations (e.g., Indian History Congress), LinkedIn, Alumni network events
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to collaboration, job opportunities, and invaluable advice, significantly boosting career prospects in academia and related fields.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s Degree in History (Main/Core) with not less than 4.5 CGPA (out of 10) or equivalent (B grade), OR a Bachelor''''s Degree in any other subject with 5 CGPA (out of 10) or equivalent (B+ grade) and not less than 24 credits in History.
Duration: 4 Semesters (2 years)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MH1C01 | Historiography | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of History, Greek and Roman Historical Traditions, Medieval Islamic and Christian Historiography, Enlightenment and Romantic Traditions, Marxist Historiography and Subaltern Studies, Postmodernist Critique and Memory |
| MH1C02 | Early India: From the Earliest Times to 1200 CE | Core | 4 | Sources of Early Indian History, Pre-Harappan and Harappan Civilizations, Vedic Period and Iron Age, Mahajanapadas and Rise of Buddhism-Jainism, Mauryan Empire and Post-Mauryan Developments, Gupta Age and Early Medieval Kingdoms |
| MH1C03 | Kerala: From the Earliest Times to 1800 CE | Core | 4 | Sources and Early Settlements in Kerala, Megalithic Culture and Sangam Age, Chera Kingdom and Social Formations, Rise of Regional Powers and Feudalism, Portuguese, Dutch, and English Interventions, Socio-Political Landscape by 1800 CE |
| MH1C04 | History of Medieval India: 1200 - 1750 CE | Core | 4 | Sources and Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Expansion and Consolidation under Sultanate, Vijayanagara and Bahmani Kingdoms, Mughal Empire: Administration and Society, Socio-Economic Conditions and Agrarian Relations, Bhakti-Sufi Movements and Regional Cultures |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MH2C05 | Modern World: 1500 - 1900 CE | Core | 4 | Renaissance, Reformation and Age of Discoveries, Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, American and French Revolutions, Industrial Revolution and its Impact, Nationalism and the Rise of Nation-States, Imperialism and Colonial Expansion |
| MH2C06 | India Under Colonialism: 1750 - 1857 CE | Core | 4 | Establishment of British Rule: Plassey and Buxar, Consolidation of British Power and Subsidiary Alliance, Land Revenue Systems: Permanent, Ryotwari, Mahalwari, Economic Impact of Colonial Policies, Socio-Religious Reform Movements, Revolt of 1857: Causes, Nature, and Impact |
| MH2C07 | History of Modern Kerala: 1800 - 1947 CE | Core | 4 | Travancore, Cochin, and British Malabar, Socio-Religious Reform Movements in Kerala, Agrarian Relations and Peasant Uprisings, Growth of Nationalism and Political Awakening, Caste and Community Organizations, Integration into Indian Union |
| MH2C08 | History of Contemporary India: 1857 - 1964 CE | Core | 4 | Rise of Indian Nationalism: Early Phase, Moderates and Extremists, Gandhian Era and Mass Movements, Partition and Independence, Integration of Princely States, Nehruvian Era: Nation Building and Foreign Policy |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MH3C09 | Methods and Tools for Historical Research | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Historical Research, Primary and Secondary Sources, Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Data Collection and Source Criticism, Footnoting, Bibliography, and Research Ethics, Digital Tools for Historians |
| MH3C10 | India: Economy and Society (1750-1947) | Core | 4 | Colonial Intervention in Indian Economy, De-industrialization and Commercialization of Agriculture, Famines and Agrarian Distress, Rise of Modern Industry and Entrepreneurship, Caste, Class, and Gender in Colonial Society, Urbanization and Social Change |
| MH3C11 | History of Contemporary World: 1900 CE to Present | Core | 4 | Causes and Consequences of World War I, Rise of Fascism, Nazism, and World War II, Cold War and Bipolar World Order, Decolonization and Emergence of Third World, Globalization and New World Order, Environmental Issues and Human Rights |
| MH3E Elective | Elective Course (e.g., Human Rights) | Elective | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Human Rights Movements in India, Role of State and Civil Society, Challenges to Human Rights in Contemporary World, Gender, Caste, and Rights in India |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MH4C12 | History of Subaltern Studies in India | Core | 4 | Genesis and Critique of Subaltern Studies, Subaltern Perspectives on Indian Nationalism, Peasant and Tribal Uprisings, Caste and Class in Subaltern Historiography, Dalit and Marginalized Narratives, Subalternity and Postcolonial Theory |
| MH4C13 | History of Indian National Movement: Themes and Perspectives | Core | 4 | Colonial Hegemony and Resistance, Early Nationalist Thought and Organization, Mass Nationalism under Gandhi, Communalism and the Demand for Pakistan, Women, Peasants, and Workers in National Movement, Historiography of Indian Nationalism |
| MH4E Elective | Elective Course (e.g., Environmental History of India) | Elective | 4 | Human-Environment Interaction in Ancient India, Colonial Forest Policies and Resource Exploitation, Water Management and Irrigation History, Environmental Movements in Post-Colonial India, Urbanization and Environmental Degradation, Climate Change and Historical Perspectives |
| MH4PR | Dissertation & Viva Voce | Project | 4 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review and Theoretical Framework, Methodology and Data Analysis, Thesis Writing and Presentation Skills, Academic Ethics and Plagiarism, Viva Voce Examination |
