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M-A in English at Devaki Devi Degree College
Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English at Devaki Devi Degree College Kushinagar?
This English program at Devaki Devi Degree College, affiliated with DDU Gorakhpur University, focuses on a comprehensive study of literature from diverse periods and geographies including British, American, Indian, and World literatures. It delves into critical literary theory, linguistics, and English language teaching methodologies, preparing students for roles requiring strong analytical and communication skills in the Indian context, addressing significant industry demand for skilled content creators, educators, and communicators.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates holding a Bachelor''''s degree in English or related humanities fields, aspiring teachers and academicians, content writers, journalists, and editors. It also caters to individuals preparing for civil services and those aiming to deepen their understanding of language, culture, and literary traditions for a wide array of professional and intellectual pursuits.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in school and college teaching, journalism, content creation, editing, publishing, public relations, and corporate communication. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing to INR 6-10+ LPA for experienced professionals. The program also aligns well with preparations for UGC-NET/JRF, opening doors to higher education and research careers across Indian universities.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Theoretical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with classical and modern literary theories, understanding their historical context and practical application. Read seminal texts and secondary criticism thoroughly to grasp core concepts.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Project Gutenberg, DDUGU library resources, NPTEL/SWAYAM online courses on literary theory
Career Connection
Essential for academic research, critical analysis in content roles, and effectively teaching higher-level literature, forming the bedrock of advanced study.
Enhance Analytical & Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing critical reading, analytical writing, and basic research methodologies through diligent completion of essay assignments, term papers, and minor research projects. Attend workshops focused on academic writing.
Tools & Resources
MLA Handbook, Chicago Manual of Style, Zotero/Mendeley for citation management, DDUGU research guides
Career Connection
Crucial for academic careers, journalism, content strategy, and any professional role requiring deep analysis and evidenced argumentation.
Engage in Peer Learning & Discussion Groups- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex literary texts, theories, and concepts. Actively participate in debates, present diverse interpretations, and provide constructive feedback to peers.
Tools & Resources
Google Meet, WhatsApp groups, college discussion forums, local literary circles
Career Connection
Improves communication, collaboration, and critical thinking abilities, which are vital for academic presentations and team-based professional environments.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize and Deepen Knowledge- (Semester 3)
Based on chosen elective streams (e.g., Literature), extensively read beyond the syllabus, attend specialized seminars, and participate in literary festivals to master the chosen sub-field.
Tools & Resources
Specialized academic journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly, Indian Literature), literary databases, DDUGU department seminars
Career Connection
Positions you as an expert in a specific domain, highly valued in research, specialized content creation, and higher education academic roles.
Seek Internship or Project Opportunities- (Semester 3)
Actively search for internships in publishing houses, media organizations, NGOs with content needs, or educational institutions for teaching assistant roles. Participate in departmental research projects.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, Internshala, local literary magazines
Career Connection
Provides practical experience, essential industry exposure, networking opportunities, and a strong resume for future placements and career advancement.
Prepare for NET/JRF & Competitive Exams- (Semester 3)
Begin focused and systematic preparation for UGC-NET/JRF for lectureship and research. Also, consider other competitive exams like civil services where English literature is an optional subject.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, online coaching platforms, specialized study materials, DDUGU coaching cells if available
Career Connection
Essential for pursuing an academic career in Indian universities, securing research fellowships, or entering government services requiring a strong humanities background.
Advanced Stage
Execute a High-Quality Major Research Project/Thesis- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to the Major Research Project, ensuring original contribution, rigorous research methodology, and impeccable academic writing. Seek continuous feedback from supervisors and incorporate it.
Tools & Resources
DDUGU research guidelines, plagiarism checker software, academic writing workshops, library''''s interlibrary loan services
Career Connection
Demonstrates advanced research capabilities, crucial for Ph.D. admissions, high-level research roles, and adds significant weight to your academic and professional profile.
Develop Professional Communication & Presentation Skills- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in seminars, conferences, and workshops to hone public speaking and presentation skills. Practice articulating complex ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters International (if available), departmental seminars, mock presentations, professional communication courses
Career Connection
Indispensable for teaching, corporate communication, public relations, and leadership roles in any field requiring effective information dissemination and influence.
Network Strategically & Explore Career Paths- (Semester 4)
Connect with alumni, faculty, and professionals in target industries (academia, publishing, media, content). Attend career fairs and explore diverse career options aligned with an M.A. in English.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, alumni networks, DDUGU career services, informational interviews
Career Connection
Facilitates job searching, mentorship, and understanding industry expectations, leading to better placement outcomes and long-term career growth opportunities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree (B.A.) with English as a core subject or B.A. (Hons.) English from a recognized university, typically with a minimum of 45-50% marks as per university norms.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 76 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELT 101 | Linguistics and English Language Teaching | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Linguistics, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics, ELT: Approaches, Methods, and Techniques, Teaching of Grammar and Vocabulary |
| ELT 102 | Indian English Literature | Core | 4 | Origin and Development of Indian English Literature, Indian English Poetry (Tagore, Sarojini Naidu), Indian English Fiction (Mulk Raj Anand, R.K. Narayan), Indian English Drama (Girish Karnad, Mahesh Dattani), Major Trends and Themes |
| ELT 103 | British Literature: The Romantics & Victorians | Core | 4 | Romantic Poetry (Wordsworth, Coleridge, Keats, Shelley), Victorian Poetry (Tennyson, Browning, Arnold), Victorian Novel (Dickens, Eliot, Hardy), Social and Intellectual Context of the Era |
| ELT 104 | Literary Criticism and Theory I | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Neoclassical Criticism (Dryden, Johnson), Romantic Criticism (Wordsworth, Coleridge), Victorian Criticism (Matthew Arnold), Russian Formalism, New Criticism |
| MRP 101 | Minor Research Project / Dissertation I | Project | 2 | Introduction to Research Methodology, Research Question Formulation, Literature Review Basics, Academic Writing Skills, Referencing and Citation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELT 105 | English Literature: Renaissance to Restoration | Core | 4 | Elizabethan Age and Renaissance Drama (Shakespeare), Metaphysical Poets (John Donne, George Herbert), Puritan Age and John Milton, Restoration Drama (Congreve, Wycherley), Neo-Classical Age (Pope, Swift) |
| ELT 106 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Early American Literature, American Transcendentalism, American Poetry (Whitman, Frost, Dickinson), American Fiction (Melville, Faulkner, Hemingway), American Drama (O''''Neill, Miller, Williams) |
| ELT 107 | British Literature: Modern and Post-Modern | Core | 4 | Modernism and its literary manifestations, Modern Poetry (Yeats, Eliot, Auden), Modern Fiction (Woolf, Joyce, Lawrence), Post-Modernism: Characteristics and Writers, Contemporary British Literature |
| ELT 108 | Literary Criticism and Theory II | Core | 4 | Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Deconstruction and Reader-Response Theory, Feminist Literary Criticism, Post-Colonialism and Cultural Studies, New Historicism, Eco-criticism |
| MRP 102 | Minor Research Project / Dissertation II | Project | 2 | Advanced Literature Review, Research Design and Methodology, Data Collection Techniques, Ethical Considerations in Research, Pilot Study Implementation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELT 201 | New Literatures in English (Commonwealth Literature) | Core | 4 | Concept of Commonwealth Literature, African Literature (Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka), Canadian Literature (Margaret Atwood, Alice Munro), Australian Literature (Patrick White), Caribbean Literature (V.S. Naipaul, Derek Walcott) |
| ELT 202 (B) | Shakespeare: Select Studies | Elective (Literature Stream) | 4 | Shakespearean Tragedies (Hamlet, Othello), Shakespearean Comedies (As You Like It, Twelfth Night), Historical Plays and Romances, Shakespeare''''s Sonnets, Critical Approaches to Shakespeare |
| ELT 203 (B) | Women''''s Writing | Elective (Literature Stream) | 4 | Feminist Literary Theory, Women Poets and Novelists (Jane Austen, Virginia Woolf), Contemporary Women Writers (Atwood, Mahasweta Devi), Representation of Women in Literature, Gender and Sexuality in Texts |
| ELT 204 (B) | Dalit Literature | Elective (Literature Stream) | 4 | History and Evolution of Dalit Literature, Dalit Poetry and Protest Movements, Autobiographical Narratives (Omprakash Valmiki, Bama), Themes: Caste, Identity, Resistance, Critical Perspectives on Dalit Writing |
| MRP 201 | Minor Research Project / Dissertation III | Project | 2 | Data Analysis and Interpretation, Developing Argumentative Structure, Drafting Chapters of the Project, Oral Presentation of Findings, Peer Review and Feedback Integration |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELT 206 | World Literatures in English Translation | Core | 4 | Concept of World Literature, Theories and Practice of Translation, Literatures from Latin America (Marquez), Literatures from Africa (Naguib Mahfouz), Literatures from Europe and Asia, Cultural Exchange through Translation |
| ELT 207 (B) | Postcolonial Studies | Elective (Literature Stream) | 4 | Postcolonial Theory (Edward Said, Homi Bhabha), Subaltern Studies and Gayatri Spivak, Themes: Diaspora, Hybridity, Mimicry, Postcolonial Fiction (Salman Rushdie, Chinua Achebe), Nationalism and Identity in Postcolonial Context |
| ELT 208 (B) | Ecocriticism and Environmental Literature | Elective (Literature Stream) | 4 | Introduction to Ecocriticism, Nature Writing and Environmental Ethics, Literary Representations of Nature and Ecology, Environmental Justice and Literature, Anthropocene and Climate Change Narratives |
| ELT 209 (B) | Subaltern Studies and Minor Literatures | Elective (Literature Stream) | 4 | Concept of Subalternity and Marginalization, Voices from the Periphery, Tribal Literatures, Folk Traditions, Regional Language Literatures in Translation, Narratives of Resistance and Identity |
| MRP 202 | Major Research Project / Dissertation IV | Major Project | 6 | Comprehensive Thesis Writing, Advanced Data Analysis, Conclusion and Future Scope, Viva Voce Preparation, Publication Ethics and Plagiarism |
