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MA in History at Don Bosco College, Maram
Senapati, Manipur
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About the Specialization
What is History at Don Bosco College, Maram Senapati?
This MA History program at Don Bosco College, Maram, affiliated with Manipur University, offers a comprehensive study of historical processes, theories, and methodologies. It places significant emphasis on Indian history, alongside global and specific North-East Indian historical contexts. The program fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing students for advanced research and academic careers in India''''s dynamic cultural and educational sectors, meeting the demand for historical expertise in diverse fields.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history enthusiasts, fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in History or a related social science, and aspiring researchers or educators. It also suits individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of India''''s rich past and its global connections. Professionals in cultural organizations, museums, or NGOs looking to enhance their historical knowledge and analytical capabilities will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can pursue diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archivists, museum curators, heritage managers, researchers, and educators in colleges and universities. Opportunities also exist in government agencies, publishing, and policy analysis. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience, especially in academia or specialized research. The program also lays a strong foundation for UGC NET/JRF and PhD aspirations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Historiographical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding core historiographical theories and research methodologies taught in the initial semesters. Actively participate in class discussions and write analytical essays contrasting different historical schools of thought to build a strong theoretical base for advanced studies.
Tools & Resources
Key historiography texts (e.g., E.H. Carr''''s ''''What is History?''''), Academic journals like Economic and Political Weekly, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is crucial for advanced research, M.Phil/PhD applications, and becoming a well-rounded historian or academic, enabling critical analysis in any historical role.
Develop Critical Reading and Note-Taking Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice active reading of primary and secondary historical sources, focusing on identifying arguments, evidence, and biases. Develop an efficient note-taking system (e.g., Cornell Notes, Zettelkasten) to organize complex historical information for future reference, research papers, and examinations.
Tools & Resources
Academic style guides, University library resources, Digital note-taking apps (Evernote, Notion)
Career Connection
Essential for academic success, research projects, and any professional role requiring extensive reading, analytical synthesis of information, and effective knowledge management, such as a research analyst.
Engage with Regional History and Culture- (Semester 1-2)
Leverage the program''''s focus on North-East Indian history by exploring local historical sites, museums, and archives in Manipur. Attend local history lectures and cultural events to gain practical context and connect theoretical knowledge with the region''''s rich historical and cultural landscape.
Tools & Resources
Manipur State Archives, Manipur State Museum, Local cultural organizations, University history department events
Career Connection
Builds specialized knowledge valuable for roles in cultural heritage management, tourism, regional research, and local government, offering unique insights for specific job markets in India.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize through Elective Choices and Research- (Semester 3-4)
Carefully choose elective courses that align with your research interests and career aspirations (e.g., Oral History, Environmental History). Begin formulating potential research questions for your dissertation or project based on these specializations and consult regularly with faculty advisors to refine your focus.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentorship, Specialized academic journals, Research databases (JSTOR, Project MUSE), University research ethics guidelines
Career Connection
Helps in building a niche expertise, crucial for advanced academic pursuits, specialized research positions, and distinguishing oneself in India''''s competitive academic and cultural heritage job markets.
Participate in Seminars and Conferences- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek opportunities to present your research findings (even preliminary ones) at departmental seminars, inter-college competitions, or regional history conferences. This enhances presentation skills, academic networking, and allows for receiving constructive feedback from peers and senior academics.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notices for events, Academic conference listings, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), Peer feedback sessions
Career Connection
Develops crucial public speaking and academic networking skills, essential for careers in academia, policy analysis, public history, and any role requiring effective communication of complex ideas.
Pursue Archival and Fieldwork Experience- (Semester 3-4)
Seek opportunities for short-term internships or volunteer work at archives, museums, or cultural institutions. This hands-on experience in source collection, preservation, and interpretation is invaluable for practical application of historical research methods and understanding the real-world aspects of historical work.
Tools & Resources
Local and national archives (e.g., National Archives of India), Museum internships, NGO collaborations focusing on heritage
Career Connection
Provides practical skills directly applicable to roles as archivists, curators, research assistants, and heritage consultants, which are in demand in India''''s vast cultural sector.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Dissertation/Project Work- (Semester 3-4)
Focus intensely on your MA dissertation or research project, applying all learned methodologies to produce original historical scholarship. Regularly meet with your supervisor, adhere to deadlines, and aim for a high-quality, impactful contribution to your chosen field of history, demonstrating independent research capability.
Tools & Resources
Research supervisor, Academic writing centers, Citation management software (Zotero, Mendeley), University library resources
Career Connection
The dissertation is a capstone project showcasing advanced research capabilities, critical thinking, and independent work, crucial for PhD applications and advanced research roles in India and globally.
Prepare for NET/JRF and PhD Applications- (Semester 3-4)
Begin rigorous preparation for national-level examinations like UGC NET/JRF if aspiring for academic careers or PhD admissions. Practice previous year question papers, attend coaching if necessary, and meticulously prepare a strong statement of purpose for PhD applications, highlighting your research interests.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/JRF study materials, Previous year papers, Online coaching platforms, University career services for statement of purpose review
Career Connection
Directly impacts eligibility for Assistant Professor positions and Junior Research Fellowships, opening doors to academia and funded research opportunities across Indian universities and institutions.
Build Professional Network and Portfolio- (Semester 3-4)
Network with established historians, academics, and professionals in heritage/archival sectors through workshops and events. Develop a professional online presence (e.g., LinkedIn) showcasing your research, presentations, and skills. Attend job fairs or career workshops relevant to humanities graduates.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Academic social networks, University alumni network, Career guidance cells
Career Connection
Facilitates job placements, collaborative opportunities, and mentorship in various professional historical domains, from academia to cultural organizations and public history initiatives in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-101 | Historiography: Theory and Methods | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of History, Objectivity and Bias in History, Historical Causation and Interpretation, History as a Discipline, Major Trends in History Writing |
| CC-102 | Ancient Indian Social Formations | Core | 4 | Sources for Ancient Indian History, Harappan Civilization Society, Vedic and Later Vedic Society, Social Structures in Mahajanapadas, Social Life under Mauryas and Guptas |
| CC-103 | Evolution of Political Ideas in India (Ancient to Early Medieval) | Core | 4 | Origin and Nature of State in Ancient India, Vedic Polity and Republics, Mauryan State and Administration, Gupta Polity and Feudalism, Post-Gupta Political Structures |
| CC-104 | History of North-East India (Up to 1826) | Core | 4 | Sources for North-East Indian History, Early Settlements and Cultures, Major Pre-colonial Polities (Manipur, Assam), Tribal Polities and Integration, Anglo-Burmese Relations and First War |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-201 | Historical Interpretation and Critical Thinking | Core | 4 | Philosophy of History, Post-modernism and History, Subaltern Studies and Gender History, Marxist and Annales School, Public History and Memory |
| CC-202 | Indian Political Formations (Early Medieval to Modern) | Core | 4 | Political Systems of Delhi Sultanate, Mughal State and Administration, Maratha Polity and Expansion, Vijayanagara and Bahmani Kingdoms, Rise of Colonial Power and State |
| CC-203 | Indian Economic Formations (Early Medieval to Modern) | Core | 4 | Agrarian Structure and Land Revenue, Trade, Commerce, and Urbanization, Indian Ocean Trade, Handicrafts and Rural Industries, Colonial Economic Exploitation |
| CC-204 | Modern History of North-East India (1826-1947) | Core | 4 | British Annexation and Administration, Land Revenue and Economic Changes, Resistance Movements in the Region, Missionary Activities and Education, Integration into Indian Union |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-301 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Research Design and Problem Formulation, Sources of Historical Data, Quantitative and Qualitative Methods, Archival Research and Oral History, Thesis Writing and Documentation |
| CC-302 | History of Modern World (15th - 18th Century) | Core | 4 | Renaissance and Reformation, Age of Exploration and Discoveries, Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, Rise of Nation-States and Absolutism, Impact of European Expansion |
| EC-303 (Option 1) | History of Science, Technology and Medicine in India | Elective | 4 | Ancient Indian Contributions to Science, Medieval Innovations and Transmission, Colonial Impact on Indigenous Knowledge, Medicine and Public Health History, Science and Technology in Post-Colonial India |
| EC-304 (Option 1) | History of Education in Modern India | Elective | 4 | Indigenous Education Systems, Colonial Educational Policies, Growth of Modern Education, Nationalist Education Movements, Post-Independence Educational Reforms |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-401 | Contemporary History of the World (20th Century) | Core | 4 | World Wars and Inter-war Period, Cold War and Decolonization, Rise of New Global Powers, Globalization and its Impact, Human Rights and Regional Conflicts |
| CC-402 | Contemporary History of India (Since 1947) | Core | 4 | Partition and Nation Building, Economic Planning and Reforms, Foreign Policy and Non-Alignment, Social Movements and Identities, Liberalization and Globalization in India |
| EC-403 (Option 1) | Oral History | Elective | 4 | Theory and Methodology of Oral History, Interview Techniques and Ethics, Memory, Testimony, and Subjectivity, Oral Traditions and Folk Narratives, Role in Contemporary Historical Research |
| EC-404 (Option 1) | History of Art and Architecture in India | Elective | 4 | Harappan and Vedic Art Forms, Buddhist and Jain Art and Architecture, Temple Architecture (North and South India), Mughal and Regional Sultanate Art, Colonial and Modern Indian Art |
