

M-A in History at Girls Degree College, Bilgram


Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is History at Girls Degree College, Bilgram Hardoi?
This M.A. History program at Girls Degree College, Hardoi, focuses on a comprehensive understanding of Indian and World History, incorporating socio-economic, political, and cultural aspects. Aligned with NEP 2020 and prescribed by CSJMU, it emphasizes critical thinking and research skills, crucial for deciphering India''''s rich past and its global interactions. The program differentiates itself by providing a robust foundation for academic and research pursuits within the Indian historical landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history graduates seeking to deepen their academic knowledge or those aiming for careers in research, teaching, archaeology, or archival management. It also suits individuals with a keen interest in historical inquiry from diverse academic backgrounds who wish to contribute to the preservation and interpretation of India''''s cultural heritage. Fresh graduates and aspiring civil servants will find the analytical skills particularly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can pursue careers as historians, archivists, museum curators, educators, or researchers in government and private organizations. Salary ranges typically begin from INR 3-5 LPA for entry-level roles, growing significantly with experience in academic or research institutions. The program also provides excellent preparation for competitive examinations like UPSC and PCS, and for advanced degrees like M.Phil. and Ph.D.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Historiography and Research Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding different historical schools of thought, research methods, and source criticism. Actively participate in discussions, read extensively beyond prescribed texts, and practice writing critical essays to build a strong theoretical foundation.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, JSTOR for academic articles, Online repositories like the National Archives of India
Career Connection
This practice is essential for building analytical foundations required for advanced research, academic writing, and success in competitive examinations.
Engage with Primary Sources- (Semester 1-2)
Seek opportunities to visit local libraries, archives, or museums in Uttar Pradesh to get hands-on experience with primary historical documents and artifacts. Understand their context, limitations, and learn how to extract information.
Tools & Resources
Local and university libraries, Uttar Pradesh State Archives, Digital archives like India Culture Portal
Career Connection
Develops crucial skills vital for archival work, museum curation, and historical research, making you job-ready for heritage roles.
Develop Strong Academic Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice structuring arguments, citing sources correctly using established styles (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style), and writing concise, analytical papers. Regularly seek feedback from professors and peers to refine your writing.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly for grammar and style checks, University writing guides, Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Crucial for publishing research, writing reports in government jobs (like civil services), and excelling in higher education pursuits.
Intermediate Stage
Advanced Stage
Specialize through Electives and Research Project- (Semester 3-4)
Carefully choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) in Semesters 3 and 4 that align with your career interests (e.g., cultural heritage, science & technology, specific regions). Dedicate significant effort to the compulsory dissertation/project work in Semester 4, making it a high-quality original research piece.
Tools & Resources
Consult professors for guidance on DSE selection and dissertation topics, Utilize specialized databases and archives (online and physical)
Career Connection
Deepens your expertise, creates a portfolio of original research, and is crucial for academic careers or specialized roles in historical research and heritage management.
Network and Explore Career Opportunities- (Semester 3-4)
Actively attend history department events, seminars, and workshops. Connect with alumni and professionals in fields like archaeology, museology, teaching, and civil services. Proactively explore job postings for relevant government and private sector roles.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, University career services (if available), Professional historical associations in India
Career Connection
Builds valuable contacts for internships, job referrals, and mentorship, significantly easing the transition into the professional world after graduation.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations or Higher Studies- (Semester 3-4)
If aspiring for civil services (UPSC, UPPSC), teaching (UGC NET/SLET), or a Ph.D., start dedicated preparation during your second year. Focus on general knowledge, current affairs, and in-depth historical analysis specific to the exam pattern.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes (if desired), Previous year question papers, Government publications like NCERT for civil services, University research guides
Career Connection
Directly targets and enhances your chances of success in highly competitive government jobs, academic positions, and advanced academic pursuits.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Graduation in relevant subject (History preferred) with minimum 45% marks or as per University/UGC norms (as per CSJMU general admission criteria)
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-101 | Historiography, Concepts, Methods & Tools of History | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of History, Causation and Objectivity in History, Schools of Historical Thought, Source Criticism and Archives, Oral History and Digital History |
| CC-102 | Ancient Indian Social & Economic History (C. 600 B.C. to 1200 A.D.) | Core | 6 | Social Stratification (Varna, Jati), Family, Marriage and Status of Women, Land Systems and Agricultural Economy, Trade, Commerce and Urbanisation, Guilds and Forms of Labour |
| CC-103 | Medieval Indian Social & Economic History (C. 1200 A.D. to 1750 A.D.) | Core | 6 | Social Structure and Stratification, Rural Economy and Land Revenue System, Trade, Markets and Urbanization, Craft Production and Technology, Famines, Prices and Banking |
| DSE-101 | History of Indian Culture (C. 600 B.C. to 1200 A.D.) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Religious Developments (Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism), Art and Architecture (Stupas, Rock-Cut Caves, Temples), Education and Literature (Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit), Science and Technology, Foreign Influences on Indian Culture |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-201 | History of Modern India (C. 1750-1857 A.D.) | Core | 6 | Decline of Mughal Empire and Rise of Regional Powers, British Expansion and Consolidation, Economic Impact of Colonial Rule, Administrative, Judicial and Educational Policies, Social and Religious Reform Movements |
| CC-202 | History of Modern India (C. 1857-1964 A.D.) | Core | 6 | Revolt of 1857 and its Impact, Rise of Indian Nationalism, Gandhian Movements and Mass Mobilisation, Partition of India and Independence, Integration of Princely States and Nehruvian Era |
| CC-203 | History of Uttar Pradesh (C. 1750-1964 A.D.) | Core | 6 | Nawabs of Awadh and British Intervention, Social and Economic Conditions in Colonial UP, 1857 Revolt in UP and Peasant Movements, Nationalist Movement and Political Awakening in UP, Post-Independence Socio-Political Developments in UP |
| DSE-201 | History of Indian Culture (C. 1200 A.D. to 1750 A.D.) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Bhakti and Sufi Movements, Synthesis of Islamic and Indian Traditions, Art and Architecture (Delhi Sultanate, Mughal), Development of Regional Languages and Literature, Music, Dance and Performing Arts |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-301 | Contemporary World History (C. 1914-1945 A.D.) | Core | 6 | Causes and Consequences of World War I, Russian Revolutions and Rise of Communism, Rise of Fascism and Nazism, Great Depression and its Global Impact, World War II and its Aftermath |
| CC-302 | Contemporary World History (C. 1945-2000 A.D.) | Core | 6 | Cold War and Bipolar World Order, Decolonization and Rise of Third World, United Nations and International Organizations, Non-Aligned Movement, Globalization and New World Order |
| CC-303 | History of Indian National Movement (C. 1885-1947 A.D.) | Core | 6 | Rise of Indian Nationalism (Moderates, Extremists), Gandhian Era and Mass Movements, Constitutional Developments (Morley-Minto, Montagu-Chelmsford), Communalism and Partition, Transfer of Power and Independence |
| DSE-301 | History of Science & Technology in India (Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Ancient Indian Contributions (Astronomy, Medicine), Medieval Developments in Science and Technology, Impact of Colonial Rule on Science, Science and Technology in Post-Independence India, Traditional Knowledge Systems |
| DSE-302 | History of Tourism (Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Evolution of Travel and Tourism, Religious and Cultural Tourism in India, Colonial Tourism and Heritage Sites, Impact of Tourism on Society and Economy, Sustainable Tourism Practices |
| DSE-303 | Cultural Heritage of India (Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Concept and Significance of Heritage, Tangible and Intangible Heritage of India, Protection and Preservation of Heritage Sites, UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, Role of Museums and Archives in Heritage Management |
| DSE-304 | Archives and Records Management (Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Introduction to Archival Science, Types of Records and Archival Holdings, Preservation and Conservation Techniques, Digital Archiving and Information Retrieval, Ethics and Legal Aspects of Archives |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-401 | Research Methodology | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Historical Research, Sources of History and Source Criticism, Data Collection and Field Work, Hypothesis Formulation and Research Design, Report Writing and Dissertation Preparation |
| CC-402 | Dissertation/Project Work/Field Work | Core | 6 | Identification of Research Problem, Literature Review and Data Analysis, Chapterization and Argument Construction, Writing and Presentation of Dissertation, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| DSE-401 | History of Modern China (1900-1949) (Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Collapse of Qing Dynasty, Rise of Nationalism and Communism, May Fourth Movement, Sino-Japanese War, Establishment of PRC |
| DSE-402 | History of Modern Japan (1868-1945) (Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Meiji Restoration and Modernization, Rise of Japanese Imperialism, Taisho Democracy, Militarism and Ultra-nationalism, Japan in World War II |
| DSE-403 | Economic History of Modern India (1757-1947) (Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | De-industrialization and Land Settlements, Commercialization of Agriculture, Famines and Poverty, Growth of Modern Industry, Drain of Wealth Theory |
| DSE-404 | History of Gender in India (Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Gender in Ancient and Medieval India, Colonialism and Gender Relations, Women''''s Movements in India, Gender and Nationalist Politics, Gender, Labour and Education |
| DSE-405 | Environmental History of India (Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Human-Environment Interaction in Ancient India, Colonial Impact on Forests and Resources, Environmental Movements in India, Urbanization and Ecological Change, Climate Change and Historical Perspectives |
| DSE-406 | Oral History (Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Introduction to Oral History, Methodology of Oral History Interviews, Ethics and Legal Issues in Oral History, Transcription and Archiving Oral Narratives, Interpretation of Oral Sources |
| DSE-407 | History of Historical Writings in India (Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Ancient and Medieval Historical Traditions, Colonial Historiography, Nationalist Historiography, Subaltern Studies and Post-Colonial Approaches, Marxist and Feminist Historiography |
| DSE-408 | History of North-East India (Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Ancient Kingdoms of North-East, Colonial Expansion and Administration, Tribal Societies and Cultural Diversity, Integration with Indian Union, Insurgency and Peace Processes |
| DSE-409 | History of South-East Asia (Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Pre-Colonial Societies and Kingdoms, European Colonialism in South-East Asia, Rise of Nationalism and Anti-Colonial Movements, Decolonization and Post-War Developments, Regional Cooperation (ASEAN) |
| DSE-410 | History of Indian Diaspora (Elective Option) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Ancient and Medieval Migrations from India, Indentured Labour Migration (19th Century), Indian Diaspora in various Regions (Africa, Caribbean), Challenges and Contributions of Diaspora Communities, Impact of Globalisation on Diaspora |




