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M-A in History at Government College for Women, Hisar
Hisar, Haryana
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About the Specialization
What is History at Government College for Women, Hisar Hisar?
This M.A. History program at Government College for Women, Hisar, affiliated with MDU, focuses on developing a critical understanding of Indian and world history through diverse perspectives. It emphasizes historiography, economic, political, social, and cultural evolution, preparing students for research and academic pursuits. The program aims to foster analytical skills essential for comprehending India''''s rich past and its contemporary relevance.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history graduates seeking in-depth knowledge and aspiring to careers in teaching, research, archives, or museums. It caters to individuals passionate about historical inquiry, critical thinking, and interpreting past events. Fresh graduates looking for a strong academic foundation for further studies like Ph.D. or those interested in public service examinations benefit significantly.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths including academic positions in colleges/universities, roles in government archives, museum curators, heritage managers, and researchers in think tanks. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential in specialized fields. The program also strengthens analytical skills crucial for UPSC/HPSC civil services examinations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Historiography and Ancient Indian History- (Semester 1)
Focus on understanding diverse historical methods, theories, and primary/secondary source analysis. Engage deeply with early Indian social structures and political histories.
Tools & Resources
MDU Library, JSTOR, Archive.org, NCERT textbooks for foundational context, peer study groups focusing on historiographical debates
Career Connection
Crucial for building a robust academic base, essential for research, advanced academic writing, and competitive examinations.
Develop Critical Reading and Analytical Note-Taking- (Semester 1)
Systematically read historical texts, identifying arguments, evidence, and authorial biases. Practice efficient note-taking (e.g., digital tools like Notion, EverNote) to synthesize complex information for clarity and recall.
Tools & Resources
Online academic writing guides, historical methodology books, reading groups, digital note-taking applications
Career Connection
Enhances research efficiency, academic writing quality, and analytical skills, valuable for any intellectual profession.
Engage in Active Academic Discussions- (Semester 1)
Participate actively in classroom discussions and departmental seminars. Form study circles to critically debate historical interpretations, enhancing verbal communication and collaborative learning skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, college debating clubs, online academic forums, MDU History department faculty discussions
Career Connection
Improves public speaking, argumentation, and collaborative problem-solving, skills sought in academia, journalism, and public relations.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Thematic Research and Source Analysis- (Semester 2-3)
Apply learned methodologies to conduct focused research on specific themes within economic, political, and cultural history of India. Gain hands-on experience by identifying, evaluating, and using diverse historical sources.
Tools & Resources
MDU Library''''s special collections, local archives, district gazetteers, oral history collection initiatives, faculty guidance on research topics
Career Connection
Builds practical research skills, essential for archival work, heritage management, and preparation for Ph.D. level studies and public service roles.
Explore Interdisciplinary Historical Perspectives- (Semester 2-3)
Broaden your historical understanding by exploring connections with allied social sciences like sociology, political science, and economics. Attend workshops or lectures beyond the history department.
Tools & Resources
Inter-departmental seminars, online learning platforms (e.g., NPTEL, Swayam) for related courses, relevant academic journals covering interdisciplinary studies
Career Connection
Enhances comprehensive problem-solving abilities, opens pathways to careers in policy analysis, social research, and development studies, enriching historical interpretation.
Participate in Historical Conferences/Workshops- (Semester 2-3)
Attend and potentially present papers at college-level or regional history conferences and workshops. This provides exposure to current research trends and networking opportunities with fellow historians and academics.
Tools & Resources
College notice boards for event announcements, MDU''''s academic calendar, Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) events, faculty recommendations
Career Connection
Builds confidence in academic presentation, fosters networking, and demonstrates proactive engagement, crucial for future academic or research positions.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation/Project Work- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your dissertation or project work. Conduct rigorous research, structure your arguments logically, and write a compelling historical narrative. Seek regular feedback from your supervisor.
Tools & Resources
MDU''''s research ethics guidelines, citation management software (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley), advanced academic writing workshops, one-on-one faculty mentorship
Career Connection
The dissertation is a cornerstone for demonstrating research capability, a key requirement for Ph.D. admissions, research assistantships, and specialist roles.
Intensive Preparation for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 4)
Intensify preparation for national competitive examinations such as UGC NET/JRF, UPSC Civil Services, and State PSC exams. Focus on subject-specific knowledge, general studies, and current affairs relevant to historical contexts.
Tools & Resources
Comprehensive study materials, online test series, MDU''''s career counseling and placement cell, alumni networks for guidance, mock interviews
Career Connection
Directly prepares you for high-demand careers in academia (Assistant Professor), government administration, and research institutions across India.
Develop Professional Networking and Mentorship- (Semester 4)
Actively build a professional network by connecting with faculty, alumni, and scholars in the field. Seek out mentors who can offer career guidance, internship opportunities, and insights into the historical profession.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, departmental alumni meetups, academic conferences, MDU''''s professional development workshops, direct outreach to scholars
Career Connection
Opens doors to internship opportunities, research collaborations, job referrals, and sustained career guidance, significantly impacting long-term career success in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. (Hons.) History / B.A. with History as one of the subjects having 45% marks in aggregate or any other examination recognized as equivalent thereto.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22HIS2101 | History of Ideas and Historiography | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of History, Objectivity and Subjectivity, Philosophical Foundations, Ancient Indian Historiography, Greek and Roman Historical Writings, Medieval Arab and Persian Historiography |
| 22HIS2102 | Political and Administrative History of India (C. 1200-1707 A.D.) | Core | 6 | Foundation of Delhi Sultanate, Delhi Sultanate Administrative System, Mongol Invasions, Mughal Empire Foundation, Mughal Administration, Decline of Mughal Empire |
| 22HIS2103 | Political and Administrative History of India (C. 1707-1950 A.D.) | Core | 6 | Decline of Mughal Empire, Rise of Regional Powers, British Conquest and Expansion, Colonial Administration, Indian National Movement, Partition and Independence |
| 22HIS2104 | Evolution of Social Structures in Ancient India | Core | 6 | Sources for Social History, Pre-Vedic and Vedic Society, Varna System, Family and Marriage, Status of Women, Education System |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22HIS2201 | Economic History of India (C. 1200-1707 A.D.) | Core | 6 | Agrarian Economy, Land Revenue System, Trade and Commerce, Urbanization, Currency System, Guilds and Craft Production |
| 22HIS2202 | Economic History of India (C. 1707-1950 A.D.) | Core | 6 | Agrarian Policies, Commercialization of Agriculture, De-industrialization, Growth of Modern Industry, Trade and Railways, Economic Impact of Colonialism |
| 22HIS2203 | Cultural History of India (C. 1200-1707 A.D.) | Core | 6 | Sufism, Bhakti Movement, Islam in India, Syncretic Culture, Mughal Architecture, Painting and Music |
| 22HIS2204 | Cultural History of India (C. 1707-1950 A.D.) | Core | 6 | Socio-Religious Reform Movements, Rise of New Literary Forms, Art and Architecture, Education and Orientalism, Print Culture, Modern Indian Theatre |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22HIS2301 | State in India (Ancient & Medieval Period) | Core | 6 | Origin of State, Mauryan State, Gupta Administration, Chola State, Delhi Sultanate State, Mughal State |
| 22HIS2302 | Modern World (C. 1453-1945 A.D.) | Core | 6 | Renaissance and Reformation, Age of Discovery, Rise of Nation States, Industrial Revolution, World Wars, Cold War Origins |
| 22HIS2303 | History of Modern Haryana (C. 1803-2000 A.D.) | Core | 6 | British Rule in Haryana, Social and Religious Movements, Revolt of 1857 in Haryana, Agrarian Unrest, Formation of Haryana, Socio-Economic Development |
| 22HIS2304 | History of Indian Freedom Movement (C. 1857-1947 A.D.) | Elective | 6 | Revolt of 1857, Rise of Indian Nationalism, Moderates and Extremists, Gandhian Era, Revolutionary Movements, Partition and Independence |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22HIS2401 | India’s Foreign Policy (Post 1947 A.D.) | Core | 6 | Nehruvian Foreign Policy, Non-Aligned Movement, India-Pakistan Relations, India-China Relations, India and Superpowers, Economic Diplomacy |
| 22HIS2402 | Environmental History of India | Core | 6 | Human-Nature Interaction, Forests and Wildlife, Water Resources, Urban Environment, Environmental Movements, Climate Change and Policy |
| 22HIS2403 | Contemporary World (C. 1945-2000 A.D.) | Elective | 6 | Cold War, Decolonization, Globalization, Rise of Asia, International Organizations, Human Rights |
| 22HIS2404 | Dissertation/Project Work | Project | 6 | Research Methodology, Literature Review, Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing, Presentation |
