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MA in English at Government Women's College, Gulzarbagh, Patna
Patna, Bihar
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About the Specialization
What is English at Government Women's College, Gulzarbagh, Patna Patna?
This MA English program at Government Women''''s College, Patna, affiliated to Patliputra University, offers a comprehensive exploration of English literature, critical theories, and linguistic applications. It prepares students for diverse intellectual challenges and career paths by fostering deep analytical and interpretive skills. The curriculum is designed to meet the evolving demands of academia, media, and the broader communication industry in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for English literature graduates aspiring to careers in teaching, academic research, content development, or civil services. It also suits working professionals looking to enhance their analytical and communication proficiencies for career advancement. Individuals seeking to transition into roles like journalism, public relations, or technical writing will also find this specialization beneficial, provided they possess strong foundational English skills.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure roles as Assistant Professors, content writers, editors, journalists, or pursue competitive examinations like UGC NET/JRF and UPSC. Entry-level salaries in content and teaching roles typically range from INR 2.5-4 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 6-10+ LPA. The program significantly enhances critical thinking, research acumen, and a global literary perspective, which are highly valued in India''''s dynamic job market.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Literary Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing a deep understanding of major literary periods, authors, and critical terms. Engage in extensive reading beyond prescribed texts, including literary criticism and historical context. Actively participate in classroom discussions to refine analytical and interpretive skills, forming a solid base for advanced studies.
Tools & Resources
Literary encyclopedias, Project Gutenberg for classic texts, Academic journals like JSTOR (accessible via university library), Peer study groups for collaborative learning
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for excelling in competitive exams like UGC NET/JRF, pursuing higher research, and securing content development or academic roles requiring broad literary knowledge.
Master Academic Writing & Research Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to understanding and applying principles of academic writing, ethical research practices, and various citation styles (MLA/APA). Regularly practice writing critical essays and short research papers, seeking constructive feedback from professors to refine your scholarly voice.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), Grammarly for proofreading, Zotero or Mendeley for citation management, University library guides on research methodology
Career Connection
Proficiency in academic writing and research is essential for all professional fields, including research, content creation, journalism, and any role demanding structured communication and credible information handling.
Enhance English Language & Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively work on improving spoken and written English proficiency beyond academic texts. Participate in debates, presentations, and group discussions to build confidence. Read English newspapers and magazines, and watch English news/documentaries to broaden vocabulary and general awareness of current affairs.
Tools & Resources
Local Toastmasters clubs (if available), Reputable English newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), BBC Learning English website, Online vocabulary building apps
Career Connection
Strong communication skills are universally valued, critical for placement interviews, public speaking, teaching roles, media positions, and effective workplace interaction across various industries in India.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Literary Theory & Critical Approaches- (Semester 3-4)
Dive deep into various literary theories such as feminist, post-colonial, Marxist, and psychoanalytic criticism. Apply these theoretical frameworks to analyze literary texts from multiple perspectives, expanding beyond surface-level interpretation. Actively participate in seminars and workshops focusing on critical theory.
Tools & Resources
Key theoretical texts by major critics, Online academic databases (JSTOR, Project MUSE), Literary journals and university library resources
Career Connection
Develops advanced analytical and critical thinking, highly valued in research, academic, and even policy analysis roles. This skill is crucial for understanding and addressing complex socio-cultural issues in the Indian context.
Pursue Internships or Project-Based Learning- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek internships during semester breaks in relevant sectors like publishing houses, content creation agencies, media organizations, NGOs, or educational institutions. Alternatively, undertake a self-driven research project under faculty guidance to gain practical research experience and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, Online internship portals like Internshala, LinkedIn, Faculty networks for potential opportunities, Industry contacts and professional events
Career Connection
Provides invaluable practical exposure, helps in building a professional network, and significantly enhances your resume for placements. It directly links academic learning to tangible industry applications.
Prepare for National Eligibility Test (NET/JRF)- (Semester 3-4)
Begin focused and systematic preparation for the UGC NET/JRF examination, which is a crucial gateway for academic careers in India. Join study groups, consistently solve previous year''''s question papers, and consider enrolling in specialized coaching classes if feasible. Align your MA course study with the NET syllabus.
Tools & Resources
NTA NET official website, Previous year question papers and solution guides, Subject-specific guidebooks and reference materials, Online coaching platforms and peer study groups
Career Connection
Clearing NET/JRF is a mandatory requirement for Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and colleges. Success in JRF also provides a research fellowship for pursuing a PhD, boosting your academic trajectory.
Advanced Stage
Develop a Strong Research Portfolio/Dissertation- (Semester 3-4)
For students undertaking a dissertation or project, focus on conducting rigorous, original research, producing insightful analysis, and writing a high-quality thesis. For others, meticulously compile a portfolio of your best academic papers, presentations, and any published works to showcase your intellectual capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (Shodhganga, Google Scholar), Citation management tools, University library resources and research guides, Regular consultations with faculty mentors
Career Connection
A strong research output is vital for PhD applications, research positions, and demonstrates advanced analytical and writing capabilities to prospective employers in diverse sectors.
Refine Interview & Presentation Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in mock interviews and group discussions organized by the college''''s career counseling cell. Prepare concise, well-articulated answers for common HR and subject-specific questions. Practice delivering academic presentations confidently, focusing on clarity, structure, and engaging delivery.
Tools & Resources
College career services and workshops, Online interview preparation guides and resources, Peer feedback sessions and self-assessment via video recording
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for placement interviews in various industries, academic job interviews for teaching positions, and effective communication in professional settings.
Explore Career Pathways & Networking- (Semester 3-4)
Actively network with alumni, professors, and professionals in your target industries (publishing, media, content, teaching, civil services). Attend career fairs, industry workshops, and seminars. Research specific job roles and required skill sets to strategically tailor your applications and align your career goals with market demands.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, Alumni association events and mentorship programs, College career counseling services, Industry-specific online forums and news portals
Career Connection
Opens doors to potential job opportunities, provides invaluable insights into industry trends and expectations, and assists in strategic career planning and informed decision-making for post-graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English or Bachelor of Arts with English as a subsidiary/optional subject from a recognized university, with a minimum percentage (typically 45-50%) as per Patliputra University regulations.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 80 (typically 20 credits per semester) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGMAENGCC101 | ELT (English Language Teaching) & Applied Linguistics | Core | 5 | Language teaching methodologies, Linguistics fundamentals, Phonetics and Phonology, Grammar and Syntax, Error Analysis |
| PGMAENGCC102 | Old & Middle English Literature | Core | 5 | Anglo-Saxon period, Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon poetry, Geoffrey Chaucer and The Canterbury Tales, Medieval drama and morality plays, Middle English romance |
| PGMAENGCC103 | Restoration & 18th Century Literature | Core | 5 | Neoclassicism and Enlightenment, John Dryden and Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift and satire, Rise of the Novel (Defoe, Richardson, Fielding), Sentimental comedy and drama |
| PGMAENGCC104 | Research Methodology | Core | 5 | Introduction to Research, Types of Research, Data Collection Methods, Academic Writing and Referencing, Report Writing and Presentation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGMAENGCC201 | Shakespeare | Core | 5 | Shakespearean tragedies (Hamlet, Macbeth), Shakespearean comedies (A Midsummer Night''''s Dream), Historical plays, Sonnets and Poetic Style, Elizabethan theatre and dramatic conventions |
| PGMAENGCC202 | Romantic Literature | Core | 5 | Romanticism: themes and characteristics, William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Percy Bysshe Shelley and John Keats, William Blake and early Romantics, Nature, Imagination, and Emotion in Romantic poetry |
| PGMAENGCC203 | Victorian Literature | Core | 5 | Victorian Age: context and characteristics, Alfred, Lord Tennyson and Robert Browning, Charles Dickens and Victorian novel, George Eliot and social realism, Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood |
| PGMAENGCC204 | Indian Writing in English | Core | 5 | Pioneers of Indian English Literature, Major Indian Novelists (R.K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand), Indian English Poetry (Tagore, Sarojini Naidu), Post-colonial perspectives and diaspora writing, Themes of identity, partition, and cultural conflict |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGMAENGCC301 | Modernism (20th Century Literature up to 1950s) | Core | 5 | Modernist movement: characteristics and influences, T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound, James Joyce and Virginia Woolf, W.B. Yeats and Modernist poetry, Stream of consciousness and experimentation |
| PGMAENGCC302 | Literary Theory & Criticism (Part 1) | Core | 5 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Romantic Criticism, Russian Formalism, New Criticism, Structuralism and Deconstruction |
| PGMAENGEC303 | Elective: American Literature OR Women''''s Writing | Elective | 5 | American Literature: Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Mark Twain, Transcendentalism, Women''''s Writing: Feminist Literary Theory, Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Plath, Margaret Atwood, Indian women writers |
| PGMAENGEC304 | Elective: Post-Colonial Literature OR Dalit Literature | Elective | 5 | Post-Colonial Literature: Edward Said, Frantz Fanon, Homi Bhabha, Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiong''''o, Dalit Literature: Dalit autobiography, Poetry, Fiction, Social justice themes, Protest literature |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGMAENGCC401 | Contemporary Literature (Post 1950s) | Core | 5 | Postmodernism and its characteristics, Absurdist Theatre (Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter), Magic Realism (Gabriel Garcia Marquez), Contemporary fiction (J.D. Salinger, Toni Morrison), Contemporary Indian writing |
| PGMAENGCC402 | Literary Theory & Criticism (Part 2) | Core | 5 | Post-Structuralism, Psychoanalytic Criticism (Freud, Lacan), Feminist Criticism, Marxist Criticism, Cultural Studies and Eco-criticism |
| PGMAENGEC403 | Elective: Comparative Literature OR Film & Media Studies | Elective | 5 | Comparative Literature: Methods, Translation Studies, World Literature, Interdisciplinary approaches, Film & Media Studies: Film Theory, Narrative Structures in Film, Media Literacy, Indian Cinema |
| PGMAENGPR404 | Project / Dissertation / Grand Viva | Project/Viva | 5 | Research Proposal Development, Literature Review and Methodology, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis/Dissertation Writing, Oral Presentation and Defense |
