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MA in Urdu at Gujarat University
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is Urdu at Gujarat University Ahmedabad?
This MA Urdu program at Gujarat University focuses on an in-depth exploration of Urdu language, literature, and culture. It covers classical and modern poetry and prose, literary criticism, linguistics, and the rich history of Urdu. The program aims to cultivate advanced literary comprehension and critical analysis skills, preparing students for diverse roles within the Indian literary and academic landscape and promoting a deeper understanding of this rich cultural heritage.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for graduates in Arts, especially those with an undergraduate background in Urdu or related languages, seeking to deepen their academic and critical understanding of Urdu literature. It also caters to aspiring researchers, educators, journalists, and cultural enthusiasts who wish to contribute to the preservation and promotion of Urdu''''s unique heritage in India, serving various sectors.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as lecturers, researchers, journalists, content writers, translators, and cultural officers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience in specialized fields. Opportunities exist in academia, media houses, publishing, government cultural departments, and NGOs dedicated to language promotion and preservation.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immersive Reading and Classical Text Comprehension- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with prescribed classical Urdu poetry and prose by thorough reading and analysis. Utilize online dictionaries like Rekhta''''s and physical `Lughat` to build a robust vocabulary and grasp the nuances of classical language. This practice is fundamental for understanding historical context and literary depth, which is crucial for all subsequent studies.
Tools & Resources
Rekhta.org (dictionary and library), Jnanpith Awardee Urdu works, University Library resources
Career Connection
Develops strong foundational language skills vital for academic research, teaching, and translation roles.
Interactive Study Circles and Peer Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Form small, dedicated study groups to discuss complex poetic and prose forms, literary movements, and critical theories. Use collaborative tools like Google Meet or WhatsApp groups for virtual discussions and sharing insights. Collaborative learning enhances understanding, exposes students to diverse interpretations, and builds a supportive academic community, preparing for future professional collaborations.
Tools & Resources
WhatsApp groups, Google Meet/Zoom, Peer-reviewed articles
Career Connection
Fosters communication, teamwork, and critical thinking abilities essential for academic and professional environments.
Basic Research and Annotation Skills Development- (Semester 1-2)
Begin developing fundamental research skills by identifying reliable literary sources, compiling accurate bibliographies, and annotating texts effectively. Practice critical thinking by identifying key themes and arguments in scholarly articles and academic books. This lays the groundwork for advanced research projects, dissertations, and future academic pursuits like M.Phil. or PhD.
Tools & Resources
MLA Handbook, Zotero/Mendeley (for bibliography management), University''''s digital archives
Career Connection
Establishes a strong base for research careers, academic publishing, and critical analysis in any field.
Intermediate Stage
Translation and Transcreation Workshops- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in workshops focused on practical translation from Urdu to English/Hindi and vice-versa, focusing on not just literal meaning but also cultural context and literary style (transcreation). While digital tools can assist, emphasize manual refinement and expert feedback. This hones language proficiency, cultural sensitivity, and opens avenues in translation services and content creation, crucial in multilingual India.
Tools & Resources
Online translation platforms (for comparison), Literary translation guides, Workshops by senior faculty
Career Connection
Directly prepares for roles as translators, content developers, and cultural liaisons in various industries.
Urdu Journalism and Media Engagement- (Semester 3-4)
Regularly follow major Urdu newspapers (e.g., Siasat, Inquilab), literary magazines, and online portals to stay updated on contemporary Urdu usage and discourse. Practice writing short articles, reviews, or news pieces in Urdu, seeking feedback from peers and mentors. This practical exposure builds relevant skills for media careers and enhances awareness of current literary and social issues.
Tools & Resources
Leading Urdu newspapers and magazines (online/offline), Sahitya Akademi publications, Departmental newsletters
Career Connection
Develops journalistic writing, critical reporting, and media literacy, useful for roles in print, electronic, and digital media.
Specialized Author Studies and Critical Essay Writing- (Semester 3-4)
Choose a specific classical or modern author (e.g., Ghalib, Iqbal, Premchand, Krishan Chander) and delve deeply into their complete works, critical reception, and socio-political context. Practice writing detailed critical essays, using academic journals, literary critiques, and monographs as primary references. This specialization prepares students for focused research and contributes to their expertise in specific literary domains.
Tools & Resources
University research databases, Literary criticism journals, Author-specific monographs
Career Connection
Builds specialized knowledge and analytical skills, highly valued in academia, research institutions, and as literary critics.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. with Urdu as principal or subsidiary subject or an equivalent degree from a recognized university
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URD101 | Modern Urdu Poetry | Core | 4 | Evolution of Modern Urdu Poetry, Major Poets and their Contributions, Trends and Movements in Modern Poetry, Analytical Study of Selected Poems, Poetic Forms and Innovations |
| URD102 | Modern Urdu Prose | Core | 4 | Development of Modern Urdu Prose, Major Prose Writers and their Styles, Urdu Novel, Short Story, Drama, Essays and Biographical Writings, Social and Cultural Impact of Prose |
| URD103 | Classical Urdu Poetry | Core | 4 | Origin and Characteristics of Classical Poetry, Prominent Classical Poets (e.g., Mir, Ghalib), Ghazal, Qasida, Masnavi Forms, Traditional Poetic Conventions, Influence of Persian Poetry |
| URD104 | Classical Urdu Prose | Core | 4 | Early Urdu Prose Forms (e.g., Dastan), Prominent Classical Prose Writers, Development of Narrative Traditions, Maktubat (Letters) and Tazkira Writing, Stylistic Features of Classical Prose |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URD201 | Literary Criticism (I) | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Literary Criticism, Eastern Poetics (Sher-o-Shairi), Western Classical Criticism, Romantic Criticism, Critical Terminology and Concepts |
| URD202 | History of Urdu Language (I) | Core | 4 | Origin of Urdu Language, Indo-Aryan Language Family, Developmental Stages of Urdu, Grammatical Structure and Phonology, Dialects and Regional Variations |
| URD203 | Special Study of a Classical Poet (Ghalib) | Core | 4 | Life and Times of Mirza Ghalib, Ghalib''''s Poetic Philosophy, Analysis of Selected Ghazals, Ghalib''''s Prose and Letters, Impact on Urdu Literature |
| URD204 | Special Study of a Modern Poet (Iqbal) | Core | 4 | Life and Works of Allama Iqbal, Iqbal''''s Philosophical and Nationalist Thought, Analysis of Selected Poems (e.g., Bal-e-Jibril), Iqbal''''s Prose and Political Ideas, Influence on Indian and Islamic Thought |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URD301 | Literary Criticism (II) | Core | 4 | Modern Western Critical Theories (Structuralism, Post-Structuralism), Feminist Criticism and Post-Colonial Theory, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Indian Aesthetic Theories, Application of Critical Theories to Urdu Literature |
| URD302 | History of Urdu Literature (I) | Core | 4 | Early Period of Urdu Literature (Deccan), Delhi School of Poetry and Prose, Lucknow School of Poetry and Prose, Development of Ghazal, Masnavi, Marsiya, Socio-Cultural Context of Literary Movements |
| URD303 | Urdu Journalism & Mass Media | Core | 4 | History and Evolution of Urdu Journalism in India, Principles of News Reporting and Editing, Ethics in Journalism and Media Law, Role of Urdu in Print and Electronic Media, Contemporary Challenges in Urdu Journalism |
| URD304 | Applied Linguistics & Translation | Core | 4 | Introduction to Linguistics and its Branches, Phonetics, Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Theory and Practice of Translation, Types of Translation (Literary, Technical), Challenges and Strategies in Translation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URD401 | History of Urdu Literature (II) | Core | 4 | Modern Period of Urdu Literature (after 1857), Progressive Writers'''' Movement, Modernist and Post-Modernist Trends, Regional Literary Contributions, Contemporary Issues and Future of Urdu Literature |
| URD402 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research in Humanities, Research Design and Question Formulation, Data Collection Methods and Archival Research, Academic Writing and Citation Styles, Ethics in Research and Plagiarism |
| URD403 | Special Study of a Modern Prose Writer (Premchand) | Elective | 4 | Life and Literary Journey of Premchand, Social Realism in Premchand''''s Works, Analysis of Selected Short Stories, Major Novels (e.g., Godaan, Bazaar-e-Husn), Premchand''''s Influence on Indian Literature |
| URD404 | Dissertation/Project | Project | 4 | Selection of Research Topic, Literature Review and Hypothesis Formulation, Methodology and Data Analysis, Dissertation Writing and Formatting, Viva-Voce Examination |
