

MASTER-OF-ARTS in English at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University


Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is English at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Delhi?
This Master of Arts in English program at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University focuses on cultivating advanced literary and linguistic analytical skills, offering a comprehensive study of English and World Literatures and critical theories. In the Indian context, it prepares students for diverse roles in academia, publishing, media, and communication, industries which highly value strong comprehension and expressive capabilities.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for arts graduates seeking a deeper understanding of literature, language, and critical thought. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring for academic careers, research, or entry into content creation and journalism. Working professionals in education, media, or corporate communication aiming to enhance their analytical and writing proficiency also find this program beneficial for career advancement or transitions into related creative industries.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including Assistant Professor, Content Writer, Editor, Journalist, or Translator. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Growth trajectories lead to senior editorial roles, academic leadership, or specialized communication expert positions within Indian companies and global firms operating in India. The program also aligns with UGC-NET/JRF preparation.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Theoretical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering the historical literary periods, critical theories, and linguistic concepts taught in foundational semesters. Attend all lectures, participate actively in discussions, and read extensively beyond the prescribed texts to build a comprehensive understanding.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, online literary archives, JSTOR, academic journals related to English Studies
Career Connection
A strong theoretical base is crucial for academic careers (NET/JRF), effective critical analysis in media, and content roles.
Develop Advanced Research and Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with assignments, focusing on structured argumentation, clear expression, and academic citation. Utilize university writing centers or faculty mentorship to refine essay writing, critical reviews, and early research paper drafts.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero for citation, Purdue OWL, Grammarly, university''''s writing workshops
Career Connection
Essential for all roles involving content creation, academic research, publishing, and professional communication.
Engage in Peer Learning and Discussion Groups- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups with peers to discuss complex texts, critical theories, and research methodologies. Actively debate interpretations, share insights, and collaboratively prepare for presentations and exams.
Tools & Resources
WhatsApp groups, Google Meet for virtual discussions, shared document platforms
Career Connection
Enhances communication, collaboration, and critical thinking – valuable skills for team-based professional environments.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Specialised Research and Dissertation- (Semester 3-4)
Choose a dissertation topic that aligns with your career interests and engage deeply in independent research. Seek regular mentorship from faculty, meticulously plan your research, and aim for a high-quality academic output.
Tools & Resources
University library databases, online research repositories (Shodhganga, Google Scholar), academic writing guides
Career Connection
Demonstrates expertise and research capability, crucial for PhD aspirations, research roles, and specialized content creation.
Gain Practical ELT Experience- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in the English Language Teaching (ELT) Practicum, utilizing opportunities for lesson planning, classroom delivery, and material development. Seek feedback from instructors and peers to refine teaching methodologies.
Tools & Resources
Language lab facilities, instructional design software, online ESL teaching resources, peer observation
Career Connection
Directly prepares for careers in language teaching, corporate training, and educational content development in India and abroad.
Network and Explore Career Avenues- (Semester 3-4)
Attend university workshops on career counseling, resume building, and interview preparation. Network with alumni, industry professionals, and guest lecturers to understand diverse career paths in publishing, media, and academia within the Indian landscape.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, university career services cell, industry events and seminars, alumni association platforms
Career Connection
Facilitates informed career choices, opens doors to internship and placement opportunities, and builds a professional network.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Graduation in any discipline with 50% marks in aggregate. OR Graduation in any discipline with 55% marks in aggregate and 50% in English (Elective/Main) if a candidate has not studied English Hons. OR B.A. (Hons.) English with 50% marks in aggregate.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAE 601 | History of English Literature (From Chaucer to Restoration) | Core | 6 | Chaucer and his age, The Renaissance and Elizabethan Age, Shakespearean Drama, Metaphysical Poetry, The Restoration Age |
| MAE 603 | Literary Criticism (From Aristotle to Romantic) | Core | 6 | Classical Literary Criticism, Horace and Longinus, Renaissance Criticism, Neoclassical Criticism, Romantic Criticism |
| MAE 605 | Linguistic Theory and Stylistics | Core | 6 | Introduction to Linguistics, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics, Stylistics and Discourse Analysis |
| MAE 607 | Indian Writing in English (Poetry and Drama) | Core | 6 | Early Indian English Poetry, Major Indian English Poets, Modern Indian English Poetry, Indian English Drama, Themes in Indian English Drama |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAE 602 | History of English Literature (From Romantic to Modern) | Core | 6 | The Romantic Age, Victorian Age Prose and Poetry, Pre-Raphaelite Poets, Modernism in English Literature, Post-War Literature |
| MAE 604 | Literary Criticism (From Victorian to Postmodern) | Core | 6 | Victorian Criticism, Modern Criticism, Formalism and New Criticism, Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Postmodern and Cultural Criticism |
| MAE 606 | Research Methodology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Data Analysis, Research Report Writing |
| MAE 608 | Indian Writing in English (Fiction and Prose) | Core | 6 | Early Indian English Fiction, Modern Indian English Novelists, Contemporary Indian English Fiction, Indian English Prose Writing, Themes in Indian English Fiction |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAE 701 | World Literature | Core | 6 | Concept of World Literature, African Literature, Latin American Literature, Caribbean Literature, Postcolonial Literature |
| MAE 703 | American Literature | Core | 6 | Early American Literature, Transcendentalism, American Modernism, African American Literature, Contemporary American Writing |
| MAE 705 | Postcolonial Literature | Core | 6 | Theories of Postcolonialism, Colonial Discourse, Postcolonial Identity, Mimicry and Hybridity, Major Postcolonial Writers |
| MAE 707 | English Language Teaching (ELT) | Core | 6 | Principles of ELT, Methods and Approaches in ELT, Teaching Language Skills, Materials Development and Evaluation, Assessment in ELT |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAE 702 | English Literature and Environment | Core | 6 | Ecological Criticism (Ecocriticism), Nature Writing, Environmental Themes in Literature, Climate Change Literature, Animal Studies in Literature |
| MAE 704 | Gender Studies | Core | 6 | Introduction to Gender Studies, Feminist Theories, Masculinity Studies, Queer Theory, Gender and Representation |
| MAE 706 | Dissertation | Project | 6 | Research Topic Selection, Literature Review, Methodology and Data Analysis, Dissertation Writing, Presentation and Viva Voce |
| MAE 708 | English Language Teaching (ELT) Practicum | Lab | 6 | Classroom Management, Lesson Planning, Teaching Practice Sessions, Material Adaptation, Feedback and Reflection |




