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PH-D in History at Guru Nanak Dev University
Amritsar, Punjab
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About the Specialization
What is History at Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar?
This Ph.D. in History program at Guru Nanak Dev University focuses on advanced research and critical analysis of historical events, methodologies, and historiography, with a notable emphasis on regional history such as Punjab. It prepares scholars for deep dives into primary sources and contributes original knowledge, addressing the ever-evolving historical discourse in India and globally. The program fosters rigorous intellectual inquiry and a comprehensive understanding of diverse historical narratives.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with a strong academic background in History seeking to pursue a career in academia, research, or policy analysis. It caters to individuals passionate about historical inquiry, capable of independent research, and aiming to contribute to scholarly knowledge. Professionals in heritage management, archival studies, or cultural institutions looking to deepen their expertise will also find this program valuable.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure positions as Assistant Professors in Indian universities and colleges, research fellows in national institutions, or historians in government archives. They contribute to historical debates, produce peer-reviewed publications, and participate in conferences. Entry-level academic salaries in India range from INR 6-10 LPA, growing significantly with experience and publications. The program also aligns with UGC-NET/JRF requirements for academic careers.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Advanced Research Methodologies- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate intensive effort to understanding research design, qualitative/quantitative methods, and historiographical debates. Actively participate in methodology workshops and seminars offered by the department or other institutions.
Tools & Resources
Online research methods courses (e.g., NPTEL, Coursera), Reference books on historiography, Academic databases (JSTOR, Project MUSE), University library resources
Career Connection
Strong methodological grounding is crucial for credible research, publication, and securing grants, enhancing academic career prospects.
Develop a Robust Research Proposal- (Semester 1-2)
Work closely with the supervisor to identify a novel research gap, formulate precise research questions, and outline a comprehensive theoretical framework and chapter plan. Engage in extensive literature review.
Tools & Resources
Research advisory committee meetings, Reference management software (Zotero, Mendeley), University thesis guidelines, Published Ph.D. theses
Career Connection
A well-defined proposal is foundational for successful thesis completion and demonstrates independent research capability, vital for future academic positions.
Cultivate Critical Reading and Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly read and critically analyze peer-reviewed historical scholarship. Practice academic writing through term papers, literature reviews, and seminar presentations, focusing on clarity, argumentation, and evidence-based analysis.
Tools & Resources
University writing centers, Academic journals in history, Style guides (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style), Peer feedback
Career Connection
Excellent academic writing is essential for publications, conference presentations, and teaching, establishing scholarly reputation and impact.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Extensive Archival and Fieldwork Research- (Year 2-3)
Systematically plan and execute data collection from primary sources in archives, libraries, and potentially through oral histories or field visits, prioritizing efficiency and meticulous record-keeping.
Tools & Resources
National Archives of India, State Archives, University libraries, Private collections, Oral history techniques, Digital transcription tools
Career Connection
Direct engagement with primary sources enhances the originality and authority of research, critical for a distinguished thesis and future publications.
Participate in Academic Conferences and Workshops- (Year 2-3)
Present preliminary research findings at departmental seminars, national/international conferences, and specialized workshops. Seek constructive feedback and network with established scholars in the field.
Tools & Resources
Conference listing websites, Departmental announcements, Travel grants (UGC, university-specific), Professional historical associations (e.g., Indian History Congress)
Career Connection
Conference participation builds presentation skills, expands academic network, and offers exposure, crucial for academic visibility and future collaborations.
Publish Research Articles in Peer-Reviewed Journals- (Year 2-3)
Transform well-developed sections of the research into publishable articles. Target reputable, peer-reviewed history journals, focusing on rigorous arguments and adherence to submission guidelines.
Tools & Resources
Journal search engines (Scopus, Web of Science), Academic writing software, Feedback from supervisors and peers
Career Connection
Publications are a primary metric for academic hiring and promotion in India, demonstrating research productivity and contributing to the chosen field.
Advanced Stage
Systematically Write and Refine Thesis Chapters- (Year 4-5)
Maintain a consistent writing schedule, focusing on coherence, logical flow, and rigorous argumentation for each chapter. Regularly submit drafts to the supervisor for feedback and integrate revisions thoroughly.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing software (Microsoft Word, LaTeX), Grammar and plagiarism checkers (Grammarly, Turnitin), Feedback from supervisors and peer review groups
Career Connection
A well-written, coherent thesis is the culmination of Ph.D. work, critical for successful defense and a strong foundation for future book publications.
Prepare for the Viva Voce Examination- (Final year before submission)
Anticipate potential questions, practice defending key arguments, and clearly articulate the original contribution of the thesis. Be prepared to discuss methodology, findings, and implications.
Tools & Resources
Mock viva sessions with supervisors and peers, Review of thesis chapters, Understanding of university viva procedures
Career Connection
A confident and articulate viva defense is essential for successfully earning the Ph.D. degree and demonstrating the ability to engage in scholarly debate.
Develop a Post-Ph.D. Career Strategy- (Final year leading up to and after submission)
Explore academic job markets (Assistant Professor, Postdoctoral Fellowships) and non-academic career paths (researcher in think tanks, content development, heritage consulting). Prepare a strong CV, teaching philosophy, and research statement.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Academic job portals (e.g., UGC CARE), Networking with recent Ph.D. graduates, Mentorship from established faculty
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition post-Ph.D., aligning research expertise with available opportunities in India''''s diverse professional landscape.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree in concerned/allied subject with at least 55% marks (from official admission criteria)
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (for Ph.D. program); Coursework typically 1 semester
Credits: 8 (for coursework component) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Meaning, Scope and Significance of Research, Identification of Research Problem, Sources of History, Historiography and Approaches, Methods of Research and Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation of Data, Thesis Writing and Presentation |
| Paper-II | Area of Specialization (Example: History of Punjab from 1469-1947 A.D.) | Core (as per departmental offering) | 4 | Sources of Punjab History, Rise and Growth of Sikhism, Mughal-Sikh Relations, Rise of Misls and Sikh Empire, Anglo-Sikh Wars and Annexation of Punjab, Social and Economic Developments under British Rule, Freedom Movement in Punjab |
