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PHD in Humanities And Social Sciences English Language Philosophy Statistics at Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad
Dhanbad, Jharkhand
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About the Specialization
What is Humanities and Social Sciences (English Language, Philosophy, Statistics) at Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad Dhanbad?
This PhD program in Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad focuses on rigorous, interdisciplinary research within areas like English and Philosophy. It emphasizes critical thinking, advanced analytical skills, and the production of original scholarship, addressing complex societal issues relevant to the Indian context. The program is designed to cultivate scholars who can contribute significantly to academia, policy-making, and specialized research industries in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for candidates holding a Master''''s degree in relevant HSS disciplines or allied fields, who possess a strong academic record and a national level entrance exam qualification. It targets individuals passionate about advanced research, critical inquiry, and contributing to knowledge generation in areas like literature, ethics, and social thought, with a particular interest in their implications within the Indian socio-cultural landscape.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as academics and researchers in Indian universities and research institutions, become policy analysts in government and non-governmental organizations, or assume leadership roles in cultural and educational sectors. They develop expertise in their chosen fields, capable of independent scholarly work, with potential starting salaries for assistant professors in central universities typically ranging from INR 70,000 to 1,00,000 per month, increasing with experience.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Core Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with the Research Methodology course (HS 701) and selected core electives. Actively participate in seminars, read foundational texts thoroughly, and critically analyze research paradigms relevant to HSS. Form a study group with peers to discuss concepts and overcome initial academic challenges, leveraging institutional library resources.
Tools & Resources
Institute Library Databases (JSTOR, Web of Science), Mendeley/Zotero for citation management, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation in methodology is crucial for designing and executing robust research, a non-negotiable skill for any academic or research career.
Identify Research Interests and Potential Supervisors- (Semester 1-2)
Utilize the first two semesters to explore various research domains within HSS, attending departmental seminars and interacting with faculty members. Proactively identify potential supervisors whose research aligns with your interests and begin preliminary discussions about your research ideas to refine your focus early on.
Tools & Resources
Departmental faculty profiles, PhD research colloquia, Academic networking events
Career Connection
Early identification of a strong research area and supervisor is key to timely thesis completion and aligns your expertise with in-demand academic specializations.
Cultivate Strong Academic Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing impeccable academic writing through coursework assignments and preliminary research papers. Seek feedback from professors and peers, and actively participate in any academic writing workshops offered by the institute. Practice structuring arguments, citing sources correctly, and expressing complex ideas clearly.
Tools & Resources
Institute Writing Centre (if available), Grammarly/Turnitin (for self-correction), Published HSS research papers
Career Connection
Proficient academic writing is fundamental for publishing in reputable journals and successfully defending your thesis, enhancing your profile for academic roles.
Intermediate Stage
Prepare for and Clear Comprehensive Examination- (Semester 3-4)
Systematically revise all coursework material and core theoretical frameworks to prepare for the comprehensive examination, which assesses your breadth and depth of knowledge. Formulate a comprehensive study plan, engage in mock exams, and clarify doubts with faculty members to ensure a strong performance.
Tools & Resources
Previous year''''s question papers (if available), Reading lists from core courses, Faculty consultations
Career Connection
Passing the comprehensive exam signifies readiness for independent research and is a critical milestone for continuation in the PhD program, paving the way for thesis work.
Develop and Present a Robust Research Proposal- (Semester 3-4)
Work closely with your supervisor to refine your research question, methodology, and literature review into a compelling research proposal. Present your proposal to your Doctoral Scrutiny Committee (DSC), incorporating their feedback to strengthen your project design. This is crucial for formalizing your PhD topic.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor guidance, DSC feedback sessions, Related PhD theses from IIT(ISM) library
Career Connection
A well-articulated research proposal is the blueprint for your entire thesis, directly impacting the quality and relevance of your contribution to the field and future job prospects.
Engage in Early Research Publication and Conferences- (Semester 3-5)
Transform strong coursework papers or early research findings into publishable articles for peer-reviewed journals or presentations at national and international conferences. This builds your research profile, helps you network with scholars, and gets valuable feedback on your work.
Tools & Resources
UGC CARE list journals, National/International HSS conferences, Faculty networking
Career Connection
Early publications are vital for a successful academic career in India, enhancing your CV for faculty positions and research grants.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Thesis Writing and Data Analysis- (Semester 5-7)
Dedicate focused effort to the core thesis writing process, maintaining regular communication with your supervisor. Efficiently analyze your research data using appropriate qualitative or quantitative methods, and clearly articulate your findings and their implications. Break down the thesis into manageable chapters.
Tools & Resources
NVivo/ATLAS.ti (for qualitative data), SPSS/R (for quantitative data), Writing software like LaTeX/MS Word
Career Connection
Timely completion of a high-quality thesis directly leads to degree conferral and is the primary evidence of your scholarly capability for employers.
Participate in Viva Voce Preparation and Defense- (Semester 6-8)
Rigorously prepare for your pre-submission seminar and the final viva voce examination. Practice presenting your research findings concisely and defending your methodology and conclusions effectively to your committee. Be prepared to address critical questions and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of your field.
Tools & Resources
Mock viva sessions with peers/supervisors, Presentation software (PowerPoint), Rehearsals of defense arguments
Career Connection
A strong viva defense is the final hurdle to earning your PhD, showcasing your intellectual autonomy and readiness for professional academic roles.
Build a Professional Network and Job Search Strategies- (Semester 6-8)
Actively network with academics, researchers, and professionals in your field through conferences, workshops, and online platforms. Prepare a compelling academic CV, cover letter, and teaching philosophy statement. Explore job opportunities in universities, research institutes, and relevant industries in India, attending campus recruitment drives or specialized job fairs.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Academic job portals (e.g., University websites, indeed.com), Career Services cell of IIT(ISM)
Career Connection
Proactive networking and tailored job applications are essential for securing desirable academic or research positions post-PhD in the competitive Indian job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree with a minimum 60% marks (or 6.0 CGPA on a 10-point scale) in a relevant discipline (e.g., M.A. in English/Philosophy/Economics/Sociology/Psychology/Management or M.Sc. in Applied Management/Mathematics/Statistics or MBA) OR Bachelor''''s degree (B.E./B.Tech. or equivalent) from an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) with a minimum 80% marks (or 8.0 CGPA on a 10-point scale) OR Bachelor''''s degree from any other institute of national importance with 80% marks (or 8.0 CGPA on a 10-point scale) + 2 years relevant experience. All candidates must have qualified a National Level Examination such as UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/DBT JRF/DST INSPIRE/ICMR/ICAR, etc., or equivalent.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (upto a maximum of 7 years)
Credits: Minimum 12 credits (for coursework) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS 701 | Research Methodology | Core (Compulsory) | 3 | Fundamentals of Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis, Report Writing |
| HS 518 | English Language Teaching | Elective (Example) | 3 | Methods of Language Teaching, Syllabus Design, Assessment in ELT, Language Acquisition Theories, Classroom Management |
| HS 514 | Philosophical Ethics | Elective (Example) | 3 | Normative Ethics, Meta-Ethics, Applied Ethics, Moral Theories, Ethical Dilemmas |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS 504 | Quantitative Techniques for Social Sciences | Elective (Example) | 3 | Statistical Concepts, Probability Distributions, Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis, Multivariate Techniques |
| HS 519 | Contemporary Literary Theory | Elective (Example) | 3 | Post-structuralism, Feminism, Postcolonialism, Deconstruction, Cultural Studies |
