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M-A in Arts Aesthetics Cinema Studies Interdisciplinary Courses Theatre And Performance Studies Visual Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Arts & Aesthetics (Cinema Studies, Interdisciplinary Courses, Theatre and Performance Studies, Visual Studies) at Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi?
This M.A. Arts & Aesthetics program at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) focuses on an interdisciplinary study of visual arts, cinema, theatre, and performance. It critically engages with theories and practices of art forms, providing a deep understanding of their cultural, social, and political contexts in India. The program''''s interdisciplinary nature is a key differentiator, responding to a growing demand for nuanced cultural analysis in the Indian creative sector, fostering intellectual inquiry and creative practice.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in any discipline who possess a keen interest in critical theory, cultural studies, and the arts. It also caters to aspiring researchers, curators, filmmakers, theatre practitioners, and arts administrators looking to deepen their analytical and theoretical foundations. Individuals seeking to pursue higher academic research in arts and humanities will find this program particularly enriching for advanced scholarly pursuits.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as arts critics, curators, researchers, academic scholars, documentary filmmakers, cultural journalists, and arts educators. They can find opportunities in museums, archives, film production houses, theatre companies, media organizations, and cultural institutions. While salary ranges vary, entry-level positions might offer INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals in academia or specialized arts management.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immersive Reading and Critical Engagement- (Semester 1-2)
Develop a rigorous habit of reading core theoretical texts, participating actively in seminar discussions, and critically analyzing diverse art forms. Create reading groups with peers to discuss complex concepts and prepare for class presentations.
Tools & Resources
JNU Library (physical and e-resources), Online academic databases (JSTOR, Project MUSE), SAA departmental seminars
Career Connection
Builds foundational analytical skills essential for research, critique, and academic writing in any arts-related career, from criticism to scholarship.
Multimodal Exposure to Arts- (Semester 1-2)
Actively attend film screenings, theatre performances, art exhibitions, and cultural events in Delhi. Document observations, write critical reviews, and connect these experiences with theoretical frameworks learned in class.
Tools & Resources
India Habitat Centre, National School of Drama, National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi International Arts Festival
Career Connection
Enhances practical understanding of different art forms, crucial for roles in curating, arts management, cultural journalism, and independent artistic practice.
Academic Writing Workshop & Peer Review- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering academic writing conventions, research methodologies, and citation styles specific to humanities. Form peer review groups to refine essays and research papers, incorporating constructive feedback for improved clarity and argumentation.
Tools & Resources
JNU Writing Centre (if available), Purdue OWL, Zotero/Mendeley for citation management
Career Connection
Develops high-quality writing skills, vital for academic publications, grant proposals, and professional communication in the highly competitive arts sector.
Intermediate Stage
Specialization Deep Dive & Elective Choice- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose electives that align with your chosen specialization (Cinema Studies, Visual Studies, etc.) or emerging research interests. Engage with faculty mentors to discuss potential dissertation topics and future career trajectories within your chosen area, leveraging JNU''''s interdisciplinary strengths.
Tools & Resources
SAA Faculty advisors, JNU course catalog, Specialized journals in respective fields
Career Connection
Builds expertise in a specific domain, making you a more attractive candidate for specialized roles in research, curation, or media production, or for doctoral studies.
Research Project & Fieldwork- (Semester 3-4)
Initiate preliminary research for your M.A. dissertation/project, which is a significant component of the program. This might involve archival visits, conducting interviews, ethnographic fieldwork, or in-depth textual analysis. Present research proposals in departmental seminars to receive feedback.
Tools & Resources
JNU Archives, National Archives of India, Various research institutions and cultural bodies in Delhi, Interview transcription software
Career Connection
Develops independent research capabilities and project management skills, critical for academic careers, policy analysis, and advanced roles in cultural organizations.
Networking & Professional Engagement- (Semester 3-4)
Actively attend national and international conferences, workshops, and symposiums related to arts and aesthetics. Network with scholars, artists, and practitioners. Consider volunteering at prominent film festivals or art events in India to gain practical experience and contacts.
Tools & Resources
Conference alerts (e.g., H-Net), Professional associations (e.g., FIPRESCI India, Art History Congress), LinkedIn
Career Connection
Opens doors to collaborations, internships, and job opportunities through direct interaction with industry leaders and academics, facilitating career entry and growth.
Advanced Stage
Dissertation Completion & Presentation- (Semester 4)
Focus intensively on completing your M.A. dissertation, synthesizing your research and analytical skills. Refine your arguments and present your findings effectively in departmental colloquia, preparing for academic defense and potential publication.
Tools & Resources
JNU Library resources, Faculty supervisor guidance, Academic writing and editing tools
Career Connection
Showcases advanced research capabilities, crucial for PhD applications, high-level research positions, or specialized roles requiring independent critical thought.
Portfolio Development & Internship- (Semester 4)
Compile a strong portfolio of your academic writings, critical reviews, and any creative projects. Actively seek out advanced internships with leading cultural institutions, museums, media houses, or think tanks in India to gain specialized professional experience.
Tools & Resources
Online portfolio platforms (e.g., Behance for creative work), University career services, Professional networking events
Career Connection
Provides practical industry exposure, enhances resume, and increases employability for direct entry into specialized roles in the arts and cultural sector.
Career Planning & Higher Education Pathways- (Semester 4)
Engage with career counselors and faculty for personalized guidance on post-M.A. options, whether pursuing a PhD, applying for jobs in specific arts sectors, or exploring entrepreneurial ventures. Prepare for competitive exams or interviews, leveraging JNU''''s strong alumni network.
Tools & Resources
JNU Career Counselling Cell, Alumni network platforms, Interview preparation guides
Career Connection
Facilitates a smooth transition into desired career paths or advanced academic pursuits, maximizing the impact of the M.A. degree.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in any discipline under 10+2+3 pattern of education with at least 50% marks. Students appearing for final year examinations of their Bachelor''''s degree are also eligible to apply.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AA 401 | Thinking through the Arts: Theories and Approaches I | Core | 4 | Aesthetic Theory, Art and Philosophy, Modernity and Art, Post-Structuralism, Critical Theory |
| AA 402 | Writing about the Arts I | Core | 4 | Academic Writing, Research Methods, Art Criticism, Argumentation, Citation Practices |
| AA 403 | Introduction to Visual Studies | Core | 4 | Visual Culture, Image Theory, Spectatorship, Representation, Media Studies |
| AA 404 | Introduction to Cinema Studies | Core | 4 | Film History, Film Theory, Narrative Structures, Genre Studies, Auteur Theory |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AA 405 | Thinking through the Arts: Theories and Approaches II | Core | 4 | Postcolonial Theory, Cultural Studies, Performance Theory, Gender and Art, Interdisciplinarity |
| AA 406 | Writing about the Arts II | Core | 4 | Advanced Academic Writing, Grant Proposals, Conference Papers, Peer Review, Publication Ethics |
| AA 407 | Introduction to Theatre and Performance Studies | Core | 4 | Performance Theory, History of Theatre, Ritual and Performance, Body and Space, Contemporary Performance |
| AA 408 | Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts and Aesthetics | Core | 4 | Interdisciplinary Methodologies, Cross-Cultural Arts, Digital Humanities, Public Art, Curatorial Practices |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AA 501 | Research Methods in Arts and Aesthetics | Core Seminar | 4 | Research Design, Qualitative Methods, Archival Research, Fieldwork, Ethics in Research |
| AA 503 | Theories of Vision and Visuality (Visual Studies Elective) | Elective | 4 | Ocularcentrism, Gaze Theory, Visual Epistemologies, Technologies of Seeing, Surveillance |
| AA 505 | Indian Cinema: History and Theory (Cinema Studies Elective) | Elective | 4 | Early Indian Cinema, Parallel Cinema, Bollywood, Regional Cinemas, Censorship |
| AA 507 | Theories of Performance (Theatre & Performance Studies Elective) | Elective | 4 | Performance Studies, Ritual and Performativity, Everyday Performance, Embodiment, Political Performance |
| AA 509 | Digital Arts and New Media (Interdisciplinary Elective) | Elective | 4 | Digital Aesthetics, Interactivity, Virtual Reality, Net Art, Post-Digital Art |
| AA 510 | Modern and Contemporary Art in India (Visual Studies Elective) | Elective | 4 | Bengal School, Progressive Artists Group, Post-Independence Art, Global Modernism, Art Markets in India |
| AA 512 | Film and the City (Cinema Studies Elective) | Elective | 4 | Urban Landscapes, Flâneur, Cinematic Geography, Metropolis Films, Public Space |
| AA 514 | Indian Theatre: Traditions and Modernities (Theatre & Performance Studies Elective) | Elective | 4 | Sanskrit Drama, Folk Theatre, Colonial Theatre, IPTA, Contemporary Directions |
| AA 516 | Art, Gender and Sexuality (Interdisciplinary Elective) | Elective | 4 | Feminist Art History, Queer Theory, Body Art, Performance and Gender, Representation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AA 521 | Critical Approaches to Photography (Visual Studies Elective) | Elective | 4 | Photographic Theory, Documentary Photography, Archive and Memory, Digital Photography, Image Ethics |
| AA 523 | Global Cinemas: Transnational Perspectives (Cinema Studies Elective) | Elective | 4 | World Cinema, Diasporic Film, Film Festivals, Co-productions, National Cinemas |
| AA 525 | Space, Body and Performance (Theatre & Performance Studies Elective) | Elective | 4 | Spatial Theory, Choreography, Site-Specific Performance, Gesture and Affect, Performativity of Space |
| AA 527 | Curatorial Practices and Exhibition Studies (Interdisciplinary Elective) | Elective | 4 | Exhibition Design, Museum Studies, Curatorial Theory, Public Engagement, Art Biennials |
| AA 528 | Art and Ecology (Visual Studies Elective) | Elective | 4 | Ecocriticism, Environmental Art, Land Art, Sustainable Practices, Anthropocene |
| AA 530 | Documentary Film and Media (Cinema Studies Elective) | Elective | 4 | Documentary History, Modes of Documentary, Ethics in Non-Fiction, Propaganda Film, Interactive Documentaries |
| AA 532 | Performance and Politics in India (Theatre & Performance Studies Elective) | Elective | 4 | Protest Theatre, Street Theatre, Censorship and Performance, Identity Politics, Activist Performance |
| AA 534 | Music and Sound Studies (Interdisciplinary Elective) | Elective | 4 | Soundscapes, Aurality and Listening, Musicology, Popular Music, Noise Studies |
