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M-A in English at K.D. BARAD ARTS & COMPUTER SCIENCE COLLEGE
Gir Somnath, Gujarat
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About the Specialization
What is English at K.D. BARAD ARTS & COMPUTER SCIENCE COLLEGE Gir Somnath?
This M.A. English program at K.D. Barad Arts & Computer Science College, affiliated with MKBU, focuses on developing advanced literary understanding and critical thinking. It delves into diverse literary traditions from classical to contemporary, with a strong emphasis on Indian and global contexts. The program prepares students for academic pursuits and various professional roles in India requiring strong analytical and communication skills.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Arts graduates with a strong interest in English literature, literary theory, and cultural studies. It attracts individuals aspiring to careers in teaching, research, journalism, content creation, and publishing. The curriculum is also suitable for those looking to enhance their analytical abilities and refine their written and verbal communication, serving as a foundation for competitive exams in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including university professors, school teachers, content writers, editors, journalists, and civil servants. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 Lakhs to 4.5 Lakhs annually, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 6-10 Lakhs. The program also acts as a robust preparation for UGC NET/JRF and Ph.D. admissions in India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Literary Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core literary periods, major authors, and foundational critical theories. Regularly read prescribed texts, attend lectures diligently, and participate in classroom discussions to internalize concepts.
Tools & Resources
University library, online academic databases (JSTOR, Project MUSE), open-access literary journals, reputable literary criticism websites
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for excelling in competitive exams like UGC NET/JRF and for future research or teaching careers.
Develop Critical Reading & Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond understanding, practice critical analysis of texts. Learn to identify literary devices, themes, and theoretical perspectives. Write analytical essays regularly and seek feedback from professors to refine your arguments.
Tools & Resources
Peer study groups, writing centers (if available), feedback sessions with faculty, online essay writing guides
Career Connection
Essential for any role requiring deep comprehension, argumentation, and effective communication, such as content creation, journalism, or research.
Engage with Diverse Literary Forms- (Semester 1-2)
Actively explore various genres—poetry, drama, novel, short story, and non-fiction—from different periods and cultures. Don''''t limit yourself to the syllabus; read widely to broaden your literary horizons and perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Local libraries, online literary archives, literary festivals and webinars, classic literature e-books
Career Connection
Fosters a holistic understanding of literature, beneficial for teaching, academic research, and developing cultural sensitivity for media and communication roles.
Intermediate Stage
Dive Deep into Literary Theory & Research- (Semester 3)
Focus on understanding advanced literary theories (Post-structuralism, Postcolonialism, Feminism) and their application to texts. Begin identifying potential research interests and practice structuring research questions for your eventual dissertation.
Tools & Resources
Specialized academic books on literary theory, research methodology guides, online academic databases, consult faculty for thesis guidance
Career Connection
Crucial for students aiming for M.Phil./Ph.D., academic research, or roles in policy analysis and advanced content development.
Cultivate Academic Writing & Presentation Skills- (Semester 3)
Master advanced academic writing, including research paper formatting, citation styles (MLA/Chicago), and developing coherent arguments. Practice presenting research ideas clearly and confidently in seminars.
Tools & Resources
MLA Handbook, Chicago Manual of Style, academic writing workshops, departmental seminars, Toastmasters International (if available)
Career Connection
Indispensable for higher education, publishing, journalism, and corporate communication roles where precise and persuasive writing is paramount.
Explore Elective Specializations & Networking- (Semester 3)
Carefully select electives in Semester 3 that align with your career aspirations (e.g., ELT, Translation, Media Studies). Actively attend literary events, workshops, and network with professors and peers to build academic connections.
Tools & Resources
College career cell, alumni network events, industry-specific webinars, professional association meetings
Career Connection
Helps in identifying niche areas for specialization and creating valuable connections for future collaborations and job opportunities.
Advanced Stage
Master Dissertation/Project Execution- (Semester 4)
Execute your research project or dissertation with rigor, focusing on original thought, meticulous data collection, and analytical precision. Adhere strictly to academic guidelines and deadlines.
Tools & Resources
Research software (if applicable), university library resources, dedicated faculty mentorship, academic writing support
Career Connection
Demonstrates high-level research capabilities, critical thinking, and independent work ethic, highly valued in academia, research institutions, and content strategy roles.
Intensive Placement & Competitive Exam Preparation- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in campus placement drives for relevant roles (content, editing, teaching). Simultaneously, dedicate time to intensive preparation for UGC NET/JRF, SET, and other civil service examinations, focusing on English literature and general aptitude.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes (if desired), online mock tests, previous year question papers, college placement cell services, career counseling
Career Connection
Directly prepares students for immediate employment in teaching, research, and other white-collar jobs, significantly impacting career trajectory and salary prospects.
Develop Professional Portfolios & Online Presence- (Semester 4)
Compile a portfolio of your best academic essays, research papers, and any creative writing or content development work. Establish a professional online presence through LinkedIn and academic profiles (e.g., ResearchGate) to showcase your expertise.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, personal website/blog, Behance (for creative work), academic networking platforms, resume builders
Career Connection
Enhances visibility to potential employers and academic institutions, demonstrating your skills and accomplishments beyond just a degree, crucial for competitive job markets.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree (B.A.) with English as a principal or subsidiary subject from a recognized university.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MECC101 | English Literature: From Chaucer to Shakespeare | Core | 4 | Old English Literature, Chaucer and Middle English Period, Elizabethan Age Poetry and Prose, Shakespearean Drama, Renaissance Literary Contexts |
| MECC102 | English Literature: The Age of Milton to The Age of Johnson | Core | 4 | Metaphysical Poetry, Restoration Drama and Prose, Augustan Age Literature, Rise of the Novel, Dr. Samuel Johnson and his Critics |
| MECC103 | English Literature: The Romantic Age | Core | 4 | Pre-Romanticism, Romantic Poetry (Wordsworth, Coleridge), Second Generation Romantics (Shelley, Keats, Byron), Romantic Prose and Criticism, Historical and Philosophical Context of Romanticism |
| MECC104 | Literary Criticism and Theory - I | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), English Renaissance Criticism (Sidney), Neoclassical Criticism (Dryden, Johnson), Romantic Critics (Wordsworth, Coleridge), Introduction to Major Critical Debates |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MECC201 | English Literature: The Victorian Age | Core | 4 | Victorian Poetry (Tennyson, Browning, Arnold), Victorian Novel (Dickens, Eliot, Hardy), Victorian Prose and Essayists, Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Social and Intellectual Contexts of Victorian Era |
| MECC202 | English Literature: The Modern Age | Core | 4 | Modernism and its Manifestations, Modern Poetry (Yeats, Eliot), Modern Drama (Shaw, Beckett), Modern Novel (Woolf, Joyce, Lawrence), Trends in Post-World War II Literature |
| MECC203 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Early American Writing, American Romanticism and Transcendentalism, Modern American Poetry (Whitman, Frost, Dickinson), American Novel (Faulkner, Hemingway), African American Literature |
| MECC204 | Literary Criticism and Theory - II | Core | 4 | Russian Formalism and New Criticism, Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Deconstruction (Derrida), Reader-Response Theory, Feminist Literary Criticism |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MECC301 | Indian English Literature | Core | 4 | History and Evolution of Indian English Writing, Indian English Poetry (Tagore, Daruwalla), Indian English Novel (Anand, Narayan, Rao), Indian English Drama, Contemporary Voices and Diaspora Writing |
| MECC302 | Postcolonial Literature | Core | 4 | Introduction to Postcolonial Theory, Key Thinkers (Said, Spivak, Bhabha), African Literature (Achebe, Soyinka), Caribbean Literature (Walcott, Brathwaite), Themes of Identity, Nation, and Resistance |
| MECE303 | Elective I: Research Methodology and Academic Writing | Elective | 4 | Introduction to Research in Literature, Research Design and Methods, Literature Review and Data Collection, Academic Ethics and Plagiarism, Referencing Styles (MLA, Chicago), Structure of a Research Paper/Dissertation |
| MECE304 | Elective II: English Language Teaching | Elective | 4 | Theories of Language Acquisition, Methods and Approaches in ELT, Classroom Management Techniques, Materials Development and Evaluation, Testing and Assessment in ELT, Communicative Language Teaching |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MECC401 | New Literatures in English | Core | 4 | Canadian Literature, Australian Literature, New Zealand Literature, African Diasporic Literature, Themes of Migration, Identity, and Culture |
| MECC402 | Gender Studies / Women''''s Writing | Core | 4 | Feminist Literary Theories, Major Women Writers (Woolf, Atwood), Representations of Gender in Literature, Masculinity Studies, Queer Theory and Literature, Gender and Performance |
| MECE403 | Elective III: Translation Studies | Elective | 4 | Theories of Translation, Types of Translation, Cultural and Linguistic Equivalence, Role of the Translator, Translation in the Indian Context, Machine Translation and Localization |
| MECE404 | Dissertation / Project Work | Core/Project | 4 | Research Proposal Development, In-depth Literature Review, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Structuring, Presentation and Viva-Voce Examination |
