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M-A in English at K.S.S. Arts, Science and Commerce College
Dharwad, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is English at K.S.S. Arts, Science and Commerce College Dharwad?
This M.A. English program at Kanakadasa Shikshana Samiti''''s Arts & Commerce And Science College, Dharwad, focuses on a comprehensive study of literature and language from various historical periods and cultural contexts. Emphasizing critical thinking and research, it prepares students for academic pursuits and diverse careers in teaching, media, and publishing, addressing the growing demand for skilled communicators and literary analysts in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in English or a related discipline, seeking advanced literary scholarship and research skills. It also caters to aspiring educators and those interested in cultural studies, journalism, or content creation, who aim to deepen their understanding of English literature and language for professional advancement within India''''s dynamic educational and creative sectors.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect career paths in academia (teaching, research), content development, journalism, editing, and public relations. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program fosters critical analysis, effective communication, and research skills, crucial for navigating competitive Indian job markets and aligning with professional roles requiring nuanced language and literary understanding.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Literary Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on close reading techniques for Old, Middle, and Modern English texts. Actively participate in class discussions and utilize the college library''''s resources to explore primary and secondary literary sources. Form study groups to critically discuss complex literary theories and historical contexts.
Tools & Resources
College Library databases, JSTOR, Purdue OWL, Literary theory textbooks
Career Connection
Develops analytical and interpretative skills crucial for academic research, critical content creation, and effective communication in various professional settings.
Strengthen Linguistic Understanding and ELT Competence- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to understanding the nuances of English Linguistics and English Language Teaching (ELT) methodologies. Practice phonetics, morphology, and syntax. Engage in micro-teaching sessions or volunteer for language support activities to apply ELT principles.
Tools & Resources
Linguistics textbooks, Online pronunciation guides, TED Talks on language education, Local schools for volunteer teaching
Career Connection
Essential for roles in language teaching, curriculum development, content editing, and communication training within educational institutions and corporate sectors.
Cultivate Effective Academic Writing Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly practice academic writing, focusing on clear argumentation, proper citation, and scholarly presentation. Seek feedback on essays and assignments from professors and peers. Attend workshops on academic integrity and research ethics if available.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Zotero/Mendeley for citation, University writing guides, Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Forms the backbone for all academic and professional communication, highly valued in research, content writing, journalism, and documentation roles.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Focused Literary Research and Criticism- (Semester 3)
Dive deep into specialized areas like American, Commonwealth, or Postcolonial literature. Actively read current literary journals and critical essays. Choose elective papers that align with your research interests and contribute to literary discourse through well-structured critical essays.
Tools & Resources
MLA International Bibliography, Project MUSE, Literary criticism anthologies, Academic conferences (online/local)
Career Connection
Prepares students for advanced research, M.Phil./Ph.D. pursuits, and roles requiring specialized literary knowledge such as academic publishing or literary criticism.
Develop Research Methodology and Project Proposal Skills- (Semester 3)
Apply the principles of Research Methodology by identifying a potential research topic, conducting preliminary literature reviews, and formulating a robust research question. Draft a mini-project proposal to practice outlining objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Research guides, Sample dissertations from the university library
Career Connection
Directly supports thesis/project work and equips students with essential skills for any research-intensive role, whether in academia, market research, or policy analysis.
Network with Faculty and Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3)
Engage in discussions with faculty members about their research interests and seek mentorship for your academic pursuits. Explore how English literature intersects with other disciplines like history, sociology, or philosophy, broadening your intellectual perspective.
Tools & Resources
Faculty office hours, University seminars, Interdisciplinary journals
Career Connection
Opens doors to collaborative projects, potential recommendations for higher studies or jobs, and fosters a holistic understanding applicable to diverse fields requiring cross-functional thinking.
Advanced Stage
Execute and Present Independent Project Work- (Semester 4)
Systematically complete your assigned Project Work (MAE 4.3). Focus on rigorous research, data analysis (if applicable), and clear, coherent thesis writing. Practice presenting your findings effectively and confidently prepare for your viva voce.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (if needed), Presentation tools (PowerPoint, Google Slides), University thesis guidelines, Mock presentation sessions
Career Connection
Demonstrates ability to undertake independent research, problem-solving, and professional communication—highly valued for academic positions, consulting, and advanced research roles.
Explore Specialized Fields via Electives and Build Portfolio- (Semester 4)
Select optional papers in areas like Translation Studies, Film Studies, or Children''''s Literature based on career aspirations. Use assignments from these electives to build a portfolio of diverse critical writings, translations, or analyses of cultural artifacts.
Tools & Resources
Online portfolio platforms (e.g., WordPress, Behance), Industry journals, Professional associations in chosen niche
Career Connection
Allows for specialization in high-demand areas, creating a distinctive profile for niche roles in publishing, media, education, or cultural industries.
Prepare for Career Transition and Professional Development- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in campus placement drives, workshops on resume writing, and interview preparation. Explore post-MA opportunities such as Ph.D. programs, teaching positions, or roles in content writing and editing. Network with alumni for insights and opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Career services cell, LinkedIn, Job portals (Naukri, Indeed), Alumni network
Career Connection
Ensures a smooth transition from academic life to professional careers, maximizing placement opportunities and facilitating informed career choices within and beyond academia.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree with English as a major / optional subject for at least two years or English as an optional in degree level, with 40% of marks in English and 45% of marks in aggregate. (As per K.U.D. norms)
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAE 1.1 | Old and Middle English Literature | Core | 4 | Old English Language and Poetry, Middle English Language and Prose, Geoffrey Chaucer, Piers Plowman, Medieval Drama |
| MAE 1.2 | Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century Literature | Core | 4 | Elizabethan Age, Jacobean Age, Caroline Age, John Milton, Metaphysical Poetry, Shakespeare |
| MAE 1.3 | Eighteenth Century Literature | Core | 4 | Augustan Age, Restoration Comedy, Age of Sensibility, Satire, Daniel Defoe, Samuel Johnson |
| MAE 1.4 | Linguistics and English Language Teaching (ELT) | Core | 4 | Basic Concepts of Linguistics, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, ELT Methods, Teaching Materials |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAE 2.1 | Romantic and Victorian Literature | Core | 4 | Romanticism, Lake Poets, Victorian Age, Social Prose, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Robert Browning |
| MAE 2.2 | Twentieth Century Literature | Core | 4 | Modernism, Edwardian and Georgian Poetry, T.S. Eliot, W.B. Yeats, Post-World War II Literature, Theatre of the Absurd |
| MAE 2.3 | Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism, Romantic Criticism, New Criticism, Feminist Criticism, Reader-Response Theory, Post-structuralism |
| MAE 2.4 | Indian English Literature | Core | 4 | Beginnings of Indian English Writing, Raja Rao, R.K. Narayan, Kamala Markandaya, Indian English Poetry, Post-colonial Indian Writing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAE 3.1 | American Literature | Core | 4 | American Transcendentalism, Harlem Renaissance, Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, American Poetry, African-American Literature |
| MAE 3.2 | Commonwealth Literature | Core | 4 | Post-colonial Theory, African Literature, Caribbean Literature, Australian Literature, Canadian Literature, South Asian Literature |
| MAE 3.3 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Research, Types of Research, Research Design, Data Collection, Academic Writing, Plagiarism |
| MAE 3.4 (Optional) | Literature and Gender Studies (Elective, students choose one from A-E) | Elective | 4 | Feminist Literary Theory, Gender and Sexuality, Women''''s Writing, Masculinities, Queer Theory, Gendered Performance |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAE 4.1 | Diaspora and Cultural Studies | Core | 4 | Diaspora Theory, Cultural Identity, Hybridity, Media Studies, Popular Culture, Postcolonial Theory |
| MAE 4.2 | New Literatures in English | Core | 4 | Post-War British Literature, African American Literature, Asian American Literature, Latino/a Literature, Contemporary Global Literature, Graphic Novels |
| MAE 4.3 | Project Work | Project | 4 | Research Proposal, Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing, Presentation Skills, Viva Voce |
| MAE 4.4 (Optional) | Translation Studies (Elective, students choose one from A-E) | Elective | 4 | Theories of Translation, Cultural Translation, Literary Translation, Equivalence, Untranslatability, Machine Translation |
