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M-A in Kannada at K.S.S. Arts, Science and Commerce College
Dharwad, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Kannada at K.S.S. Arts, Science and Commerce College Dharwad?
This M.A. Kannada program at Kanakadasa Shikshana Samiti''''s Arts & Commerce And Science College focuses on a deep, critical study of Kannada language, literature, culture, and linguistics. It delves into ancient to modern literary forms, critical theories, and Karnataka''''s rich cultural heritage. The program is designed to cultivate research skills and literary appreciation, addressing a continuous demand for scholars, educators, and content specialists in the vibrant Indian literary and cultural landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Arts graduates with a strong foundation in Kannada literature or language, who aspire to pursue higher education, research, or teaching. It also suits individuals passionate about cultural preservation, literary analysis, and those seeking careers in media, publishing, or government cultural departments across India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India as university lecturers, researchers, content writers for media houses, cultural program coordinators, or government officials in language and culture departments. Entry-level salaries range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, valuable for various knowledge-based roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Literary Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand Old and Medieval Kannada literature, key authors, and literary movements. Form study groups to discuss complex texts and historical contexts. Utilize the college library''''s extensive collection of Kannada literary works and critical essays.
Tools & Resources
College Library resources, Online Kannada literary archives, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation in literary history is crucial for academic success, competitive exams like NET/SLET, and forms the bedrock for research and critical analysis roles.
Master Eastern and Western Poetics- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with theories of Indian (Rasa, Dhvani) and Western (Aristotle, Formalism) poetics. Practice applying these critical frameworks to various literary texts through essays and presentations. Attend seminars or workshops on literary criticism to broaden perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals on literary theory, Online lectures on poetics, Faculty consultations
Career Connection
Proficiency in literary criticism enhances analytical skills, essential for literary research, academic writing, and becoming a discerning literary critic or editor.
Explore Karnataka''''s Cultural Heritage- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in college cultural events, history associations, or heritage clubs. Visit historical sites, temples, and museums in and around Dharwad and Karnataka to gain firsthand experience of the cultural context of Kannada literature and history. Document observations through journaling or photography.
Tools & Resources
Karnataka Tourism websites, Local historical societies, Cultural documentaries
Career Connection
Understanding cultural history is vital for roles in cultural preservation, heritage management, tourism, and enriches content creation in local languages.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Folklore and Linguistics- (Semester 3)
Undertake small fieldwork projects to collect local folk tales, songs, or proverbs from rural areas around Dharwad. Apply linguistic concepts to analyze regional dialects and their variations. Present findings in department seminars to gain feedback and build presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Voice recorders, Interview guides, Basic linguistic analysis software
Career Connection
Practical engagement with folklore and linguistics opens doors to careers in anthropological research, dialect documentation, language preservation, and regional content development.
Develop Comparative and Translational Skills- (Semester 3)
Read translated works of literature from other Indian or global languages into Kannada, and vice-versa. Attempt short translation exercises (poetry, prose) between Kannada and English/Hindi. Participate in translation competitions or workshops to refine skills.
Tools & Resources
Bhasha India initiatives, Online translation tools (for learning), Bilingual literary texts
Career Connection
Translation skills are highly sought after in publishing, localization, media, and international relations, offering roles as translators, interpreters, or content adaptors.
Network with Scholars and Practitioners- (Semester 3)
Attend guest lectures by renowned Kannada authors, poets, and linguists. Participate in state-level literary conferences and cultural festivals. Engage with faculty for mentorship and insights into academic and research career paths. Build a professional network within the Kannada literary community.
Tools & Resources
Department event notifications, Conference schedules, LinkedIn for academic networking
Career Connection
Networking is key for discovering research opportunities, academic positions, collaborations, and gaining insights into industry trends in language and literature.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Rigorous Research and Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Choose a research topic early in Semester 3, conduct thorough literature reviews, and work closely with your faculty advisor. Develop a robust research methodology and consistently work on your dissertation. Aim for originality and scholarly contribution.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, Shodhganga for research papers, Referencing software like Zotero
Career Connection
A well-researched dissertation is critical for pursuing M.Phil./Ph.D., academic positions, and demonstrates high-level analytical and writing skills valued in all research-intensive roles.
Prepare for Academic and Competitive Exams- (Semester 4)
Start preparing for UGC NET/SLET examinations which are essential for lectureship and junior research fellowships. Regularly solve previous year question papers and take mock tests. Focus on general paper and subject-specific knowledge for comprehensive preparation.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/SLET official websites, Coaching materials, Online test series
Career Connection
Qualifying NET/SLET is a gateway to teaching positions in colleges and universities across India and unlocks various research funding opportunities.
Develop Professional Communication and Presentation Skills- (Semester 4)
Regularly present your research findings in departmental seminars and college events. Practice public speaking and refine your academic writing skills for publications. Participate in mock interviews for academic or content-based roles.
Tools & Resources
Public speaking clubs, Academic writing workshops, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Strong communication and presentation skills are universally valued and crucial for teaching, delivering lectures, participating in literary discussions, and any professional role.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree (B.A.) with Kannada as a major/optional/cognate subject from a recognized university, with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST/Cat-I candidates).
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 100 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAK-1.1 | Old Kannada Literature - I (Adikavi Pampa) | Core | 4 | Adikavi Pampa''''s Adipurana, Vikramarjuna Vijaya analysis, Historical context of Pampa, Literary style and narrative techniques, Influence on Kannada literature, Jaina philosophical background |
| MAK-1.2 | History of Kannada Literature - I (Ancient Period) | Core | 4 | Origin and development of Kannada language, Early inscriptions and records, Pre-Pampa literature and poets, Periodization of Kannada literature, Major literary forms and their evolution, Socio-cultural context of ancient literature |
| MAK-1.3 | Principles of Literary Criticism - I (Eastern Poetics) | Core | 4 | Indian poetics introduction, Rasa Theory (Bharata Muni), Dhvani Theory (Anandavardhana), Alankara and Riti concepts, Vakrokti (Kuntaka), Anumana and other theories |
| MAK-1.4 | Cultural History of Karnataka - I | Core | 4 | Pre-historic Karnataka, Early dynasties (Kadambas, Gangas), Chalukyas of Badami and Kalyana, Rashtrakutas and their contributions, Socio-cultural life in ancient Karnataka, Art, architecture and sculpture |
| MAK-1.5 | Modern Kannada Literature - I (Poetry & Drama) | Core | 4 | Modern Kannada poetry movements (Navodaya, Navya), Major poets and their works (Kuvempu, Bendre), Evolution of Kannada drama, Theatrical movements and playwrights, Themes and techniques in modern poetry, Influence of Western literature |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAK-2.1 | Old Kannada Literature - II (Ancient & Medieval Kannada) | Core | 4 | Works of Ranna, Janna, Harihara, Raghavanka''''s Hariharananda, Vachana literature pre-Basava, Sastras and Chhatana literature, Kanda Kavya tradition, Heroic and devotional narratives |
| MAK-2.2 | History of Kannada Literature - II (Medieval Period) | Core | 4 | Age of Vachana literature (12th century), Haridasa literature and its impact, Sangatya and Shatpadi literature forms, Historical background and social movements, Role of religious movements in literature, Major poets and their contributions |
| MAK-2.3 | Principles of Literary Criticism - II (Western Poetics) | Core | 4 | Introduction to Western literary theories, Aristotle''''s Poetics and Tragedy, Plato''''s view on art and literature, Romanticism vs. Classicism, Formalism and New Criticism, Structuralism and Post-structuralism |
| MAK-2.4 | Cultural History of Karnataka - II | Core | 4 | Hoysala Empire and their culture, Vijayanagara Empire''''s contributions, Bahamani and Nayaka kingdoms, Religious movements (Veerashaivism, Vaishnavism), Music, dance, and folk traditions, Sculpture and temple architecture |
| MAK-2.5 | Modern Kannada Literature - II (Prose & Novel) | Core | 4 | Evolution of Modern Kannada prose, Short story genre and major writers, Development of the Kannada novel, Prominent novelists (K. Shivarama Karanth, Masti), Essays, biographies, and travelogues, Social and psychological themes in prose |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAK-3.1 | Medieval Kannada Literature - I (Vachana & Haridasa Literature) | Core | 4 | Origin and growth of Vachana literature, Prominent Vachanakaras (Basavanna, Akka Mahadevi), Social revolution of 12th century, Haridasa Sahitya movement, Works of Purandara Dasa and Kanaka Dasa, Philosophy and impact of Bhakti literature |
| MAK-3.2 | History of Kannada Literature - III (Modern Period) | Core | 4 | Impact of British rule on Kannada literature, Modern literary movements (Pragatisheela, Navya), Bandaya and Dalita literature, Women''''s writing and contemporary trends, Influence of Western literary forms, Major literary figures of the modern era |
| MAK-3.3 | Folklore and Folk Arts of Karnataka | Core | 4 | Definition and scope of folklore studies, Classification of folk narratives (tales, myths, legends), Folk songs, proverbs, and riddles, Traditional folk dramas (Yakshagana, Bayalata), Folk rituals, beliefs, and practices, Collection and documentation methods |
| MAK-3.4 | Linguistics and Grammar - I (Kannada Linguistics) | Core | 4 | Introduction to general linguistics, Phonetics and phonology of Kannada, Morphology and word formation, Syntax and sentence structure, Semantics and meaning in Kannada, Historical linguistics of Kannada language |
| MAK-3.5 | Comparative Literature / Optional Paper | Elective | 4 | Definition and scope of comparative literature, Inter-literary relationships and influences, Theories of translation in literature, World literature and cultural exchange, Thematic and generic comparisons, Literary interactions across languages |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAK-4.1 | Medieval Kannada Literature - II (Shatpadi & Sangatya Literature) | Core | 4 | Major Shatpadi Kavyas (Kumara Vyasa Bharata), Sangatya works (Ratnakaravarni''''s Bharatesha Vaibhava), Narrative techniques in medieval poetry, Religious and social themes in these genres, Contribution to devotional literature, Poetic forms and conventions |
| MAK-4.2 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to research principles, Types of research (qualitative, quantitative), Data collection methods and tools, Thesis writing structure and formatting, Bibliography and referencing styles, Ethical considerations in research |
| MAK-4.3 | Translation Studies | Core | 4 | Theories and approaches to translation, Types of translation (literary, technical), Cultural issues and challenges in translation, Translation practice in Kannada, Role of the translator and fidelity, Machine translation overview |
| MAK-4.4 | Linguistics and Grammar - II (Advanced Kannada Grammar) | Core | 4 | Advanced study of Kannada grammar, Detailed analysis of Dhatus and Vibhaktis, Sandhi and Samasa rules, Chandas (prosody) and Alankaras (figures of speech), Punctuation and orthography, Practical application in writing and speech |
| MAK-4.5 | Project Work / Dissertation | Project | 20 | Identification of a research problem, Comprehensive literature review, Methodology design and data analysis, Structure and writing of the dissertation, Presentation of findings, Viva-voce examination |
