

M-A in English at Mahamaya Rajkiya Snatakottar Mahavidyalaya, Lalganj, Kaushambi


Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English at Mahamaya Rajkiya Snatakottar Mahavidyalaya, Lalganj, Kaushambi Kaushambi?
This M.A. English program at Mahamaya Rajkiya Snatakottar Mahavidyalaya focuses on developing advanced understanding in English literature, language, and critical theory. With a curriculum aligned with the NEP-2020 guidelines from Prof. Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) University, it emphasizes both historical literary traditions and contemporary linguistic and theoretical perspectives, preparing students for diverse intellectual and professional challenges in the Indian context.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for arts graduates with a keen interest in English literature, language, and cultural studies. It attracts individuals aspiring to careers in academia, research, content creation, journalism, publishing, or translation. It is also suitable for those looking to enhance their critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills for various public and private sector roles in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue fulfilling career paths as university lecturers, researchers, content writers, editors, proofreaders, and translators. Entry-level salaries in these fields typically range from INR 3-6 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 6-12+ LPA. The program also serves as a strong foundation for pursuing M.Phil. or Ph.D. degrees, qualifying for UGC NET/JRF, and advancing in the Indian education sector.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Advanced Critical Reading and Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with prescribed texts, identifying literary devices, theoretical frameworks, and historical contexts. Participate actively in classroom discussions and utilize library resources to broaden literary knowledge beyond the syllabus. Focus on systematic study of literary periods and critical theories introduced in Semesters 1 and 2.
Tools & Resources
University Library, JSTOR, Project Gutenberg, Online literary journals, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities are fundamental for academic research, effective communication, and problem-solving in any professional role, laying the groundwork for research and content roles.
Master Academic Writing and Research Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Practice writing well-structured essays, research papers, and literary analyses. Pay close attention to grammar, citation styles (e.g., MLA, Chicago), and developing clear arguments. Utilize workshops on academic writing and seek feedback from professors to refine writing proficiency.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Purdue OWL, MLA Handbook, University writing center services
Career Connection
Excellent academic writing is crucial for publishing research, creating professional reports, and crafting compelling content in fields like journalism, editing, and technical writing.
Engage in Literary Debates and Language Practice- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, literary clubs, and co-curricular activities like debates, poetry recitation, and elocution contests. Focus on enhancing oral communication, presentation skills, and the practical application of linguistic concepts learned in the initial semesters.
Tools & Resources
Literary clubs, Departmental seminars, Public speaking groups, Online language exchange platforms
Career Connection
Improved communication and presentation skills are invaluable for teaching, public relations, media roles, and leadership positions across various industries in India.
Intermediate Stage
Strategically Choose Electives and Develop Research Interests- (Semester 3)
Carefully select elective papers in Semester 3 that align with your long-term career aspirations, whether in specific literary areas, advanced linguistics, or cultural studies. Begin exploring potential dissertation topics early, reading extensively in chosen areas, and consulting with faculty mentors to define a research focus.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, Research databases, University library''''s specialized collections, Previous dissertations
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge through electives enhances expertise, while early research focus directly prepares for dissertation completion, higher studies, and specialized roles in research or content.
Apply Critical Theories and Engage with Indian Literary Contexts- (Semester 3)
Beyond theoretical understanding, apply various critical frameworks to analyze literary texts, especially those from Indian English literature and translated works. Participate in workshops on postcolonial studies, gender studies, or translation theory to gain practical application skills and deeper cultural insights.
Tools & Resources
Academic conferences, Workshops on critical theory, Online archives of Indian literature
Career Connection
This strengthens analytical depth, making graduates highly suitable for roles in literary criticism, cultural studies, publishing, and advocacy organizations working with diverse narratives.
Network and Participate in Academic Events- (Semester 3)
Actively seek opportunities to attend and present papers at university-level seminars, conferences, and workshops related to English literature and language. Network with fellow students, scholars, and professors to build academic connections and stay updated on current research trends. Consider contributing to academic blogs or departmental newsletters.
Tools & Resources
Conference announcements, Professional academic associations (e.g., IACLALS), LinkedIn for networking
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to collaboration, mentorship, and future job or academic opportunities, which is crucial for career progression in academia and research in India.
Advanced Stage
Execute a High-Quality Dissertation or Project Work- (Semester 4)
Dedicatedly work on your dissertation in Semester 4, ensuring it reflects original research, sound methodology, and strong analytical skills. Maintain regular communication with your supervisor, meticulously adhere to deadlines, and prepare thoroughly for your viva voce, aiming for a significant academic contribution.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated supervisor sessions, Research ethics guidelines, Plagiarism checker software, Thesis formatting guides
Career Connection
A robust dissertation demonstrates advanced research capabilities, essential for academic positions, research roles, and for showcasing expertise to potential employers or doctoral programs.
Refine Professional Communication and Interview Skills- (Semester 4)
Engage in mock interviews, group discussions, and presentation practice sessions, especially for academic or corporate roles. Focus on articulating your research, experiences, and career aspirations clearly and confidently. Develop strong resume and cover letter writing skills tailored for the Indian job market.
Tools & Resources
Career services center, Online interview platforms, Professional development workshops, LinkedIn Learning
Career Connection
Exceptional professional communication is vital for securing placements in teaching, content writing, PR, and other corporate sectors, giving graduates a competitive edge.
Explore Diverse Career Avenues and Plan for Progression- (Semester 4)
Actively research various career paths such as teaching, research, content development, editing, translation, and media. Attend career counseling sessions, connect with alumni, and apply for relevant job openings or M.Phil./Ph.D. programs. Consider preparing for competitive exams like UGC NET/JRF for academic positions in India.
Tools & Resources
Career guidance cells, Alumni network, Job portals (Naukri.com, LinkedIn Jobs), UGC NET/JRF preparation material
Career Connection
Proactive career exploration and planning ensure a smooth transition from academics to the professional world, aligning skills with industry demands and setting a clear trajectory for growth.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. with English as a subject with at least 45% marks from this University or an equivalent examination of any other University recognized by the University.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 78 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELG 101 | English Literature from Chaucer to Elizabethan Age | Core | 4 | Old English Literature, Chaucer''''s Poetry, Renaissance and Humanism, Elizabethan Sonnets, Drama of Shakespeare and Marlowe, Elizabethan Prose |
| ELG 102 | English Literature from Jacobean to Restoration Age | Core | 4 | Jacobean and Caroline Poetry, Metaphysical Poets, John Milton''''s Poetry, Commonwealth and Puritanism, Restoration Drama, John Dryden |
| ELG 103 | Critical Theory-I (Classical to Victorian) | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism, Neoclassical Theories, Romantic Criticism, Victorian Critics, Formalism, Reader-Response Theory |
| ELG 104 | Linguistics and English Language Teaching | Core | 4 | Nature of Language, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics, ELT Methods, Language Acquisition |
| VEC001 | English for Media Studies | Vocational | 3 | Media Landscape, News Reporting, Feature Writing, Media Ethics, Public Speaking, Content Creation |
| CCC001 | Disaster Management/First Aid & Health | Co-Curricular | 2 | Disaster Preparedness, Risk Assessment, Emergency Response, First Aid Techniques, Health Awareness, Community Safety |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELG 201 | English Literature from Augustan Age to Pre-Romantic Age | Core | 4 | Neoclassical Poetry, Augustan Prose, Rise of the Novel, Sentimentalism, Graveyard School, Early Romantic Poets |
| ELG 202 | English Literature from Romantic Age to Victorian Age | Core | 4 | Romantic Poetry, Victorian Poetry, Victorian Novel, Tennyson and Browning, Realism and Naturalism, Social Commentary |
| ELG 203 | Critical Theory-II (Modern to Postmodern) | Core | 4 | Modernist Criticism, New Criticism, Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Postcolonial Theory, Gender Studies |
| ELG 204 | Indian Literature in English & Translation | Core | 4 | Early Indian English Writers, Major Indian English Novelists, Indian English Poetry, Dalit Literature, Partition Literature, Translation Studies |
| VEC002 | Academic Writing and Presentation Skills | Vocational | 3 | Academic Essay Writing, Research Paper Structure, Referencing Styles, Oral Presentation Techniques, Public Speaking, Argumentation |
| CCC002 | Human Values and Environmental Studies / Physical Education and Yoga | Co-Curricular | 2 | Ethics and Morality, Environmental Conservation, Human Rights, Yoga and Wellness, Physical Fitness, Sustainable Development |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELG 301 | Modern English Literature (20th Century) | Core | 4 | Modernist Poetry, Modernist Novel, Absurdist Drama, World Wars Impact, Stream of Consciousness, T.S. Eliot and Virginia Woolf |
| ELG 302 | Postcolonial Studies | Core | 4 | Postcolonial Theory, Colonialism and Imperialism, Hybridity and Identity, Subaltern Studies, Major Postcolonial Writers, Decolonization |
| ELG 303 (Elective A) | English Language and Communication Skills | Elective | 4 | Advanced Grammar, Phonetics for Communication, Public Speaking, Interview Skills, Group Discussion, Professional Communication |
| ELG 303 (Elective B) | American Literature | Elective | 4 | American Romanticism, Transcendentalism, Harlem Renaissance, Modern American Fiction, Contemporary American Poetry, American Drama |
| ELG 303 (Elective C) | Women''''s Writing | Elective | 4 | Feminist Literary Theory, Canonical Women Writers, Gender and Representation, Autobiographical Narratives, Domestic Space, Indian Women Writers |
| ELG 304 (Elective D) | Research Methodology | Elective | 4 | Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Literary Research, Thesis Writing, Plagiarism, Academic Ethics |
| ELG 304 (Elective E) | Translation Studies | Elective | 4 | Theories of Translation, Types of Translation, Cultural Contexts, Equivalence in Translation, Machine Translation, Role of Translator |
| ELG 304 (Elective F) | English for Academic and Professional Purposes | Elective | 4 | Academic Writing, Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Email Etiquette, Professional Correspondence, Resume and Cover Letter |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELG 401 | Contemporary English Literature (Post-20th Century) | Core | 4 | Postmodernism, Contemporary Fiction, Digital Humanities, Climate Fiction, Graphic Novels, Global English Literatures |
| ELG 402 | Dissertation/Project Work | Core (Project) | 8 | Research Proposal, Literature Review, Data Analysis, Thesis Writing, Oral Presentation, Viva Voce |
| ELG 403 (Elective G) | English Language Teaching (ELT) | Elective | 4 | ELT Methods, Materials Development, Assessment in ELT, Classroom Management, Technology in ELT, Teacher Training |
| ELG 403 (Elective H) | Canadian Literature | Elective | 4 | Canadian Identity, Wilderness Theme, Multiculturalism, Indigenous Voices, Margaret Atwood, Alice Munro |
| ELG 403 (Elective I) | Diaspora Studies | Elective | 4 | Concept of Diaspora, Migration Narratives, Identity Formation, Homeland and Hostland, Cultural Hybridity, Diaspora Literature |
| ELG 404 (Elective J) | Literature and Cinema | Elective | 4 | Adaptation Theory, Narrative Techniques, Visual Storytelling, Film Genres, Auteur Theory, Intertextuality |
| ELG 404 (Elective K) | World Literature | Elective | 4 | Concept of World Literature, Comparative Literature, Literary Traditions, Global Literary Movements, Cultural Exchange, Non-Western Literatures |
| ELG 404 (Elective L) | Ecocriticism and Environmental Literature | Elective | 4 | Ecocritical Theory, Nature Writing, Environmental Justice, Anthropocene, Green Studies, Literary Representations of Nature |




