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MA in English at Maharaja Purna Chandra (Autonomous) College
Mayurbhanj, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is English at Maharaja Purna Chandra (Autonomous) College Mayurbhanj?
This MA English program at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College focuses on advanced literary studies, critical theories, and linguistic principles. It provides a comprehensive understanding of English literature from various periods and cultures, including a strong emphasis on Indian English and Postcolonial literatures. The program aims to cultivate critical thinking, research skills, and a deep appreciation for diverse literary traditions, preparing students for both academic and professional roles in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in English who aspire to pursue higher education or careers in teaching, research, and content creation. It also suits working professionals, such as school teachers or content writers, looking to enhance their academic qualifications and deepen their literary expertise. Individuals passionate about critical inquiry and literary analysis, with a strong foundation in English, will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to find diverse career paths in India, including roles as college lecturers, researchers, content developers, editors, and journalists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3 LPA to 5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more based on their expertise and institutional affiliation. The program also serves as a strong foundation for pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees, aligning with UGC NET/JRF qualifications for academic positions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Literary Concepts and Periods- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand foundational literary periods, movements, and key authors covered in ''''History of English Literature'''' papers. Create detailed timelines and concept maps. Participate actively in classroom discussions and seek clarification on complex theories to build a strong base for advanced studies.
Tools & Resources
Norton Anthologies, Oxford Handbooks of Literature, Online literary encyclopedias, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong grasp of literary history is crucial for academic research, teaching, and content development, enabling accurate contextualization and analysis of literary texts for future roles.
Develop Advanced Reading and Critical Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage with diverse literary texts from various genres and critical perspectives. Practice close reading, annotating texts, and formulating independent interpretations. Regularly write analytical essays and seek feedback from professors to refine your critical thinking and argumentative abilities.
Tools & Resources
Critical theory textbooks, Literary journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly for cultural insights), Academic writing guides, College library resources
Career Connection
These skills are essential for research, academic writing, and any profession requiring in-depth textual analysis and informed opinion, such as editing or journalism.
Engage with Literary Criticism and Theory- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond classroom lectures, read original works of prominent literary critics and theorists. Try to apply different critical lenses (e.g., Marxist, Feminist, Postcolonial) to familiar texts. Join or form a literary discussion club to debate theoretical applications and understand multiple viewpoints.
Tools & Resources
Theories of Literary Criticism textbooks, Internet resources like Literary Theory website, Discussion forums
Career Connection
Familiarity with literary theories is vital for higher academic pursuits (NET/JRF, M.Phil, PhD), and for roles requiring nuanced understanding of cultural and social dynamics in India.
Intermediate Stage
Specialized Exploration and Interdisciplinary Learning- (Semester 3)
Deep dive into specialized areas like Postcolonial Literatures, Indian English Literature, Linguistics, or Cultural Studies based on your interests. Explore how these disciplines intersect with other fields like history, sociology, or philosophy. Attend college workshops or guest lectures on interdisciplinary topics.
Tools & Resources
Specialized journals (e.g., Journal of Commonwealth Literature), Online courses (e.g., NPTEL humanities courses), Departmental seminars
Career Connection
Developing niche expertise makes you a more valuable candidate for specific research projects, academic positions, or content roles focused on particular cultural or linguistic domains in India.
Initiate and Practice Research Methodology- (Semester 3)
Actively engage with the ''''Research Methodology'''' course by identifying potential research questions, conducting preliminary literature reviews, and learning academic citation styles (MLA/APA). Start thinking about potential dissertation topics early to align with your interests and available faculty guidance.
Tools & Resources
MLA Handbook, Research databases (JSTOR, Project MUSE - if college provides access), College library research support
Career Connection
Strong research skills are indispensable for M.Phil/Ph.D. admissions, university teaching, and roles in academic publishing or think tanks, enhancing employability in India''''s research ecosystem.
Participate in Academic Conferences and Workshops- (Semester 3)
Actively seek opportunities to present your research papers or participate in seminars and workshops organized by the college or other institutions in Odisha and beyond. This builds confidence, expands your academic network, and provides exposure to current scholarly discourse.
Tools & Resources
Conference announcements on university websites, Department notice boards, Academic social networks
Career Connection
Networking and presentation experience are crucial for academic career progression and gaining visibility within the scholarly community, leading to better opportunities in Indian universities and colleges.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Research Project- (Semester 4)
Devote significant effort to your dissertation, ensuring rigorous research, clear argumentation, and impeccable academic writing. Work closely with your supervisor, meet deadlines, and incorporate feedback effectively. Aim for original contribution within your chosen field of English studies.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor guidance, Extensive library resources, Academic writing software, Plagiarism checkers
Career Connection
The dissertation is a testament to your research capabilities, often serving as a portfolio piece for Ph.D. applications or demonstrating expertise for advanced content development and research roles.
Prepare for UGC NET/JRF Examination- (Semester 4)
Begin focused preparation for the UGC NET/JRF exam from the final semester. Utilize previous year''''s question papers, study guides, and online coaching platforms. Focus on both Paper 1 (General Aptitude) and Paper 2 (English Literature) to maximize your chances of qualifying for lectureship or junior research fellowship in India.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/JRF study materials, Online test series, Coaching institutes, Past papers
Career Connection
Qualifying NET/JRF is a mandatory requirement for assistant professorships in Indian universities and colleges, opening up academic career pathways and research funding opportunities.
Explore Career Development and Placement Support- (Semester 4)
Actively engage with the college''''s career counseling cell, if available, for guidance on interview skills, CV building, and job search strategies for academic or content-related roles. Network with alumni to understand diverse career trajectories within the Indian job market for English postgraduates.
Tools & Resources
College career services, LinkedIn, Alumni network, Online job portals (Naukri.com, Indeed India)
Career Connection
Proactive career planning and leveraging institutional support will enhance your employability and facilitate a smoother transition into your chosen professional path after graduation, whether in academia, publishing, or media.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed the B.A. Examination with English as an Honours/Major/Core subject or Elective English/Pass English (not less than 200 marks) from Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College or any other recognized University.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 90 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-CC-101 | History of English Literature - I | Core | 6 | Old English Period, The Middle English Period, The Renaissance Period, The Seventeenth Century Literature, The Augustan Age |
| ENG-CC-102 | Literary Criticism - I | Core | 6 | Plato''''s Republic, Aristotle''''s Poetics, Longinus'''' On the Sublime, Horace''''s Ars Poetica, Philip Sidney''''s An Apology for Poetry |
| ENG-CC-103 | Methods of English Studies | Core | 6 | English Studies as a Discipline, Research Process, Academic Writing, Critical Thinking, Interdisciplinary Approaches |
| ENG-CC-104 | Postcolonial Literatures - I | Core | 6 | Introduction to Postcolonialism, The Empire Writes Back, Chinua Achebe: Things Fall Apart, Ngugi Wa Thiong''''o: Decolonising the Mind, Gayatri Spivak: Can the Subaltern Speak? |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-CC-201 | History of English Literature - II | Core | 6 | The Romantic Revival, The Victorian Age, The Modern Age, Post-World War II Literature, Contemporary Literary Trends |
| ENG-CC-202 | Literary Criticism - II | Core | 6 | Samuel Johnson''''s Preface to Shakespeare, William Wordsworth''''s Preface to Lyrical Ballads, S.T. Coleridge''''s Biographia Literaria, Matthew Arnold''''s The Study of Poetry, T.S. Eliot''''s Tradition and the Individual Talent |
| ENG-CC-203 | Literary Theory | Core | 6 | Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Feminist Literary Criticism, Marxist Literary Theory, Psychoanalytic Criticism, New Historicism and Cultural Materialism |
| ENG-CC-204 | Indian English Literature | Core | 6 | Early Indian English Poetry, Indian English Novel - Founding Figures, Contemporary Indian English Fiction, Indian English Drama, Diasporic Indian Writing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-CC-301 | Linguistics | Core | 6 | Introduction to Linguistics, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics and Psycholinguistics |
| ENG-CC-302 | Research Methodology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Research, Types of Research, Research Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing |
| ENG-DSE-301 | Cultural Studies | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Defining Cultural Studies, Culture and Ideology, Popular Culture, Media and Representation, Globalization and Culture |
| ENG-DSE-302 | Translation Studies | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Introduction to Translation, Theories of Translation, Methods of Translation, Translation of Literary Texts, Challenges in Translation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-DSE-401 | American Literature | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Colonial and Early American Literature, American Romanticism and Transcendentalism, Realism and Naturalism, Modern American Literature, Contemporary American Voices |
| ENG-DSE-402 | Gender Studies | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Introduction to Gender Studies, Feminist Theories, Masculinities Studies, Queer Theory, Gender and Society |
| ENG-CC-403 | Dissertation | Core (Project/Research) | 6 | Research Proposal Development, Literature Review, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing, Viva Voce Presentation |
