M-A in General at Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Udupi, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is General at Manipal Academy of Higher Education Udupi?
This M.A. in English program at Manipal Academy of Higher Education focuses on advanced literary and language studies, encompassing global literary traditions, critical theories, and contemporary cultural discourse. It emphasizes Indian literary contexts and critical perspectives, reflecting the rich linguistic diversity and intellectual heritage of the nation. The program''''s interdisciplinary approach prepares students for diverse career paths in a rapidly evolving Indian academic and media landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for humanities graduates with a keen interest in literature, language, and cultural studies, seeking to deepen their analytical and research skills. It also caters to aspiring academics, writers, editors, and educators. Working professionals in fields like content creation, journalism, or public relations looking to enhance their critical thinking and communication abilities will find immense value. Prerequisites typically include a bachelor''''s degree with a focus on English.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue fulfilling careers in India as university professors, researchers, content strategists, journalists, technical writers, editors, and civil servants. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience to INR 8-15 LPA. The program fosters critical thinking, advanced communication, and research acumen, aligning with the demands of top Indian educational institutions and publishing houses, paving paths for academic and professional growth.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Extensive Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with primary texts from various literary periods and critical theories taught in Semesters 1 and 2. Regularly read beyond the prescribed syllabus to broaden perspectives on Indian and global literature. Join college reading clubs and participate in discussions to enhance comprehension and critical analysis.
Tools & Resources
MAHE Central Library, Online literary archives (JSTOR, Project Gutenberg), Literary discussion forums
Career Connection
Develops strong foundational knowledge essential for academic research, competitive exams, and careers in content writing or editing.
Master Academic Writing & Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on refining essay writing, research paper structuring, and proper citation techniques. Actively seek feedback from professors on assignments and incorporate improvements. Familiarize yourself with research databases and academic journals to build a strong foundation for future dissertations and publications.
Tools & Resources
MLA Handbook, Grammarly Premium, MAHE Research Portal, Mentorship from faculty
Career Connection
Crucial for success in research roles, academic positions, technical writing, and any profession requiring clear, structured communication.
Participate in Departmental Seminars & Workshops- (Semester 1-2)
Attend and present at departmental seminars, workshops, and student conferences. This hones presentation skills, encourages critical engagement with diverse literary topics, and fosters intellectual exchange with peers and faculty. Initiate informal study groups to discuss complex theories and texts.
Tools & Resources
Department of English events, University-wide academic forums, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Builds confidence in public speaking, critical thinking, and networking, beneficial for academic presentations, teaching, and professional leadership.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Interdisciplinary Studies & Electives- (Semester 3)
Actively choose electives that complement your core interests, exploring interdisciplinary connections between English literature and fields like cultural studies, sociology, or gender studies. Undertake short-term research projects or review assignments in these areas to broaden your academic profile and analytical framework.
Tools & Resources
Elective course offerings, Interdepartmental lectures, Online courses on platforms like Coursera/edX
Career Connection
Enhances versatility for roles in media, public policy, and diverse research organizations, demonstrating adaptable intellectual capacity.
Seek Mentorship for Dissertation Proposal- (Semester 3)
Proactively identify faculty members whose research aligns with your interests and seek their guidance for developing your dissertation proposal. Begin brainstorming topics, conducting preliminary literature reviews, and outlining your methodology well in advance. Attend proposal writing workshops.
Tools & Resources
Faculty research profiles, Previous dissertations in MAHE library, University research office workshops
Career Connection
Prepares for rigorous academic research, essential for PhD admissions, and cultivates skills in independent project management and scholarly contribution.
Pursue Internships in Relevant Fields- (Semester 3)
Actively look for internships in publishing houses, content creation agencies, NGOs focused on literary or social causes, or educational technology companies. This practical exposure offers real-world application of your skills, helps build professional networks, and provides insights into industry demands within India.
Tools & Resources
MAHE Career Services, LinkedIn, Naukri.com, Industry contacts through faculty
Career Connection
Provides invaluable industry experience, strengthens CV for placements, and offers a clearer understanding of potential career paths post-MA.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Dissertation Research & Writing- (Semester 4)
Commit to a structured and disciplined approach to your dissertation. Regularly meet with your supervisor, set clear milestones, and adhere to a strict writing schedule. Focus on original research, coherent argumentation, and meticulous editing to produce a high-quality scholarly work.
Tools & Resources
MAHE thesis guidelines, Reference management software (Mendeley, Zotero), Writing centers for proofreading
Career Connection
Showcases advanced research capabilities, crucial for academic careers and highly valued in research-oriented roles or think tanks.
Prepare for NET/SET and PhD Entrance Exams- (Semester 4)
Begin preparing for national-level eligibility tests like NET (National Eligibility Test) or SET (State Eligibility Test) if aspiring for lectureship or PhD admissions in India. Focus on mastering the syllabus for these exams, including General Paper and English Literature components, through consistent practice.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET syllabus & past papers, Online coaching platforms, Study groups
Career Connection
Opens doors to assistant professorships in Indian universities and secures eligibility for PhD programs, a key career progression for M.A. graduates.
Network and Attend Career-Focused Workshops- (Semester 4)
Actively network with alumni, attend university career fairs, and participate in workshops focused on resume building, interview skills, and specific career paths like content writing, journalism, or public relations. Leverage MAHE''''s alumni network for mentorship and job leads in India.
Tools & Resources
Alumni Association events, MAHE Career Development Centre, Industry networking platforms
Career Connection
Directly impacts placement success by providing professional connections, improving job search strategies, and enhancing interview preparedness for the Indian job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A Bachelor''''s degree from any recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or equivalent. Students having studied English as a major subject will be given preference.
Duration: 2 years, 4 semesters
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENL 6101 | Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Introduction to Criticism, Classical Criticism, Neoclassical Criticism, Romantic and Victorian Criticism, Modern Critical Approaches |
| ENL 6102 | The Novel: The 18th and 19th Centuries | Core | 4 | Rise of the Novel, Sentimental Novels, Gothic Novels, Victorian Novelists, Social Realism in Novel |
| ENL 6103 | British Poetry: The Romantics and the Victorians | Core | 4 | Romanticism, Lake Poets, Victorian Poetry, Pre-Raphaelites, Dramatic Monologue |
| ENL 6104 | Indian English Literature: Prose and Poetry | Core | 4 | Early Indian English Writers, Post-Independence Poetry, Indian English Novel, Feminist Writing, Dalit Literature |
| ENL 6105 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research, Research Design, Data Collection, Academic Writing, Citation and Referencing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENL 6201 | Literary Theory | Core | 4 | Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Feminism, Postcolonial Theory |
| ENL 6202 | The Novel: The 20th Century | Core | 4 | Modernist Novel, Stream of Consciousness, Postmodern Fiction, Dystopian Novels, Contemporary Indian Novels |
| ENL 6203 | British Drama: From the Renaissance to the Present | Core | 4 | Elizabethan Drama, Restoration Comedy, Modern British Drama, Absurdist Theatre, Contemporary Playwrights |
| ENL 6204 | American Literature: Prose and Poetry | Core | 4 | Transcendentalism, American Romanticism, Modern American Poetry, Harlem Renaissance, Contemporary American Fiction |
| ENL 6205 | Studies in Grammar and Usage | Core | 4 | Parts of Speech, Sentence Structure, Tenses and Aspects, Modals, Common Errors in English |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENL 7101 | Postcolonial Literatures | Core | 4 | Theories of Postcolonialism, African Literature, Caribbean Literature, South Asian Diaspora, Indigenous Literatures |
| ENL 7102 | Women''''s Writing | Core | 4 | Feminist Literary Theory, Early Women Writers, Modernist Women Writers, Contemporary Feminist Fiction, Women''''s Poetry |
| ENL 7111 | English Language Teaching | Elective | 4 | ELT Methodologies, Language Skills, Materials Development, Assessment in ELT, Classroom Management |
| ENL 7121 | Disability Studies | Elective | 4 | History of Disability, Models of Disability, Disability in Literature, Representation of Disability, Activism and Disability Rights |
| ENL 7105 | Dissertation Proposal | Core | 2 | Topic Selection, Literature Review, Research Questions, Methodology, Ethical Considerations |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENL 7201 | Dalit Literature | Core | 4 | History of Dalit Movement, Dalit Autobiography, Dalit Poetry, Dalit Fiction, Critical Approaches to Dalit Literature |
| ENL 7202 | Cultural Studies | Core | 4 | Theories of Culture, Popular Culture, Media and Representation, Identity and Culture, Globalisation and Culture |
| ENL 7211 | Stylistics | Elective | 4 | Language and Style, Figures of Speech, Foregrounding, Narrative Style, Discourse Analysis |
| ENL 7221 | Translation Studies | Elective | 4 | Theories of Translation, Types of Translation, Cultural Aspects, Translator''''s Role, Machine Translation |
| ENL 7205 | Dissertation | Project | 6 | Independent Research, Thesis Writing, Data Analysis, Argumentation, Presentation and Viva Voce |