

MASTER-OF-ARTS in English Literature at Mohanlal Sukhadia University


Udaipur, Rajasthan
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About the Specialization
What is English Literature at Mohanlal Sukhadia University Udaipur?
This Master of Arts in English Literature program at Mohanlal Sukhadia University focuses on a comprehensive study of literature from various periods and cultures. It delves into critical theories and research methodologies, preparing students for advanced academic pursuits and diverse professional roles. The program is designed to meet the evolving demands of literary scholarship and creative industries in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in English Literature seeking to deepen their academic understanding and critical thinking skills. It also caters to aspiring researchers, educators, and content creators looking to enhance their literary expertise and career prospects in India''''s dynamic educational and media sectors. Prerequisite: B.A. with English Literature.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as university lecturers, researchers, content writers, editors, or civil servants in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3 LPA to 6 LPA, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals. The program fosters critical analysis and communication skills crucial for various competitive examinations and professional certifications.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Literary Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with foundational texts from different literary periods, actively participating in class discussions and seeking clarity on complex literary concepts. Utilize university library resources, including critical editions and academic journals, to broaden understanding beyond prescribed texts.
Tools & Resources
University Library, JSTOR (through institutional access), Oxford English Dictionary
Career Connection
A robust understanding of literary history and movements is crucial for academic research, teaching, and informed critical analysis in any literary-based career.
Develop Critical Reading and Writing Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Practice analytical reading by identifying literary devices, themes, and theoretical perspectives in every text. Regularly write critical essays, focusing on developing clear arguments, textual evidence, and academic citation. Participate in writing workshops if available.
Tools & Resources
MLA Handbook, Grammarly, Peer-review groups
Career Connection
Strong critical analysis and academic writing skills are indispensable for research papers, publications, content creation, and competitive examinations like NET/SET.
Engage in Peer Learning and Discussion- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex theories and texts, fostering diverse interpretations and clarifying doubts. Present on assigned topics to peers to enhance public speaking and argumentative skills. Participate in departmental seminars.
Tools & Resources
Study groups, Departmental colloquiums, Online literary forums
Career Connection
Collaborative learning enhances understanding and develops communication skills vital for team-based roles in academia, research, and media.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Specialization and Elective Areas- (Semester 3)
Actively research and choose elective papers aligning with personal interests and career goals (e.g., Postcolonial Studies for research, English for Media for journalism). Deep dive into these chosen areas through supplementary readings and independent projects.
Tools & Resources
Online academic databases, Faculty consultations, Specialized literary journals
Career Connection
Specializing helps in developing niche expertise, making you a more attractive candidate for specific roles in academia, publishing, or content development.
Participate in Academic Conferences and Workshops- (Semester 3)
Attend and present papers at university-level or national literary conferences. Engage with scholars and network with peers and faculty. Seek opportunities to participate in research methodology workshops to refine academic skills.
Tools & Resources
UGC-sponsored conferences, Literary Association of India events, University research cell
Career Connection
Conference participation boosts your academic profile, hones presentation skills, and builds a valuable network for future collaborations and job opportunities.
Undertake Mini-Research Projects- (Semester 3)
Initiate small research projects or extended essays on topics of interest, guided by faculty mentors. This provides practical experience in applying research methodology and theoretical frameworks. Focus on Indian literary contexts.
Tools & Resources
Research papers databases, University mentors, Academic writing software
Career Connection
Practical research experience is crucial for those aspiring to M.Phil./Ph.D. programs, research assistant roles, and positions requiring analytical prowess.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for NET/SET and Civil Services Examinations- (Semester 4)
Begin focused preparation for competitive exams like UGC NET/SET for lectureship and Junior Research Fellowship, or Civil Services Exams, which often have a strong humanities component. Utilize previous year''''s papers and coaching resources.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET official website, Previous year question papers, Online coaching platforms
Career Connection
Success in these exams opens doors to academic careers as Assistant Professors or prestigious government positions in India.
Develop a Professional Portfolio and CV- (Semester 4)
Compile a portfolio of your best academic writings, research papers, and any publications. Develop a professional CV highlighting your literary skills, research experience, and conference participation for job applications and higher studies.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Personal academic website (optional), Career Services cell
Career Connection
A strong portfolio and CV are essential for showcasing your capabilities to potential employers or doctoral program admissions committees.
Seek Mentorship and Career Guidance- (Semester 4)
Regularly consult with faculty advisors for guidance on career paths, higher education opportunities, and job market trends in English Literature. Explore alumni networks for insights into diverse career trajectories.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, Alumni network events, University career counseling
Career Connection
Mentorship provides invaluable insights, networking opportunities, and strategic advice for navigating career transitions and achieving professional goals.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. with English Literature as one of the subjects from a recognized university, with at least 45% marks in aggregate.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL101 | English Poetry (from Chaucer to Romantics) | Core | 4 | Chaucer''''s Poetry, Spenserian Poetics, Milton''''s Epic Tradition, Donne and Metaphysical Poetry, Pope''''s Neoclassicism, Wordsworth and Romanticism |
| ENGL102 | English Drama (from Elizabethan to Modern) | Core | 4 | Elizabethan Drama, Jacobean Tragedies, Restoration Comedy, Sentimental Comedy, Modernist Playwrights, Absurdist Theatre |
| ENGL103 | English Prose & Fiction (from Elizabethan to Modern) | Core | 4 | Elizabethan Prose, Augustan Essays, Victorian Non-fiction, Early Novelists, Modernist Fiction, Development of Short Story |
| ENGL104 | Literary Criticism & Theory | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism, Romantic Critical Thought, Victorian Aestheticism, New Criticism, Structuralism, Post-structuralism |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL201 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Colonial American Writing, Romanticism and Transcendentalism, Realism and Naturalism, Modern American Novel, African American Literature, Contemporary American Poetry |
| ENGL202 | Indian Writing in English | Core | 4 | Early Indian English Poetry, Indian English Novel Development, Indian English Drama, Partition Literature, Dalit Literature, Contemporary Indian Voices |
| ENGL203 | Twentieth Century English Literature | Core | 4 | Modernism in Literature, Postmodernism Characteristics, Existentialist Themes, Literature of the Absurd, War and Post-War Writing, Feminist Literature Movement |
| ENGL204 | Commonwealth Literature | Core | 4 | Postcolonial Theory, Caribbean Literary Voices, African Literature, Australian and Canadian Literature, South Asian Diasporic Writing, Themes of Identity and Migration |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL301 | Research Methodology & English Language Teaching (ELT) | Core | 4 | Research Design and Methods, Data Collection and Analysis, Academic Writing and Citation, Introduction to Phonetics, ELT Approaches and Methods, Materials Development for ELT |
| ENGL302 | Elective: Literature and Gender / Postcolonial Studies / Dalit Literature | Elective | 4 | Feminist Literary Theory, Gender Studies Concepts, Masculinities in Literature, LGBTQ+ Narratives, Representation of Gender, Feminist Criticism |
| ENGL303 | Elective: Shakespeare / Indo-Anglian Literary Criticism / European Fiction | Elective | 4 | Elizabethan Theatre Context, Shakespearean Tragedies, Shakespearean Comedies, Historical Plays, Problem Plays, Shakespeare''''s Sonnets |
| ENGL304 | Elective: Indian Aesthetics & Literary Theory / Cultural Studies / American Literature (New Trends) | Elective | 4 | Rasa Theory, Dhvani Theory, Alankara and Riti, Vakrokti Theory, Anumana and Pratibha, Indian Avant-Garde |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL401 | Contemporary Literary Theory | Core | 4 | Postmodernism in Theory, Deconstruction Principles, Cultural Studies Frameworks, New Historicism, Eco-criticism Approaches, Reader-Response Theory |
| ENGL402 | Elective: Literature & Environment / Canadian Literature / Australian Literature | Elective | 4 | Ecocriticism Fundamentals, Nature Writing Traditions, Environmental Justice in Literature, Anthropocene Narratives, Literary Landscapes, Green Cultural Studies |
| ENGL403 | Elective: African Literature / Caribbean Literature / South Asian Diaspora Literature | Elective | 4 | African Oral Traditions, Colonial Encounters in Literature, Post-Independence African Writing, Apartheid Literature, African Women''''s Writing, Négritude Movement |
| ENGL404 | Elective: English for Media / Translation Studies / Film Studies | Elective | 4 | Media Writing Styles, Journalistic English, News Reporting and Editing, Feature Writing Techniques, Digital Media Communication, Public Relations Writing |




