

MA-ENGLISH in General at Patita Paban Mahavidyalaya, Sainkul


Keonjhar, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is General at Patita Paban Mahavidyalaya, Sainkul Keonjhar?
This MA English program at Patita Paban Mahavidyalaya focuses on an in-depth study of English literature, language, and critical theories. It provides a comprehensive understanding of literary traditions from various periods and geographies, while also honing linguistic and communication skills crucial for academic and professional success in India. The curriculum is designed to equip students with advanced analytical and research capabilities.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in English Literature, Language, or Humanities seeking advanced academic training. It also caters to aspiring researchers, educators, content creators, and those aiming for competitive examinations. Working professionals in fields like media, publishing, or education looking to deepen their literary knowledge and enhance critical thinking skills can also greatly benefit from this rigorous course.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as university lecturers (after NET/SLET), content writers, editors, journalists, public relations specialists, and competitive exam aspirants. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 7-15 LPA. The program fosters critical thinking, research acumen, and communication skills, vital for growth in various Indian industries.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Literary & Linguistic Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with core literary periods, critical theories, and linguistic concepts by regularly reviewing class notes, reading primary and secondary texts, and participating actively in discussions. Utilize the college library for supplementary readings and academic journals to broaden your understanding beyond the prescribed curriculum.
Tools & Resources
College library and e-resources, Online literary encyclopedias, Study groups with peers, Faculty consultations
Career Connection
A strong foundational knowledge is crucial for advanced literary analysis, excelling in higher studies (M.Phil/Ph.D), and for competitive exams like NET/SLET, paving the way for academic careers.
Hone Academic Writing & Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively practice academic essay writing, focusing on clear argumentation, logical structure, and proper citation. Participate in departmental seminars and college-level presentations to improve public speaking. Engage with Soft Skills modules to refine professional communication, critical for all career paths.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides (e.g., MLA Handbook), Grammar and style checkers (e.g., Grammarly), Mock presentation sessions, College debating/literary societies
Career Connection
Excellent academic writing and communication are indispensable for research, teaching, content creation, journalism, and any role requiring articulate expression and persuasive arguments.
Cultivate Research Acumen & Information Literacy- (Semester 1-2)
Develop effective research skills by learning to navigate academic databases, evaluating sources critically, and understanding research ethics. Practice outlining research questions and conducting mini-literature reviews for term papers to build foundational research capabilities early on.
Tools & Resources
University/College library portal, JSTOR, Project MUSE (if institutional access), Online tutorials for academic research, Referencing software (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley)
Career Connection
Strong research skills are fundamental for advanced academic pursuits, dissertation writing, and for analytical roles in research, content, and policy sectors.
Intermediate Stage
Strategic Specialization & Dissertation Excellence- (Semester 3-4)
Thoughtfully select elective papers in Semester 3 and 4 that align with your deepest academic interests or future career aspirations. Begin planning your Dissertation/Project Work early in Semester 3, identifying a unique topic and securing a faculty mentor. Aim for a high-quality, original research contribution to the field.
Tools & Resources
Dissertation guides and samples, Regular consultations with academic supervisor, Advanced research databases, Plagiarism detection tools
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation showcases advanced research skills and specialized knowledge, which is critical for academic positions, research roles, and for qualifying for NET/SLET examinations.
NET/SLET & Competitive Exam Preparation- (Semester 3-4)
Integrate dedicated preparation for national-level eligibility tests (NET/SLET) for lectureship and other relevant competitive examinations into your Semester 3 and 4 routines. Regularly practice with previous year''''s question papers, analyze exam patterns, and revise the entire MA syllabus comprehensively. Consider forming peer study groups for collaborative learning and mock tests.
Tools & Resources
NET/SLET specific guidebooks and study materials, Online mock test platforms, Previous year question paper collections, Coaching institute resources (if opted)
Career Connection
Success in NET/SLET is mandatory for Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and colleges, directly opening academic career pathways and significantly enhancing your profile for various other professional roles.
Professional Networking & Career Planning- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek out networking opportunities by attending workshops, seminars, and literary festivals. Engage with alumni, guest lecturers, and professionals in fields like publishing, media, and education. Update your resume/CV regularly and practice interview skills, focusing on articulating your literary and analytical strengths effectively to potential employers.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, Career counseling services (if available), Mock interview sessions with faculty/alumni, Resume-building workshops
Career Connection
Proactive networking and career planning significantly enhance job search effectiveness, leading to better internship and placement opportunities, and providing invaluable insights into diverse career avenues after an MA in English.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Any graduate (Arts/Science/Commerce) with English as an optional/honours/major subject at the undergraduate level or a graduate in any discipline having 50% marks in English at the +2 level or 50% marks in Compulsory English at the graduate level.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CP 101 | History of English Literature (I): From Chaucer to the Romantics | Core | 4 | Chaucer and Medieval Period, Renaissance and Elizabethan Age, Jacobean and Caroline Period, Restoration and Augustan Age, Pre-Romantics and Romantic Period |
| CP 102 | Literary Criticism (I) | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Neoclassical Criticism (Sidney, Dryden), Romantic Criticism (Wordsworth, Coleridge), Matthew Arnold and Victorian Criticism |
| CP 103 | ELT & Communication Skills | Core | 4 | Language Teaching Methods, Communicative Language Teaching, English in India, Teaching Grammar, Developing Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing Skills |
| CP 104 | Indian Literature in English Translation (I) | Core | 4 | Context of Indian Literature, Ancient Epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata), Bhakti Movement Literature, Modern Indian Writing, Selected Regional Works in Translation |
| SS 105 | Soft Skills (I) | Soft Skill | 4 | Communication Barriers, Self-Analysis and Goal Setting, Time Management, Stress Management, Conflict Resolution |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CP 201 | History of English Literature (II): The Victorians to the Present | Core | 4 | Victorian Era Literature, Pre-Raphaelites and Aestheticism, Modernism and Avant-garde, Postmodernism and Contemporary Literature, Literary Movements of the 20th Century |
| CP 202 | Literary Criticism (II) | Core | 4 | Formalism and New Criticism, Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Feminist Criticism, Cultural Studies |
| CP 203 | English Language & Linguistics | Core | 4 | Nature of Language, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics |
| CP 204 | Indian Literature in English Translation (II) | Core | 4 | Post-Independence Indian Literature, Dalit Literature, Regional Voices in Translation, Indian Diaspora Literature, Contemporary Indian English Writing |
| SS 205 | Soft Skills (II) | Soft Skill | 4 | Group Discussions, Interview Skills, Presentation Skills, Email Etiquette and Resume Writing, Professional Ethics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CP 301 | British Literature (I): Poetry | Core | 4 | Medieval to Renaissance Poetry, Metaphysical and Augustan Poetry, Romantic and Victorian Poetry, Modern and Contemporary British Poetry, Major Poets and Poetic Movements |
| CP 302 | British Literature (II): Drama | Core | 4 | Medieval and Renaissance Drama, Jacobean and Restoration Drama, 18th and 19th Century Drama, Modern and Contemporary British Drama, Major Playwrights and Dramatic Forms |
| CP 303 | British Literature (III): Fiction | Core | 4 | Rise of the Novel, 18th and 19th Century Fiction, Victorian Novel, Modernist and Post-War Fiction, Contemporary British Novel |
| EP 304 (A or B) | Elective Paper (Choose One): American Literature OR Commonwealth Literature | Elective | 4 | American Literature: Early to Modern American Writing, Transcendentalism, Realism, Major Authors, Commonwealth Literature: Postcolonial Theory, African, Canadian, Australian, Caribbean Literature, Major Authors |
| EP 305 (A or B) | Elective Paper (Choose One): Postcolonial Literature OR World Literatures in English | Elective | 4 | Postcolonial Literature: Colonialism, Identity, Hybridity, Resistance, Global South Writers, World Literatures: Global Anglophone Literature, Cross-Cultural Studies, Migratory Narratives, Indigenous Voices |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CP 401 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Research Design and Types, Data Collection and Analysis Methods, Academic Writing and Citation Styles (MLA/APA), Literature Review and Bibliography, Research Ethics and Plagiarism |
| CP 402 | Theory and Practice of Translation | Core | 4 | Theories of Translation, Types and Techniques of Translation, Cultural Issues in Translation, Machine Translation and its Future, Practical Translation Exercises |
| CP 403 | Women''''s Writing | Core | 4 | Feminist Literary Theories, Canonical Women Writers and their Works, Gender and Representation in Literature, Autobiographical and Confessional Writing, Contemporary Women''''s Literature |
| EP 404 (A or B) | Elective Paper (Choose One): Literary Theories (Applied) OR Digital Humanities | Elective | 4 | Literary Theories (Applied): Application of various critical theories to texts, Practical criticism exercises, Digital Humanities: Introduction to DH, Textual Analysis Tools, Digital Archiving, Data Visualization, Digital Pedagogy |
| Project 405 | Dissertation / Project Work | Project | 8 | Independent Research and Topic Selection, Extensive Literature Review, Methodology and Data Analysis, Thesis Writing and Argumentation, Presentation and Viva Voce |




