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MASTER-OF-ARTS in English at Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya, Unnao
Unnao, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English at Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya, Unnao Unnao?
This Master of Arts in English program at Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya, Unnao, focuses on a comprehensive study of literature, language, and critical theory. It provides an in-depth exploration of Indian, British, American, and World literatures, alongside advanced studies in linguistics and literary criticism. The program aims to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of cultural contexts, essential for various intellectual and professional pursuits in the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in English or a related humanities field, seeking to deepen their literary and linguistic expertise. It also caters to aspiring academics, educators, content developers, and researchers looking to pursue advanced studies or enhance their qualifications for diverse roles in the education and media sectors across India. Graduates aiming for civil services or other competitive exams will also find it beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in teaching, academic research, content writing, editing, journalism, and public relations within India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 6-10 LPA or more, particularly in educational institutions or publishing houses. The program aligns with UGC NET/JRF preparation, paving the way for research and university-level teaching careers.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Literary Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with core texts and critical concepts from Indian, British, and American literatures. Participate actively in classroom discussions and utilize library resources to expand knowledge beyond prescribed readings.
Tools & Resources
College Library, Project Gutenberg, Online literary journals
Career Connection
A solid foundation in literary history and theory is crucial for academic excellence, competitive exams, and careers in teaching or content development.
Master Academic Writing and Research- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing clear, concise academic writing skills, understand research methodologies, and practice citing sources correctly using MLA/APA styles. Seek feedback on essays and assignments from faculty.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL, Grammarly, Research Methodology textbooks
Career Connection
Proficiency in academic writing is vital for thesis work, research papers, and careers in publishing, editing, or higher education.
Enhance Linguistic and Phonetic Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to the linguistics and phonetics papers. Practice pronunciation using IPA and analyze language structures. This improves communication skills and understanding of language evolution.
Tools & Resources
IPA charts and apps, Linguistic textbooks, Online pronunciation guides
Career Connection
Strong linguistic understanding is beneficial for ELT careers, content creation, speech therapy, and communication roles.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Electives for Specialization- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose elective papers based on personal interest and career goals (e.g., Women''''s Writing, Dalit Literature, Translation Studies). Dive deep into the chosen area to gain specialized knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Departmental counselors, Online course reviews, Research papers in specific fields
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge enhances profiles for niche roles in research, advocacy, and themed content creation.
Participate in Literary Societies and Events- (Semester 3-4)
Join the college''''s literary or debating societies. Participate in seminars, workshops, and literary fests to hone public speaking, critical analysis, and networking skills.
Tools & Resources
College cultural committees, Inter-college events
Career Connection
Builds confidence, communication skills, and provides networking opportunities with peers and academics, useful for all career paths.
Undertake Mini-Research Projects- (Semester 3-4)
Proactively engage in smaller research projects or extended essays under faculty guidance, especially in areas of emerging literary theories or less-explored genres. This builds a strong research portfolio.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Google Scholar, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Prepares for the final project, strengthens research acumen for PhD aspirations, and is valuable for research-oriented job applications.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Final Project/Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Select a compelling research topic for the final project, conduct thorough research, and write a high-quality dissertation. Focus on originality, critical analysis, and proper documentation.
Tools & Resources
Academic supervisors, Plagiarism checkers, Citation management tools
Career Connection
A strong project showcases independent research capability, essential for academia, research think tanks, and advanced content roles.
Prepare for NET/JRF and Other Exams- (Semester 4)
Alongside regular studies, begin focused preparation for UGC NET/JRF if aiming for higher education or civil services examinations. Solve previous year papers and join relevant study groups.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/JRF books, Online test series, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Crucial for securing lectureship positions in Indian universities or pursuing PhDs, and also valuable for general competitive exams.
Seek Mentorship for Career Guidance- (Semester 4)
Connect with alumni and faculty members who have experience in desired career fields (e.g., publishing, media, teaching). Seek their advice on career paths, skill development, and job search strategies.
Tools & Resources
Alumni network, Departmental faculty, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Provides insights into industry demands, helps in networking, and can open doors to internships or job opportunities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 80 (4 credits per theory paper, 20 credits per semester) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MENG101 | Indian English Literature | Core | 4 | Indian Novel, Indian Poetry, Indian Drama, Indian Short Story, Indian English Criticism |
| MENG102 | History of English Literature (From Chaucer to Eighteenth Century) | Core | 4 | Old English Period, Middle English Period, Renaissance, Elizabethan and Jacobean Age, Augustan Age |
| MENG103 | Literary Theory and Criticism (From Plato to Coleridge) | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Neoclassical Criticism (Dryden, Johnson), Romantic Criticism (Wordsworth, Coleridge), Concept of Imitation and Catharsis, Poetic Diction and Imagination |
| MENG104 | Linguistics & Phonetics | Core | 4 | Nature of Language, Branches of Linguistics, Phonetics (Organs of Speech, IPA), Phonology and Morphology, Syntax and Semantics |
| MENG105 | English Language Teaching | Core | 4 | Language Acquisition vs. Learning, ELT Methods (GTM, Direct Method, CLT), Teaching Aids and Materials, Evaluation in ELT, Syllabus Design and Lesson Planning |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MENG201 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Early American Poetry, American Romanticism, Transcendentalism, American Novel, Modern American Drama, African American Literature |
| MENG202 | History of English Literature (From Nineteenth Century to Modern Age) | Core | 4 | Romantic Age, Victorian Age, Pre-Raphaelites and Aestheticism, Modernism, Postmodernism |
| MENG203 | Literary Theory and Criticism (From Matthew Arnold to Modern Age) | Core | 4 | Matthew Arnold and Eliot, New Criticism, Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Deconstruction, Reader-Response Theory |
| MENG204 | World Literatures in English (Except Indian & American) | Core | 4 | African Literature, Canadian Literature, Australian Literature, Caribbean Literature, Postcolonial Theory |
| MENG205 | Literary Genres (Poetry, Drama, Fiction, Prose) | Core | 4 | Elements of Poetry and Poetic Forms, Forms of Drama (Tragedy, Comedy), Types of Fiction (Novel, Short Story), Rhetorical Devices in Prose, Narrative Techniques |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MENG301 | British Literature: Renaissance to Restoration | Core | 4 | Renaissance Poetry (Shakespeare, Donne), Renaissance Drama (Marlowe, Jonson), Commonwealth Literature, Restoration Comedy, Metaphysical Poetry |
| MENG302 | British Literature: The Augustan Age to The Romantic Revival | Core | 4 | Neoclassical Poetry (Pope, Swift), Sentimentalism and Gothic Novel, Romantic Poetry (Wordsworth, Keats), Romantic Prose (Lamb, Hazlitt), Satire and Mock-Heroic |
| MENG303 | Research Methodology and Computer Applications in English Studies | Core | 4 | Research Design and Hypothesis, Data Collection and Analysis, MLA/APA Documentation Styles, Plagiarism and Ethics, Use of Digital Tools and Academic Writing |
| MENG304A | Elective I: Women’s Writing | Elective | 4 | Feminist Literary Criticism, Women’s Poetry and Fiction, Autobiographical Writings by Women, Challenges for Women Writers, Representation of Gender |
| MENG304B | Elective I: Dalit Literature | Elective | 4 | History of Dalit Literature, Dalit Autobiographies, Dalit Poetry and Fiction, Themes of Social Justice, Protest and Resistance Literature |
| MENG304C | Elective I: Subaltern Studies | Elective | 4 | Concept of Subaltern, Postcolonial Theory and Subalternity, Subaltern Voices in Literature, Marginalized Communities, Power Dynamics and Representation |
| MENG305A | Elective II: Modern Critical Theory | Elective | 4 | Psychoanalytic Criticism, Marxist Criticism, Reader-Response Theory, New Historicism, Cultural Studies |
| MENG305B | Elective II: Popular Literature | Elective | 4 | Detective Fiction and Mystery, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Children’s Literature, Graphic Novels and Comics, Bollywood and Popular Culture |
| MENG305C | Elective II: Ecocriticism | Elective | 4 | Environmental Literary Studies, Nature Writing, Ecofeminism, Deep Ecology, Representation of Nature in Literature |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MENG401 | British Literature: Victorian and Modern | Core | 4 | Victorian Poetry (Tennyson, Browning), Victorian Novel (Dickens, Eliot), Modernist Poetry (Yeats, Eliot), Modernist Novel (Woolf, Joyce), Social and Political Themes |
| MENG402 | Postcolonial Literature | Core | 4 | Postcolonial Theory (Said, Spivak, Bhabha), Commonwealth Writers, Subaltern Voices, Diasporic Literature, Identity and Nationhood |
| MENG403 | English for Specific Purposes (ESP) | Core | 4 | ESP Principles and Pedagogy, Needs Analysis in ESP, ESP Course Design, English for Academic Purposes (EAP), English for Business Purposes (EBP) |
| MENG404A | Elective III: Translation Studies | Elective | 4 | Theories of Translation, Types of Translation, Cultural Translatability, Role of the Translator, Machine Translation and CAT Tools |
| MENG404B | Elective III: Disability Studies | Elective | 4 | Models of Disability, Disability in Literature, Representation of Disability, Ableism and Social Justice, Disability Rights Movement |
| MENG404C | Elective III: Gender Studies | Elective | 4 | Gender Theories and Concepts, Masculinity Studies, Queer Theory, Gender and Power, Gender Representation in Literature |
| MENG405 | Project | Project | 4 | Research Question Formulation, Literature Review and Data Collection, Thesis Writing and Structure, Presentation Skills, Project Defense and Viva-Voce |
