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MA in English at Ram Lubhai Sahani Government Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Pilibhit
Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English at Ram Lubhai Sahani Government Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Pilibhit Pilibhit?
This MA English program at Ram Lubhai Sahani Government Mahila Mahavidyalaya focuses on a comprehensive study of literature and language from diverse cultural contexts. It delves into historical literary periods, critical theories, and the nuances of English language, equipping students with advanced analytical and interpretive skills. The Indian market increasingly values strong communication and critical thinking, making this specialization highly relevant for roles in education, media, and content creation.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree, especially those with an English Literature background, seeking advanced knowledge and research capabilities in the field. It also suits individuals passionate about literature, language, and cultural studies, who aspire to careers in academia, publishing, journalism, or content development. The curriculum provides a strong foundation for those aiming for competitive examinations or further research degrees.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as educators (school and college level), content writers, editors, journalists, public relations specialists, and even roles in civil services. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 lakhs annually, growing significantly with experience. The program fosters critical thinking, research acumen, and effective communication, essential skills for upward mobility in various Indian industries.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immersive Reading and Active Note-Taking- (Semester 1-2)
Develop a habit of reading canonical texts beyond the syllabus. Practice active note-taking methods like Cornell notes or mind mapping to synthesize complex literary concepts and arguments, strengthening comprehension and retention of foundational knowledge.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Online literary archives, Personal reading journals, Reference guides
Career Connection
Essential for building a strong knowledge base for academic pursuits, competitive exams (like NET/JRF), and careers requiring extensive reading and critical analysis such as research or editing.
Participate in Literary Discussions and Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in classroom discussions, join the college''''s literary society, or form study groups. Regularly participate in debates on literary themes and critical interpretations to hone argumentative skills and articulate ideas effectively and persuasively.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, College literary club, Online forums for literary analysis, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Builds public speaking, critical thinking, and persuasive communication skills, which are crucial for teaching, journalism, public relations, and corporate communication roles in India.
Master Basic Academic Writing and Research- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering the fundamentals of academic essay writing, including proper citation (MLA style), structuring arguments, and avoiding plagiarism. Utilize library resources for initial research and learn to differentiate credible academic sources.
Tools & Resources
College library workshops on research, Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), Grammar and style guides, Plagiarism checkers
Career Connection
Forms the bedrock for all future academic and professional writing, including dissertations, reports, content creation, and formal communication required in any professional setting.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Specialized Research Projects- (Semester 3)
Undertake a mini-research project or write an extended paper on a topic of personal interest, ideally aligned with future career goals or higher studies. This allows for deeper engagement with a specific literary theory, author, or historical period.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, MLA International Bibliography), Faculty mentorship, University research ethics guidelines
Career Connection
Develops independent research capabilities, critical analysis, and project management skills, which are highly valued in academia, think tanks, and advanced content development roles.
Explore Advanced Literary Criticism and Theory- (Semester 3-4)
Beyond the prescribed syllabus, delve into contemporary literary theories (e.g., ecocriticism, digital humanities, queer theory) and their practical application. Attend workshops or webinars to broaden theoretical perspectives and enhance analytical frameworks.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (Coursera, edX) on literary theory, Academic journals, Critical theory anthologies, Departmental guest lectures
Career Connection
Sharpens analytical acumen and provides a sophisticated understanding of cultural discourse, beneficial for academic research, cultural journalism, policy analysis, and editorial positions.
Engage with Interdisciplinary Studies- (Semester 3-4)
Connect literary studies with other disciplines like history, sociology, philosophy, or psychology. Attend interdepartmental seminars or read texts that explore these intersections to gain a holistic understanding of literature''''s societal role and impact.
Tools & Resources
Cross-disciplinary academic conferences, University lecture series, Relevant non-literary texts and journals
Career Connection
Fosters a versatile and broad perspective, making graduates adaptable to diverse roles requiring interdisciplinary thinking, such as policy analysis, social research, or cultural commentary.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation/Project-Based Learning- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to the final dissertation or project work (if chosen as an elective), treating it as a capstone experience. Focus on rigorous research, structured academic writing, and effective oral presentation of your findings.
Tools & Resources
Faculty supervisor, Thesis writing guides, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), Data analysis tools (if applicable)
Career Connection
Provides an opportunity to showcase specialized knowledge, research expertise, and communication skills to potential employers or for further academic pursuits like M.Phil./Ph.D. applications.
Prepare for Competitive Exams and Skill Enhancement- (Semester 4)
Actively prepare for NET/JRF, SET, or other competitive examinations for teaching and research positions in India. Simultaneously, identify target career paths and develop complementary skills like advanced content writing, digital marketing basics, or public speaking through certifications or workshops.
Tools & Resources
Online coaching platforms, Previous year question papers, Professional development workshops, LinkedIn Learning or similar platforms
Career Connection
Directly targets entry into academia or enhances employability in content, media, and communication sectors by adding tangible and in-demand skills to a strong literary background.
Build Professional Network and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 4)
Actively build a professional network by connecting with faculty, alumni, and industry professionals via online platforms and events. Seek out mentors who can provide guidance on career paths, job search strategies, and industry insights within the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College alumni network events, Industry conferences and seminars, Career counseling cell
Career Connection
Crucial for gaining insights into job market trends, finding internship or job opportunities, and building a supportive ecosystem for career growth and professional development in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in any discipline with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for SC/ST) as per university norms. Preference or additional requirements may apply for candidates with an English Literature background.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EL101 | Elizabethan and Jacobean Drama | Core | 6 | Elizabethan Age, Major Dramatists (Marlowe, Kyd, Shakespeare, Jonson), Renaissance Humanism, Revenge Tragedy, Comedy of Humours |
| EL102 | Metaphysical and Puritan Poetry and Prose | Core | 6 | Metaphysical Poetry, John Donne, George Herbert, Andrew Marvell, Puritan Age, John Milton (Paradise Lost, Areopagitica) |
| EL103 | Neo-Classical Poetry and Prose | Core | 6 | Restoration Period, Neo-Classical Literature, John Dryden, Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, Augustan Age, Satire |
| EL104 | Literary Criticism and Theory | Core | 6 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Sidney''''s Apology for Poetry, Dr. Johnson''''s Criticism, Romantic Criticism (Wordsworth, Coleridge), New Criticism, Formalism |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EL201 | Romantic and Victorian Poetry | Core | 6 | Romantic Movement, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Keats, Shelley, Victorian Age, Tennyson, Browning, Arnold |
| EL202 | The Novel (18th and 19th Century) | Core | 6 | Rise of the Novel, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, George Eliot, Thomas Hardy, Social Realism, Psychological Novel |
| EL203 | Modern British Drama and Poetry | Core | 6 | Modernism, W.B. Yeats, T.S. Eliot, W.H. Auden, Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, Absurd Theatre, Poetic Drama |
| EL204 | Linguistics and Phonetics | Core | 6 | Nature of Language, Phonetics, Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, Branches of Linguistics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EL301 | American Literature | Core | 6 | American Romanticism, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, American Modernism, Robert Frost, William Faulkner, African-American Literature |
| EL302 | Postcolonial Literature | Core | 6 | Postcolonial Theory, Edward Said, Gayatri Spivak, Homi Bhabha, Chinua Achebe, Ngugi Wa Thiong''''o, Rushdie, Mahasweta Devi |
| EL303 | Indian English Literature | Core | 6 | Early Indian English Writers, R.K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand, Raja Rao, Modern Indian Poetry, Indian Drama in English, Commonwealth Literature |
| EL304A | Women''''s Writing | Elective | 6 | Feminist Literary Criticism, Virginia Woolf, Simone de Beauvoir, Alice Walker, Margaret Atwood, Indian Women Writers, Gender and Representation |
| EL304B | Research Methodology | Elective | 6 | Types of Research, Data Collection, Literary Research, MLA Style, Plagiarism, Research Ethics, Dissertation Writing |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EL401 | World Literature | Core | 6 | European Literature, Russian Literature, Latin American Literature, African Literature, Japanese Literature, Magic Realism, Existentialism |
| EL402A | English Language Teaching (ELT) | Elective | 6 | Principles of ELT, Approaches and Methods, Materials Development, Language Skills (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking), Assessment in ELT |
| EL402B | Creative Writing | Elective | 6 | Elements of Fiction, Poetry Forms, Drama Techniques, Non-Fiction Writing, Editing and Publishing, Writing Workshops |
| EL402C | Dissertation / Project Work | Elective | 6 | Research Proposal, Literature Review, Data Analysis, Thesis Writing, Presentation, Academic Writing |
