

M-A in English at RAM MANOHAR LOHIA DEGREE COLLEGE


Deoria, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English at RAM MANOHAR LOHIA DEGREE COLLEGE Deoria?
This M.A. English program at Ram Manohar Lohia Degree College, Deoria, focuses on a comprehensive study of English literature, language, and critical theory. It delves into diverse literary periods, genres, and emerging fields like cultural studies and linguistics. The program is designed to cultivate advanced analytical and research skills, preparing students for academic and professional roles in India''''s growing education and content industries.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a B.A. in English seeking to deepen their understanding of literature and critical thought. It also attracts aspiring educators, researchers, content writers, and those aiming for competitive civil service exams, where strong analytical and communication skills are highly valued in the Indian context.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths as college lecturers, school teachers, content developers, editors, and technical writers in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3 LPA to 6 LPA, with significant growth potential in academia and publishing. The program aligns with UGC NET/JRF preparation, a crucial step for higher education careers.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Literary History & Core Texts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to understanding the major literary periods (Chaucerian to Modern) and reading the prescribed core texts thoroughly. Utilize online resources like SparkNotes, Project Gutenberg for historical context, and critical essays for deeper insights.
Tools & Resources
Project Gutenberg, Shodhganga (for Indian critical essays), University library resources
Career Connection
A strong foundation is essential for competitive exams (NET/JRF), teaching roles, and analytical writing positions, where foundational literary knowledge is constantly tested.
Develop Critical Reading and Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with literary theory introduced in the syllabus. Practice writing critical essays regularly, focusing on argumentation, evidence, and clear expression. Seek feedback from professors and peers on your written work to refine your analytical voice.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), Grammarly, Academic writing workshops
Career Connection
Sharp critical thinking and persuasive writing are invaluable for research, content creation, journalism, and any professional role requiring strong communication.
Participate in Departmental Activities & Seminars- (Semester 1-2)
Attend and actively participate in literary seminars, workshops, and debates organized by the English department or college. This enhances public speaking, networking, and exposure to diverse literary perspectives beyond the curriculum.
Tools & Resources
College notice boards, Departmental faculty for event information
Career Connection
Builds confidence for academic presentations, interviews, and networking with fellow scholars and potential mentors, crucial for academic and research careers.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-4)
As you delve into cultural studies and linguistics, look for connections between literature and other fields like history, sociology, and psychology. Read academic journals and books that adopt interdisciplinary approaches to broaden your intellectual horizon.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR (access via university library), EPW (Economic & Political Weekly) for cultural articles, Online academic databases
Career Connection
Develops a versatile skill set valuable for roles in research, policy analysis, and diverse media organizations that require contextual understanding.
Engage in Minor Research Projects- (Semester 3-4)
Even if not a formal part of every course, initiate small research projects on topics of interest. Collaborate with peers or seek guidance from faculty. This builds practical research experience crucial for dissertation later.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology guides, Plagiarism checker tools (e.g., Turnitin through university), Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Prepares you for the rigorous demands of Ph.D. programs, research assistant roles, and contributes to building a strong academic profile.
Prepare for NET/JRF Examination- (Semester 3-4)
Begin systematic preparation for the UGC NET/JRF exam, which is vital for teaching and research positions in Indian universities. Solve previous year''''s papers, join study groups, and refer to specialized coaching materials.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET official website for syllabus/papers, Online coaching platforms (e.g., Unacademy, Byju''''s for NET/JRF), Study groups
Career Connection
Directly impacts eligibility for Assistant Professor positions and provides a gateway to doctoral research with fellowship opportunities.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation/Project Excellence- (Semester 2 & 4)
For ELT 204 and ELT 404, select a research topic early, conduct thorough literature review, and maintain consistent communication with your supervisor. Aim for original contribution and meticulous academic presentation.
Tools & Resources
Referencing software (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley), Statistical analysis tools (if applicable), University thesis guidelines
Career Connection
A strong dissertation showcases advanced research capabilities, crucial for higher academic pursuits and specialized content roles.
Build a Professional Portfolio- (Semester 3-4)
Compile your best essays, research papers, and any creative writing or content development samples into a professional portfolio. This can be a physical file or an online platform (e.g., LinkedIn, personal blog).
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn profile, Personal blog/website, Cloud storage for document sharing
Career Connection
Provides tangible evidence of your skills and expertise during job applications, interviews, and showcases your writing prowess to potential employers.
Network and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 3-4)
Actively network with faculty members, alumni, and professionals in fields related to English literature and language. Seek mentors who can guide your career path and provide insights into industry trends and job opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Alumni association events, LinkedIn networking, Informational interviews
Career Connection
Opens doors to internships, job referrals, and provides invaluable career guidance, significantly enhancing placement prospects in a competitive market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. with English as a subject from a recognized university
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELT 101 | CHAUCER, ELIZABETHAN & JACOBEAN AGE | Core | 6 | Geoffrey Chaucer''''s Works, Elizabethan Drama and Poetry, Jacobean Age Literature, Renaissance Prose Writers, Literary Movements of the Period |
| ELT 102 | THE AUGUSTAN & ROMANTIC AGE | Core | 6 | Augustan Age Poetry and Prose, Neoclassical Literature, Romantic Movement Poets, Romantic Prose Writers, Literary Context of 18th & 19th Centuries |
| ELT 103 | VICTORIAN & MODERN AGE | Core | 6 | Victorian Poetry and Novel, Modernist Literature, Early 20th Century Drama, Literary Currents of the Modern Age, Social and Cultural Contexts |
| ELT 104 | INDIAN WRITING IN ENGLISH | Core | 6 | Early Indian English Poetry, Indian English Novel Development, Indian English Drama and Playwrights, Indian English Short Stories, Post-Independence Indian Writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELT 201 | LITERARY CRITICISM AND THEORY | Core | 6 | Classical and Neoclassical Criticism, Romantic and Victorian Criticism, New Criticism and Formalism, Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Postmodern Literary Theories |
| ELT 202 | AMERICAN LITERATURE | Core | 6 | Colonial and Early American Literature, 19th Century American Novel, American Poetry and Drama, Harlem Renaissance Writings, Contemporary American Authors |
| ELT 203 | COMMONWEALTH LITERATURE | Core | 6 | Postcolonial Theory and Commonwealth Writing, African Literature in English, Canadian and Australian Literature, Caribbean and New Zealand Literature, Themes in Commonwealth Fiction |
| ELT 204 | DISSERTATION / RESEARCH METHODOLOGY / PROJECT WORK | Core | 6 | Fundamentals of Literary Research, Research Design and Ethics, Data Collection and Analysis Methods, Academic Writing and Citation, Dissertation/Project Proposal Development |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELT 301 | LINGUISTICS AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING | Core | 6 | Phonetics, Phonology, and Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, and Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics and Psycholinguistics, Theories of Language Acquisition, Methods and Approaches to ELT |
| ELT 302 | LITERARY AND CULTURAL STUDIES | Core | 6 | Theories of Culture, Popular Culture and Media Studies, Gender Studies and Sexuality, Postcolonial Cultural Analysis, Identity and Representation in Culture |
| ELT 303 | NEW LITERATURES IN ENGLISH | Core | 6 | Emergence of New Literatures, Diasporic Writings and Identity, South Asian Literature in English, African American Literature, Indigenous Literatures |
| ELT 304 | DRAMA | Core | 6 | Classical and Medieval Drama, Elizabethan and Jacobean Tragedy/Comedy, Restoration and 18th Century Drama, Modern European Drama, Indian English Drama |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELT 401 | POETRY | Core | 6 | Medieval and Renaissance Poetics, Metaphysical and Augustan Poetry, Romantic and Victorian Poetry, Modernist and Postmodern Poetry, Contemporary Poetic Trends |
| ELT 402 | NOVEL | Core | 6 | Origins and Development of the Novel, 18th and 19th Century Novelists, Modernist and Experimental Novels, Postmodern and Contemporary Novel Forms, Narrative Techniques and Themes |
| ELT 403 | LITERARY CRITICISM & THEORY II | Core | 6 | Feminist Literary Criticism, Marxist and Ideological Criticism, Psychoanalytic Literary Theory, Eco-criticism and Environmental Humanities, Reader-Response Theory and Reception Aesthetics |
| ELT 404 | DISSERTATION / RESEARCH METHODOLOGY / PROJECT WORK | Core | 6 | Advanced Research Proposal Writing, Qualitative and Quantitative Research Approaches, Academic Presentation Skills, In-depth Literature Review, Thesis/Project Report Finalization |




