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M-A in English at R.N. Girls Degree College
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English at R.N. Girls Degree College Lucknow?
This M.A. English program at R.N. Girls Degree College, affiliated with the University of Lucknow, focuses on developing an advanced understanding of English language and literature. It covers a vast spectrum of literary periods, critical theories, and linguistic concepts. The program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, crucial for careers in academia, content creation, and communication-intensive roles in the Indian market, reflecting a growing demand for skilled communicators and literary experts.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in English or a related humanities field, seeking entry into academic research, teaching, or advanced communication careers. It also caters to aspiring writers, editors, and content developers looking to deepen their literary and linguistic foundation. Individuals passionate about literary history, critical analysis, and language structure will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as educators, content writers, editors, proofreaders, journalists, and public relations specialists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program fosters critical thinking and communication skills, aligning with requirements for competitive exams and professional roles in Indian publishing houses and media.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Literary Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on intensive reading of canonical texts from Old English to Victorian periods, understanding historical contexts and literary movements. Join or form study groups to discuss complex theories and texts, and participate in departmental literary clubs.
Tools & Resources
Library resources, online academic journals (e.g., JSTOR access), SparkNotes/LitCharts for initial understanding
Career Connection
A robust understanding of literary history is fundamental for research, teaching, and analytical writing roles, forming the bedrock for higher-level studies and competitive exams in India.
Develop Critical Reading & Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with literary criticism, learning to analyze texts from various theoretical perspectives. Practice academic essay writing regularly, focusing on argumentation, structure, and evidence-based analysis. Seek feedback from professors and peers.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL, academic style guides (MLA/Chicago), university writing center (if available)
Career Connection
Strong analytical and writing skills are indispensable for any profession, especially in academia, journalism, content creation, and policy analysis in the Indian job market.
Engage with Indian English Literature- (Semester 2)
Go beyond the prescribed syllabus to explore the breadth of Indian English writing. Attend literary festivals, author talks, and workshops focused on Indian authors and themes. This will provide a crucial contextual understanding relevant to the Indian professional landscape.
Tools & Resources
Sahitya Akademi publications, Indian literary magazines, online interviews with Indian authors, local literary events
Career Connection
Understanding the nuances of Indian English and its literary landscape is vital for careers in Indian publishing, media, and cultural institutions, offering a distinct advantage.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize and Deepen Theoretical Understanding- (Semester 3-4)
Choose electives strategically based on your career interests (e.g., American Literature for academia, Research Methodology for PhD, ELT for teaching). Delve deeper into specific literary theories (e.g., feminism, postcolonialism) and apply them to diverse texts.
Tools & Resources
Advanced literary theory texts, specialized online courses (e.g., NPTEL for humanities), departmental seminars
Career Connection
Specialization enhances expertise, making you a more attractive candidate for specific roles in teaching, research, or content niches in the Indian market, boosting employability.
Gain Practical Communication Experience- (Semester 3)
Participate in college debates, elocution contests, and presentation events. Volunteer for college newsletters or local community projects requiring writing and communication. Pursue short-term internships in content writing, editing, or social media management.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters clubs (if available), university media cells, local NGOs, freelance writing platforms
Career Connection
Practical communication skills are highly valued in corporate communications, media, and content roles across various industries in India, enabling a smoother transition to the professional world.
Network and Explore Research Opportunities- (Semester 3-4)
Attend national/regional seminars and conferences in English literature or linguistics. Connect with professors and senior researchers for guidance on potential research topics. Start identifying potential mentors for your dissertation.
Tools & Resources
Conference listings, research databases, LinkedIn for professional networking, university research portals
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to academic collaborations, research assistantships, and PhD opportunities, which are crucial for higher education and research careers in India.
Advanced Stage
Master Academic Research and Writing- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant time to your research project/dissertation. Focus on developing a clear research question, conducting thorough literature reviews, and executing a well-structured academic argument. Adhere strictly to citation guidelines.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, plagiarism checkers, university library''''s research support, faculty supervisors
Career Connection
A strong dissertation showcases advanced research capabilities, essential for PhD admissions, academic positions, and high-level analytical roles, setting a strong foundation for a research career.
Prepare for Career Transitions- (Semester 4)
Polish your resume/CV and cover letter, tailoring them for specific job applications (e.g., content writer, lecturer, editor). Practice interview skills, focusing on articulating your literary and analytical expertise. Explore teaching certifications if interested in education.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, online resume builders, mock interview sessions, career counseling services
Career Connection
Proactive career preparation is key to securing desirable placements in India''''s competitive job market, whether in academia or industry, ensuring a smooth entry into your chosen field.
Build a Professional Portfolio- (Semester 4)
Compile a portfolio of your best academic papers, creative writing samples, or any published articles. If pursuing digital humanities, showcase relevant projects. This demonstrates your practical skills and accomplishments beyond your degree.
Tools & Resources
Personal website/blog, LinkedIn profile, online portfolios (e.g., Behance for creative work), Google Drive for document sharing
Career Connection
A strong portfolio provides tangible evidence of your skills, making you stand out to potential employers in diverse fields like content, media, and research, enhancing your market value.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree (B.A./B.Sc./B.Com.) from a recognized University with English as a subject, as per University of Lucknow norms.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 68 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAEN-C01 | Old English Literature | Core | 4 | Old English Period, Germanic Invasions, Beowulf, Anglo-Saxon Poetry, Caedmon and Cynewulf |
| MAEN-C02 | Chaucer, Shakespeare, & Elizabethan Age | Core | 4 | Chaucer''''s Poetry, Shakespeare''''s Tragedies, Elizabethan Drama, Sonnets, Renaissance Poets like Marlowe and Spenser |
| MAEN-C03 | Metaphysical & Augustan Age | Core | 4 | Metaphysical Poetry, John Donne and George Herbert, Restoration Comedy, John Milton''''s Epic, Alexander Pope and John Dryden |
| MAEN-C04 | Romantics | Core | 4 | Romantic Movement, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Shelley, Keats and Byron, Nature Poetry and Imagination, Major Romantic Prose Writers |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAEN-C05 | Victorian Age | Core | 4 | Victorian Era Context, Tennyson, Browning, Arnold, Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Social Issues in Literature, Victorian Novel and Poetry |
| MAEN-C06 | 20th Century English Literature | Core | 4 | Modernism and Post-Modernism, T.S. Eliot, W.B. Yeats, Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, Absurdist Theatre, Post-War English Fiction |
| MAEN-C07 | Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Romantic Criticism, New Criticism and Formalism, Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Marxist and Feminist Approaches |
| MAEN-C08 | Indian English Literature | Core | 4 | Beginnings of Indian English Writing, R.K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand, Raja Rao, Indian English Poetry, Post-colonial Themes, Contemporary Indian English Novelists |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAEN-C09 | English Language and Linguistics | Core | 4 | Nature of Language, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics and Psycholinguistics |
| MAEN-C10 | New Literatures in English | Core | 4 | Post-colonial Literature, African Literature, Caribbean Literature, Australian Literature, Diaspora Writing and Identity |
| MAEN-E01 | American Literature | Elective | 4 | Transcendentalism, American Realism and Naturalism, Modern American Poetry, Harlem Renaissance, Contemporary American Fiction |
| MAEN-E02 | Canadian Literature | Elective | 4 | Early Canadian Writing, Margaret Atwood, Alice Munro, Post-Colonial Identity, Multiculturalism in Canada, Wilderness and Nature Themes |
| MAEN-E03 | Diasporic Literature | Elective | 4 | Migration and Displacement, Identity and Belonging, Memory and Nostalgia, Salman Rushdie, Jhumpa Lahiri, V.S. Naipaul and Hybridity |
| MAEN-E04 | Literary Theory | Elective | 4 | Feminist Literary Theory, Marxist Criticism, Post-Modernism, Deconstruction, Cultural Studies and Psychoanalysis |
| MAEN-E05 | Research Methodology | Elective | 4 | Research Design and Ethics, Data Collection Methods, Academic Writing Conventions, Citation Styles and Referencing, Thesis Preparation and Plagiarism |
| MAEN-S01 | Effective Communication | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Public Speaking Skills, Presentation Techniques, Group Discussion Strategies, Interview Preparation, Business Communication Etiquette |
| MAEN-S02 | Academic Writing | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Essay and Report Writing, Research Paper Structure, Grammar and Punctuation, Referencing and Footnotes, Thesis and Dissertation Formatting |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAEN-C11 | Literary Criticism II | Core | 4 | Feminist Criticism, Postcolonial Criticism, Eco-criticism, Reader-Response Theory, Psychoanalytic Criticism |
| MAEN-C12 | Research Project / Dissertation | Core | 4 | Thesis Writing Process, Literature Review, Methodology and Data Analysis, Academic Presentation Skills, Original Research Contribution |
| MAEN-E06 | Children''''s Literature | Elective | 4 | Genres in Children''''s Literature, Moral Fables and Folktales, Fantasy and Adventure, Picture Books and Graphic Novels, J.K. Rowling, Roald Dahl |
| MAEN-E07 | Travel Writing | Elective | 4 | History of Travel Writing, Narratives of Exploration, Colonial Travelogues, Contemporary Travel Writers, Travel and Identity |
| MAEN-E08 | Translation Studies | Elective | 4 | Theories of Translation, Types of Translation, Cultural Context in Translation, Translator''''s Role and Ethics, Equivalence and Untranslatability |
| MAEN-E09 | English Language Teaching | Elective | 4 | ELT Methodologies, Curriculum Design for English, Materials Development, Assessment in ELT, Classroom Management Techniques |
| MAEN-E10 | Film Studies | Elective | 4 | Film History and Evolution, Film Theory and Criticism, Auteur Theory and Genre Studies, Narrative Structure in Cinema, Indian Cinema and its Aesthetics |
| MAEN-S03 | Creative Writing | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Poetry Writing Techniques, Short Story Development, Playwriting Essentials, Journaling for Creativity, Editing and Publishing Process |
| MAEN-S04 | Digital Humanities | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Text Mining and Analysis, Data Visualization for Humanities, Digital Archiving of Texts, Online Publishing Platforms, Digital Storytelling and Media |
