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M-A-ENGLISH in General at Seth Soorajmull Jalan Girls' College
Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is General at Seth Soorajmull Jalan Girls' College Kolkata?
This M.A. in English program at Seth Soorajmull Jalan Girls'''' College, following the University of Calcutta syllabus, focuses on a comprehensive study of literature from various periods and cultures, coupled with critical theory and language studies. It delves into global literary traditions while giving significant emphasis to Indian writing and critical approaches. The program aims to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of literary and cultural phenomena, responding to the evolving academic and professional demands in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with an Honours degree in English seeking entry into academia, research, or diverse content-related fields. It also suits working professionals, such as teachers or content creators, looking to deepen their literary knowledge and enhance their qualifications. Individuals passionate about critical thinking, cultural studies, and language development will find this program rewarding, providing a strong foundation for advanced studies or career transitions within the Indian context.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths in higher education as lecturers or researchers, enter the publishing industry as editors or proofreaders, or join media houses as content writers and journalists. Starting salaries in academia or content development typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 5 LPA, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals. The program also prepares students for competitive exams like UGC NET/JRF, essential for academic careers in India, and aligns with professional roles in cultural organizations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Literary Periods and Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand the historical contexts, major authors, and foundational theories covered in Semesters 1 and 2. Utilize the college library''''s resources, participate actively in seminars, and join peer study groups to clarify concepts. This ensures a strong base for advanced critical analysis.
Tools & Resources
College Library, JSTOR, Project Gutenberg, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for excelling in UGC NET/JRF, a prerequisite for academic jobs in India, and provides the necessary context for analytical roles in publishing and research.
Cultivate Academic Writing and Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing strong academic writing skills by paying attention to citation styles (MLA/APA), structuring essays, and presenting arguments effectively. Attend workshops on research methodology and actively seek feedback on assignments to refine your writing. Start exploring research interests early.
Tools & Resources
MLA Handbook, Purdue OWL, Grammarly, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Proficiency in academic writing is indispensable for dissertations, research papers, and any content-related roles, enhancing employability in academia and the content industry.
Engage with Indian Literary and Cultural Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond the prescribed syllabus, explore contemporary Indian literature, critical essays, and cultural debates relevant to the courses on Indian Writing in English and Postcolonial Studies. Participate in departmental discussions or college literary societies focusing on Indian cultural contexts.
Tools & Resources
EPW (Economic and Political Weekly), Sahitya Akademi publications, Local literary festivals
Career Connection
Developing a nuanced understanding of India-specific literary and cultural discourse enhances your profile for roles in Indian publishing, cultural journalism, and teaching about diverse Indian literary traditions.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Electives for Specialization and Skill Development- (Semester 2-3)
Strategically choose elective courses in Semesters 2 and 3 that align with emerging career interests, such as Film Studies, Digital Humanities, or Translation Studies. Engage deeply with these subjects to gain practical insights and specialized skills beyond core literary analysis.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (Coursera, edX) in specific elective areas, Industry-specific webinars
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge from electives can open doors to niche roles in media, digital content creation, translation services, or film criticism, making you a more versatile candidate in the Indian job market.
Attend and Present at Academic Conferences/Seminars- (Semester 2-3)
Actively seek opportunities to attend college-level or university-affiliated seminars and conferences, even if initially as an observer. As confidence grows, prepare and present short papers on topics of your interest, practicing your presentation skills and networking with academics.
Tools & Resources
University event calendars, Departmental notices, Faculty guidance
Career Connection
Presenting at conferences builds confidence, public speaking skills, and a professional network, which are crucial for academic careers and for demonstrating initiative to potential employers in research-oriented roles.
Undertake Mini-Research Projects/Internships- (Semester 2-3)
Collaborate with faculty on small research projects or seek short internships at local publishing houses, content agencies, or educational NGOs during breaks. This provides hands-on experience in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and understanding industry practices.
Tools & Resources
College career cell, Faculty contacts, Internship portals like Internshala (India-specific)
Career Connection
Practical experience through internships and projects makes your resume stand out, offering tangible proof of skills to Indian employers in content, editing, and educational sectors.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation/Project Excellence- (Semester 4)
Begin planning your dissertation topic early, conducting extensive literature reviews, and maintaining consistent communication with your supervisor. Aim for original research, meticulous writing, and a strong analytical argument, as this project is a culmination of your MA journey.
Tools & Resources
Digital libraries (UGC-Infonet, Shodhganga), Referencing software, Supervisor''''s expertise
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is a powerful portfolio piece, demonstrating advanced research capabilities vital for PhD admissions, academic positions, and high-level research roles in think tanks or publishing.
Prepare Rigorously for UGC NET/JRF and Placements- (Semester 4)
Alongside your final semester studies, dedicate specific time for preparing for the UGC NET/JRF examination, which is essential for teaching and research in Indian universities. Simultaneously, refine your resume and cover letter, practice interview skills, and attend campus placement drives.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET study guides, Previous year question papers, College placement cell workshops
Career Connection
Success in UGC NET/JRF directly impacts eligibility for academic roles, while placement preparation ensures readiness for diverse job opportunities in India''''s dynamic content, education, and communications sectors.
Develop Professional Networking and Mentorship- (Semester 3-4)
Actively network with alumni, guest lecturers, and faculty members to gain insights into various career paths and opportunities. Seek mentorship from senior academics or industry professionals who can guide you on your post-MA journey, particularly within the Indian professional landscape.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Alumni association events, Departmental networking events
Career Connection
A strong professional network provides access to job leads, collaborative projects, and career advice, which is invaluable for navigating the Indian job market and forging a successful career path.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours/Major) in English from a recognized university
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20% (Typically for Internal Assessment/Tutorial/Project), External: 80% (Typically for End-Semester Examination)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGC 101 | Old and Middle English Literature | Core | 4 | Old English Poetry, Beowulf, Middle English Lyrics, Geoffrey Chaucer, Medieval Drama, Piers Plowman |
| ENGC 102 | Elizabethan and Jacobean Literature | Core | 4 | Shakespearean Tragedy, Renaissance Drama, Metaphysical Poetry, Elizabethan Sonnets, Prose of the Renaissance |
| ENGC 103 | Seventeenth and Eighteenth Century English Literature | Core | 4 | Milton''''s Paradise Lost, Restoration Drama, Augustan Age Poetry, Satire, Rise of the Novel |
| ENGC 104 | Romanticism and Victorianism | Core | 4 | Romantic Poets, Gothic Novel, Victorian Poetry, Victorian Novel, Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood |
| ENGC 105 | Literary Criticism (Theory) | Core | 4 | Plato and Aristotle, Longinus, Philip Sidney, John Dryden, Samuel Johnson, Wordsworth and Coleridge |
| ENGC 106 | History of English Language and Linguistics | Core | 4 | Indo-European Family, Old English, Middle English, Modern English, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGC 201 | Modernism and Postmodernism | Core | 4 | Modernist Poetry, Modern Drama, Stream of Consciousness, Postmodern Fiction, Theatre of the Absurd |
| ENGC 202 | Postcolonial Studies | Core | 4 | Orientalism, Nation and Narration, Hybridity, Subaltern Studies, Diaspora, Decolonization |
| ENGC 203 | Gender Studies | Core | 4 | Feminism, Patriarchy, Ecofeminism, Queer Theory, Gender and Performance |
| ENGC 204 | Indian Writing in English | Core | 4 | Indian English Novel, Indian English Poetry, Indian English Drama, Partition Literature, Dalit Literature |
| ENGC 205 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Research Ethics, Literary Databases, Bibliography, MLA Style, Critical Theories, Academic Writing |
| ENGC 206 | Elective/Skill Enhancement Course (Example: Film Studies) | Elective | 4 | History of Cinema, Film Theory, Narrative in Film, Indian Cinema, Documentary Film |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGC 301 | European Classics in Translation | Core | 4 | Greek Tragedy, Homer''''s Epics, Virgil''''s Aeneid, Dante''''s Inferno, Cervantes'''' Don Quixote |
| ENGC 302 | American Literature | Core | 4 | American Renaissance, Transcendentalism, Harlem Renaissance, Beat Generation, Contemporary American Novel |
| ENGC 303 | Literary Theory and Criticism II | Core | 4 | Structuralism, Post-structuralism, Deconstruction, Psychoanalysis, Marxism, New Historicism |
| ENGC 304 | Elective (Example: Literature and Culture) | Elective | 4 | Cultural Studies, Popular Culture, Media Studies, Identity and Culture, Subcultures |
| ENGC 305 | Elective (Example: Environmental Humanities) | Elective | 4 | Ecocriticism, Nature Writing, Climate Fiction, Animal Studies, Posthumanism |
| ENGC 306 | Elective (Example: Digital Humanities) | Elective | 4 | Digital Textuality, Hypertext, Digital Archives, Data Visualization, Digital Pedagogy |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGC 401 | English Language Teaching (ELT) | Core | 4 | Second Language Acquisition, Teaching Methodologies, Communicative Approach, ELT in India, Materials Development |
| ENGC 402 | Elective (Example: Translation Studies) | Elective | 4 | Theories of Translation, Cultural Translation, Untranslatability, Machine Translation, Role of Translator |
| ENGC 403 | Elective (Example: Shakespeare Studies) | Elective | 4 | Shakespearean Comedies, Shakespearean Tragedies, Histories and Romances, Sonnets, Performance Studies |
| ENGC 404 | Elective (Example: Postcolonial Theory and Practice) | Elective | 4 | Fanon, Spivak, Bhabha, Hybridity and Subalternity, Resistance Literature, Decolonization, Postcolonial Cinema |
| ENGC 405 | Dissertation / Project | Project | 4 | Research Proposal Development, Literature Review, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing, Oral Presentation and Defense |
| ENGC 406 | Elective (Example: Disability Studies) | Elective | 4 | Models of Disability, Disability in Literature, Representation and Stereotypes, Disability Rights, Ableism |
