

MA in English Literature at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Government Post Graduate College, Pipariya


Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English Literature at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Government Post Graduate College, Pipariya Narmadapuram?
This MA English Literature program at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Government Post Graduate College, Narmadapuram, focuses on developing a profound understanding of English and allied literatures. It delves into historical literary periods, critical theories, and diverse cultural contexts. The program equips students with analytical and interpretative skills, addressing the demand for proficient communicators and literary scholars in the Indian academic and publishing sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from humanities seeking entry into academia, research, or content creation. It also caters to aspiring teachers and lecturers who wish to enhance their subject expertise. Individuals passionate about literary analysis, cultural studies, and language education will find this course fulfilling, provided they possess a strong foundation in English at the undergraduate level.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths as college lecturers, content writers, editors, or researchers within India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in academic and corporate roles. The program also serves as a strong foundation for pursuing M.Phil or Ph.D., opening avenues in higher education and specialized research.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Literary Periods- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time in Semesters 1 and 2 to thoroughly understand major literary periods like Elizabethan, Victorian, and Modern. Focus on key authors, works, and historical contexts. Participate actively in classroom discussions to deepen comprehension and build a strong analytical foundation.
Tools & Resources
Norton Anthology of English Literature, Online literary encyclopedias, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong grasp of literary history is fundamental for academic success and future roles in teaching, research, or content development requiring contextual understanding.
Develop Critical Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond reading texts, practice critical analysis. Question themes, literary devices, and authorial intent. Engage with basic literary theories introduced in early semesters to interpret texts from multiple perspectives. Writing short analytical essays regularly can hone these skills.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL for essay writing, Literary criticism journals (online archives), Feedback from professors
Career Connection
Critical reading is essential for research, content editing, and analytical roles, allowing you to dissect complex information and formulate informed opinions.
Engage in Literary Debates and Workshops- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, debates, and workshops. These platforms help articulate arguments, listen to diverse viewpoints, and improve public speaking skills, crucial for academic and professional communication. Seek out campus literary clubs.
Tools & Resources
College literary society, Online debate forums, Presentation software practice
Career Connection
Enhances communication skills, confidence, and the ability to articulate complex ideas, valuable for teaching, public relations, and academic presentations.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3-4)
In Semesters 3-4, connect literary studies with other disciplines like history, philosophy, sociology, and gender studies (as per electives chosen). This broader perspective enriches interpretations and opens up possibilities for interdisciplinary research and careers.
Tools & Resources
Online academic databases (JSTOR, Project MUSE), Interdisciplinary seminars, Research papers combining fields
Career Connection
Develops versatile analytical skills, making you suitable for roles in cultural studies, policy analysis, and diverse content creation requiring contextual understanding.
Undertake Research Projects- (Semester 3-4)
Begin working on small research papers or projects, especially if ''''Research Methodology'''' or a ''''Dissertation'''' paper is available. Focus on developing a research question, conducting literature reviews, and structuring arguments. This prepares you for the final dissertation and further research.
Tools & Resources
Research guides (e.g., MLA Handbook), Zotero/Mendeley for citation management, Consult faculty advisors
Career Connection
Essential for academic careers, M.Phil/Ph.D. admissions, and roles requiring analytical rigor, such as market research or policy analysis.
Attend Guest Lectures and Networking Events- (Semester 3-4)
Seek opportunities to attend guest lectures by eminent scholars, poets, or writers. Network with faculty, alumni, and peers at college events. This builds professional connections and provides insights into diverse career paths beyond academia in India.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, LinkedIn for professional connections, Industry talks
Career Connection
Expands your professional network, leading to mentorship opportunities, potential internships, and insights into job market trends in publishing, media, and education.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Specialization and Dissertation- (Semester 4)
During Semester 4, deeply engage with your chosen elective subjects and the research project/dissertation. This is where you can develop expertise in a specific area like Contemporary Criticism or Psychoanalysis, showcasing your ability to conduct independent scholarly work.
Tools & Resources
Specialized academic journals, University library resources, Dedicated research time
Career Connection
Demonstrates advanced research and analytical capabilities, crucial for academic positions, specialized content roles, and competitive M.Phil/Ph.D. applications.
Prepare for NET/SET Examinations- (Semester 4)
If pursuing a career in academia, dedicate time in the final semester to prepare for the National Eligibility Test (NET) or State Eligibility Test (SET). These exams are mandatory for assistant professorships in Indian colleges and universities. Join coaching or form study groups.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET English syllabus and past papers, Online coaching platforms, Reference books for literary theory
Career Connection
Directly impacts eligibility for teaching positions in higher education institutions across India, a primary career path for MA English graduates.
Build a Professional Portfolio- (Semester 4)
Compile a portfolio of your best academic essays, research papers, and any creative writing or content development work. This demonstrates your skills to potential employers in publishing, media, and content industries. Include a well-structured CV and cover letter samples.
Tools & Resources
Online portfolio platforms (e.g., Google Sites, Behance), Professional resume builders, Career counseling services
Career Connection
Showcases your practical abilities and literary expertise, significantly boosting your chances for placements in diverse fields like editing, technical writing, and journalism.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Graduate with 45% marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC) in any discipline, with English as one of the subjects OR BA with English Literature (as per Barkatullah University norms).
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELT 101 | CHAUCER AND THE AGE OF CHAUCER | Core | 4 | Geoffrey Chaucer, Middle English Period, Socio-political context, Literary forms, The Canterbury Tales |
| ELT 102 | ELIZABETHAN AND JACOBEAN AGE | Core | 4 | Elizabethan Drama, Shakespeare''''s Tragedies, Jacobean Literature, Metaphysical Poetry, Prose and Poetry of the era |
| ELT 103 | AUGUSTAN AND ROMANTIC AGE | Core | 4 | Age of Reason, Neo-classical Literature, Augustan Poetry, Romantic Movement, Major Romantic Poets |
| ELT 104 | VICTORIAN AGE | Core | 4 | Victorian Era characteristics, Major Victorian Poets, Victorian Novelists, Social and Intellectual movements, Victorian Prose |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELT 201 | MODERN AGE | Core | 4 | Modernism in Literature, Modern Poetry, Modern Drama, Modern Novel, Literary movements of 20th century |
| ELT 202 | LITERARY THEORY AND CRITICISM | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism, Romantic Criticism, New Criticism, Structuralism, Post-structuralism |
| ELT 203 | INDIAN ENGLISH LITERATURE | Core | 4 | Early Indian English Writers, Indian English Poetry, Indian English Novel, Indian English Drama, Contemporary Indian Authors |
| ELT 204 | AMERICAN LITERATURE | Core | 4 | Early American Literature, American Poetry, American Novel, Transcendentalism, Harlem Renaissance |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELT 301 | LINGUISTICS AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING | Core | 4 | Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, ELT Methods and Approaches |
| ELT 302 | POST COLONIAL LITERATURE | Core | 4 | Postcolonial Theory, African Literature, Caribbean Literature, Australian Literature, Diasporic Writings |
| ELT 303 A | LITERATURE AND GENDER STUDIES | Elective I | 4 | Feminist Literary Criticism, Gender Representation, Women''''s Writing, Queer Theory, Masculinity Studies |
| ELT 304 B | DIASPORA LITERATURE | Elective II | 4 | Concepts of Diaspora, Identity and Belonging, Hybridity and Assimilation, Memory and Nostalgia, Transnationalism |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELT 401 | CONTEMPORARY CRITICISM | Core | 4 | Postmodernism, Deconstruction, Cultural Studies, New Historicism, Reader-Response Criticism |
| ELT 402 | RESEARCH PROJECT/DISSERTATION | Core/Optional | 4 | Research Proposal Writing, Literature Review, Data Analysis in Literary Studies, Academic Writing and Citation, Presentation Skills |
| ELT 403 B | LITERATURE AND PSYCHOANALYSIS | Elective III | 4 | Freudian Theories, Jungian Archetypes, Lacanian Concepts, Literary Representations of Mind, Psychoanalytic Criticism |
| ELT 404 B | ANGLO-INDIAN LITERATURE | Elective IV | 4 | Colonial Period Writing, Indian Writers in English, Themes of Identity and Culture, East-West Encounter, Literary Responses to Colonialism |




