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M-A in English at S.R. Nagappa Shresti Memorial National College of Applied Science
Shivamogga, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is English at S.R. Nagappa Shresti Memorial National College of Applied Science Shivamogga?
This M.A. English program at S.R. Nagappa Shresti Memorial National College of Applied Science offers a comprehensive study of English literature, language, and critical theory. Set in the context of Indian academia, it emphasizes both classical and contemporary literary traditions, including significant attention to Indian Writing in English and Post-Colonial perspectives. The program aims to cultivate advanced analytical and research skills, preparing students for diverse intellectual pursuits in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for arts graduates with a strong foundation in English literature, seeking to deepen their understanding of literary traditions and critical discourse. It attracts fresh graduates aspiring to careers in teaching, research, and journalism, as well as professionals looking to enhance their communication and analytical skills. Individuals passionate about literary theory, cultural studies, and language pedagogy will find this specialization particularly rewarding for their career growth.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as lecturers, researchers, content writers, editors, and civil service aspirants within India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 lakhs annually, growing significantly with experience. The program fosters critical thinking, advanced communication abilities, and a nuanced understanding of cultural dynamics, which are essential for professional growth in both academic and corporate sectors in the Indian job market.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Foundations in Literary History- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding the chronological development of English literature, from Old English to Modernism. Create timelines, character maps, and thematic analyses for each literary period. Focus on major authors, movements, and their historical context to develop a robust understanding.
Tools & Resources
Norton Anthology of English Literature, Oxford Reference Online, sparknotes.com for initial understanding, peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid grounding in literary history is crucial for academic careers (NET/SET exams), effective teaching, and informed content creation, providing depth to literary analysis and research.
Master Critical Theory Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with the foundational texts of critical theory. Form reading circles to discuss complex concepts and apply theories to literary works from early semesters. Practice writing short analytical essays using different theoretical lenses to hone critical thinking skills.
Tools & Resources
Beginning Theory by Peter Barry, online literary journals, university library resources, departmental workshops
Career Connection
Essential for advanced research, academic writing, and a nuanced understanding of cultural studies, highly valued in both academia and high-level content roles in publishing and media.
Enhance Academic Writing and Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing clear, concise, and academically rigorous writing. Practice structuring essays, citing sources correctly using MLA style, and formulating strong arguments. Attend university workshops on academic integrity and fundamental research methodologies.
Tools & Resources
MLA Handbook, Purdue OWL, Grammarly, university writing center support
Career Connection
Directly impacts performance in dissertations, competitive exams, and future roles in research, publishing, and content creation, ensuring professional credibility and effectiveness.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize through Electives and Independent Reading- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose elective papers like Post-Colonial or Dalit Literature that align with emerging interests. Supplement coursework with extensive independent reading in chosen areas, exploring diverse voices and critical perspectives. Attend relevant webinars or local literary festivals.
Tools & Resources
Jstor, Project MUSE, literary magazines like The Indian Review of Books, university seminars
Career Connection
Builds expertise in niche areas, making graduates more attractive for specialized research projects, academic positions, and roles in specific publishing segments, both in India and globally.
Engage in Language Teaching Methodologies (ELT Focus)- (Semester 3)
For those interested in teaching, delve deeply into the ELT paper. Practice designing lesson plans, engaging in micro-teaching sessions with peers, and observing experienced English teachers. Consider volunteering for local language support programs to gain practical experience.
Tools & Resources
CELTA/DELTA preparatory materials, online ELT journals, local schools for observation, TED Talks on pedagogy
Career Connection
Directly prepares for roles as English teachers and lecturers in schools, colleges, and language training centers, enhancing practical pedagogical skills required in the Indian education sector.
Prepare for Research and Dissertation- (Semester 3)
Begin identifying potential research topics and faculty mentors early in the third semester. Conduct preliminary literature reviews and develop a clear research question. Attend workshops on research ethics and advanced academic writing specifically for dissertation preparation.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero for citation management, research databases (UGC-CARE List), departmental research seminars
Career Connection
Develops essential independent research skills, crucial for PhD aspirations, academic publishing, and analytical roles in think tanks or policy research, offering a competitive edge.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation/Project Execution- (Semester 4)
Apply advanced research skills to execute the dissertation or project with meticulous attention to detail, ethical considerations, and academic rigor. Regularly consult with the faculty guide, incorporate feedback, and ensure timely completion of the research work.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (if applicable), advanced academic databases, institutional review board guidelines, peer review with fellow students
Career Connection
Showcases independent research capability, critical for PhD applications, research positions, and any role requiring sustained, in-depth analytical work and scholarly contribution.
Prepare for NET/SET and Further Studies- (Semester 4 onwards)
Begin systematic preparation for national and state-level eligibility tests (NET/SET) for lectureship and junior research fellowship. Focus on comprehensive revision of literary history, theory, and Indian English literature. Explore PhD opportunities in relevant universities across India.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, online coaching platforms, comprehensive guidebooks for NET/SET, university admission portals
Career Connection
Essential for securing academic positions in Indian colleges and universities, and a prerequisite for most research-oriented doctoral programs, enabling a career in higher education.
Develop Professional Communication & Interview Skills- (Semester 4)
Refine public speaking, presentation, and interview skills crucial for academic presentations, job interviews, and teaching demonstrations. Participate in mock interviews and presentation workshops. Build a professional network through academic conferences or departmental events.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for networking, university career services, Toastmasters clubs, online courses on professional communication
Career Connection
Enhances employability across all sectors (teaching, content, media, public relations) by ensuring graduates can articulate their knowledge and skills effectively in diverse professional settings.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed the B.A. Degree examination with English as a Major/Optional subject and has secured not less than 40% of marks in English (Core) and 45% in aggregate or not less than 50% of marks in English (Language) and 45% in aggregate of Kuvempu University or any other University recognized as equivalent thereto is eligible for admission to the M.A. Degree course in English.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 72 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG ENG CC 1.1 | Old and Middle English Literature | Core | 4 | Old English Poetry, Middle English Romances, Chaucer''''s Poetry, Medieval Drama, Historical and Cultural Context |
| PG ENG CC 1.2 | The Elizabethan and Jacobean Age | Core | 4 | Renaissance Poetry, Elizabethan Drama, Jacobean Tragedy, Prose of the Period, Cultural and Literary Movements |
| PG ENG CC 1.3 | Restoration and Eighteenth Century Literature | Core | 4 | Restoration Drama, Augustan Poetry, Rise of the Novel, Neoclassical Prose, Satire and Wit |
| PG ENG CC 1.4 | Critical Theory - I | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Neoclassical Criticism (Sidney, Johnson), Romantic Criticism (Wordsworth, Coleridge), Formalism and New Criticism, Marxism |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG ENG CC 2.1 | The Romantic Age | Core | 4 | Romantic Poetry, Gothic Literature, Romantic Prose, Nature and Imagination, Key Romantic Thinkers |
| PG ENG CC 2.2 | The Victorian Age | Core | 4 | Victorian Poetry, Victorian Novel, Social and Industrial Landscape, Literary Movements (e.g., Pre-Raphaelites), Major Victorian Prose Writers |
| PG ENG CC 2.3 | Modern and Post-Modern Literature | Core | 4 | Modernist Poetry, Modern Novel (Joyce, Woolf), Post-Modernism (Absurdist Drama, Metafiction), Post-Colonial Literature, Existentialism |
| PG ENG CC 2.4 | Critical Theory - II | Core | 4 | Structuralism, Post-Structuralism (Derrida, Foucault), Psychoanalytic Criticism (Freud, Lacan), Feminist Criticism, Reader-Response Theory |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG ENG CC 3.1 | Indian Writing in English - I | Core | 4 | Early Indian English Poetry, Indian English Novel (Pre-Independence), Indian English Drama, Major Indian English Writers, Themes in Indian Writing |
| PG ENG CC 3.2 | American Literature - I | Core | 4 | Colonial and Early American Literature, Romanticism and Transcendentalism, American Civil War Literature, Realism and Naturalism, Poetry and Prose |
| PG ENG CC 3.3 | English Language Teaching | Core | 4 | History of ELT, Approaches and Methods in ELT, Language Skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing), Teaching Aids and Materials, Assessment in ELT |
| PG ENG CE 3.1 | Post Colonial Literature - I | Elective | 4 | Concepts of Post-Colonialism, Orientalism, Subaltern Studies, African Literature, Caribbean Literature |
| PG ENG CE 3.2 | Dalit Literature - I | Elective | 4 | Introduction to Dalit Literature, Dalit Autobiography, Dalit Poetry, Dalit Short Stories, Themes of Caste and Resistance |
| PG ENG OE 3.1 | English for Communication | Open Elective | 4 | Communication Process, Spoken English, Written English, Public Speaking, Soft Skills |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG ENG CC 4.1 | Indian Writing in English - II | Core | 4 | Post-Independence Indian English Novel, Indian English Poetry, Contemporary Indian English Drama, Regional Voices in Translation, Diaspora Literature |
| PG ENG CC 4.2 | American Literature - II | Core | 4 | Modern American Poetry, Harlem Renaissance, Contemporary American Novel, American Drama (e.g., Miller, Williams), Multicultural Voices |
| PG ENG CC 4.3 | Stylistics and Discourse Analysis | Core | 4 | Introduction to Stylistics, Levels of Linguistic Analysis, Text and Context, Pragmatics, Critical Discourse Analysis |
| PG ENG CE 4.1 | Post Colonial Literature - II | Elective | 4 | Canadian Literature, Australian Literature, New Zealand Literature, Post-Colonial Theory in practice, Global South narratives |
| PG ENG CE 4.2 | Dalit Literature - II | Elective | 4 | Aesthetics of Dalit Literature, Women''''s Dalit Writing, Representation of Dalit Identity, Challenges and Futures, Social Justice Themes |
| PG ENG DIS 4.4 | Dissertation/Project | Project | 4 | Research Methodology, Literature Review, Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing |
