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M-A in Geography at SRI KRISHNA VERMA MAHAVIDYALAYA, BHAWANI KHEDA
Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Geography at SRI KRISHNA VERMA MAHAVIDYALAYA, BHAWANI KHEDA Hardoi?
This M.A. Geography program at SRI KRISHNA VERMA MAHAVIDYALAYA, following the CSJMU NEP 2020 curriculum, focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of Earth''''s physical and human landscapes. It equips students with advanced analytical and practical skills relevant to diverse environmental and societal challenges prevalent in India. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications in spatial analysis, crucial for addressing India''''s complex development needs.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for geography graduates seeking advanced knowledge and research skills in environmental, social, and economic aspects. It is also suitable for working professionals in urban planning, disaster management, or resource conservation looking to enhance their expertise. Fresh graduates aspiring for careers in government agencies, NGOs, or academic research will find this specialization highly beneficial, especially those with a strong analytical aptitude.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as urban planners, environmental consultants, GIS analysts, demographers, and research associates in government organizations like ISRO, NIC, or state planning boards. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities also exist in academia, journalism, and data analysis, with a strong focus on spatial data interpretation.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Geographical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Thoroughly grasp fundamental theories in Geomorphology, Climatology, Economic, and Social Geography. Utilize textbooks, reference materials, and online lectures to build a strong theoretical base. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and clarify doubts.
Tools & Resources
Standard Geography textbooks, NPTEL lectures on Physical & Human Geography, UGC e-PG Pathshala
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for excelling in entrance exams for government jobs (UPSC, State PCS) and for deeper specialization in advanced semesters.
Develop Essential Cartographic & Statistical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in practical classes focusing on map projections, weather maps, and statistical methods. Practice data analysis using basic software like MS Excel for central tendency and dispersion. Learn to interpret geographical data visually and statistically.
Tools & Resources
Practical Geography lab manuals, MS Excel tutorials, NCERT Geography Atlases
Career Connection
These skills are directly applicable in roles requiring data visualization, report generation, and basic spatial analysis in various Indian organizations.
Initiate Academic Writing and Research- (Semester 1-2)
Begin practicing academic writing by preparing small reports or review papers on geographical topics. Focus on structuring arguments, proper referencing, and clear articulation of ideas. Participate in college-level seminars or paper presentations.
Tools & Resources
Online academic writing guides, Purdue OWL, Library resources for journal access
Career Connection
Strong writing skills are indispensable for dissertation work, research positions, and clear communication in any professional role.
Intermediate Stage
Gain Proficiency in Remote Sensing & GIS- (Semester 2-3)
Dedicate significant time to practical sessions on Remote Sensing and GIS. Learn to process satellite imagery, create spatial databases, and perform basic spatial analysis using open-source software. Undertake small projects using local data.
Tools & Resources
QGIS (open-source GIS software), Google Earth Engine tutorials, ISRO''''s Bhuvan portal
Career Connection
GIS and Remote Sensing are high-demand skills in urban planning, environmental management, disaster response, and many private sector consulting firms in India.
Engage in Fieldwork and Case Studies- (Semester 2-3)
Participate actively in organized field trips to understand real-world geographical phenomena. Conduct small-scale fieldwork for your projects, collecting primary data and analyzing local issues. Focus on case studies relevant to Indian development challenges.
Tools & Resources
Field survey equipment (GPS, altimeter), Questionnaire design tools, Local government reports
Career Connection
Practical fieldwork experience enhances problem-solving abilities and prepares you for roles requiring on-ground data collection and analysis for NGOs or government projects.
Network and Explore Specializations- (Semester 2-3)
Attend geography conferences, workshops, or webinars to network with professionals and explore different specialization areas within geography (e.g., urban planning, climatology, demography). Identify potential mentors or areas for future research.
Tools & Resources
Professional associations (e.g., National Association of Geographers, India), LinkedIn for networking
Career Connection
Networking can open doors to internships, research collaborations, and informs career choices aligned with current industry trends.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (Semester 3-4)
Choose a relevant research topic, preferably with societal impact or policy relevance in the Indian context. Develop a robust methodology, collect and analyze data rigorously, and present findings in a well-structured dissertation. Seek regular guidance from faculty.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (R, SPSS), Advanced GIS software (if applicable), Research paper databases
Career Connection
A strong dissertation showcases your research capabilities, critical thinking, and independent work ethic, highly valued in academia and research-oriented jobs.
Prepare for Placements and Competitive Exams- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in campus placement drives and prepare for interviews focusing on your subject knowledge and practical skills. Simultaneously, prepare for competitive exams like UGC NET/JRF or state-level civil services, which often have a strong geography component.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers for competitive exams, Interview preparation guides, University career services
Career Connection
Targeted preparation maximizes opportunities for securing academic positions, government jobs, or roles in reputed private sector companies.
Develop Professional Communication and Presentation Skills- (Semester 4)
Practice presenting your project work and research findings clearly and concisely. Participate in mock interviews and group discussions. Refine your resume and cover letter to highlight your geographical expertise and analytical abilities. Focus on communicating complex ideas simply.
Tools & Resources
Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), Public speaking workshops, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Effective communication and presentation are critical for leadership roles, client interactions, and conveying research findings to diverse audiences in any professional setting.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in Geography or an allied subject from a recognized university, with a minimum percentage as per university norms.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 88 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAG101 | Geotectonics and Geomorphology | Core | 4 | Earth''''s Interior and Isostasy, Plate Tectonics and Mountain Building, Rocks and their Classification, Fluvial, Aeolian, Glacial, Karst Landforms, Denudation Chronology and Cycles, Coastal Geomorphology and Hazards |
| MAG102 | Climatology and Oceanography | Core | 4 | Atmospheric Composition and Structure, Insolation, Temperature and Heat Budget, Atmospheric Pressure and Wind Systems, Monsoons, Cyclones and Air Masses, Ocean Relief and Water Properties, Oceanic Circulation, Tides and Waves |
| MAG103 | Economic Geography | Core | 4 | Concepts and Approaches in Economic Geography, Classification of Economic Activities, Resource Geography and Utilization, Agricultural Systems and Localization, Industrial Regions and Development, Transport, Trade and Globalization |
| MAG104 | Statistical Methods in Geography | Core | 4 | Data Sources and Types, Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion and Skewness, Correlation and Regression Analysis, Sampling Methods and Probability, Hypothesis Testing (t-test, Chi-square) |
| MAG105 | Practical Geography – Cartographic Techniques & Computer Application in Geography | Core Practical | 4 | Map Projections and Scale, Representation of Relief Features, Weather Maps and Diagrams, Thematic Mapping Techniques, Introduction to GIS and GPS, Basic Computer Applications for Data Presentation |
| MAG106 | Major Project/Dissertation/Field Work/Internship | Project/Internship | 2 | Identification of Research Problem, Literature Review, Data Collection Methods, Basic Report Writing, Field Observation Techniques, Introduction to Project Planning |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAG201 | Regional Planning and Development | Core | 4 | Concepts of Region and Regionalization, Theories of Regional Development, Indicators of Regional Disparities, Techniques of Regional Delineation, Regional Planning in India, Sustainable Regional Development |
| MAG202 | Social and Cultural Geography | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Social Geography, Concepts of Society, Culture and Space, Social Structure and Spatial Organization, Cultural Diffusion and Realms, Religious and Linguistic Geography of India, Social Well-being and Quality of Life |
| MAG203 | Evolution of Geographical Thought | Core | 4 | Ancient and Medieval Geographical Concepts, Contributions of Indian Geographers, Determinism, Possibilism and Neo-Determinism, Quantitative Revolution and Spatial Science, Behavioural and Humanistic Geography, Radical, Feminist and Post-Modern Geography |
| MAG204 | Applied Geography | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Applied Geography, Applications in Resource Management, Urban and Rural Planning, Environmental Impact Assessment, Disaster Risk Reduction, Tourism and Recreation Planning |
| MAG205 | Practical Geography – Remote Sensing & GIS | Core Practical | 4 | Principles of Remote Sensing, Electromagnetic Spectrum and Sensors, Satellite Imagery Interpretation, GIS Data Models and Database, Spatial Analysis Techniques, GIS Applications in various fields |
| MAG206 | Major Project/Dissertation/Field Work/Internship | Project/Internship | 2 | Advanced Data Collection Techniques, Spatial Data Handling, Preliminary Data Analysis, Ethical Considerations in Research, Presentation Skills, Interim Project Reporting |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAG301 | Population and Settlement Geography | Core | 4 | Population Distribution and Density, Population Growth Theories and Trends, Migration Types and Causes, Population Composition and Structure, Rural Settlement Patterns, Urbanization and Urban Systems |
| MAG302 | Environmental Geography | Core | 4 | Ecosystems and Ecological Balance, Environmental Degradation and Pollution, Climate Change and its Impacts, Biodiversity Conservation, Environmental Policies and Governance, Sustainable Development Goals |
| MAG303 | Agricultural Geography | Core | 4 | Concepts and Approaches in Agricultural Geography, Factors Affecting Agriculture, Agricultural Systems of the World, Green Revolution and its Impact in India, Agricultural Regionalization, Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture |
| MAG304 | Urban Geography | Core | 4 | Origin and Evolution of Cities, Urban Morphology and Structure, Theories of Urban Growth, Urbanization Trends in India, Urban Planning and Smart Cities, Urban Problems and Challenges |
| MAG305 | Practical Geography – Advanced Cartography | Core Practical | 4 | Advanced Thematic Map Design, Isoline and Choropleth Mapping, Flow Maps and Dot Maps, Digital Cartography Principles, Map Generalization and Symbolization, Advanced GIS Mapping Techniques |
| MAG306 | Major Project/Dissertation/Field Work/Internship | Project/Internship | 2 | Refinement of Research Methodology, Advanced Statistical Analysis, Application of GIS for Spatial Analysis, Drafting Project Chapters, Peer Review and Feedback Integration, Preparation for Final Submission |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAG401 | Political Geography | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Geography, State, Nation and Nation-State Concepts, Boundaries, Frontiers and Geopolitics, Electoral Geography, Global Power Blocs and Conflicts, International Organizations and Governance |
| MAG402 | Resource Geography and Planning | Core | 4 | Classification and Distribution of Resources, Resource Appraisal and Conservation, Water Resources and Management, Mineral and Energy Resources, Land Use and Land Cover Planning, Integrated Resource Management |
| MAG403 | Tourism Geography | Core | 4 | Concepts and Typology of Tourism, Factors Influencing Tourism Development, Tourism Resources and Attractions, Impacts of Tourism (Economic, Socio-Cultural, Environmental), Tourism Planning and Management, Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism |
| MAG404 | Disaster Management | Core | 4 | Concepts of Hazard, Disaster and Vulnerability, Types of Natural Disasters (Earthquakes, Floods, Cyclones), Man-Made Disasters, Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness, Response and Recovery Phases, Role of GIS and Remote Sensing in Disaster Management |
| MAG405 | Practical Geography – Project Work and Viva-Voce | Core Practical | 4 | Final Dissertation/Project Report Writing, Advanced Cartographic Representation, Statistical Software Application, Presentation Skills for Viva-Voce, Research Ethics and Plagiarism, Connecting Research to Policy Implications |
| MAG406 | Major Project/Dissertation/Field Work/Internship | Project/Internship | 2 | Comprehensive Project Consolidation, Final Data Interpretation, Policy Recommendations, Oral Defense Preparation, Application of Advanced Geographical Tools, Independent Research Execution |
