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MA-HISTORY in General at S.S.L.N.T. Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Dhanbad
Dhanbad, Jharkhand
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About the Specialization
What is General at S.S.L.N.T. Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Dhanbad Dhanbad?
This MA History program at Shree Shree Lakshmi Narayan Trust Mahila Mahavidyalaya focuses on providing a deep and critical understanding of past societies, cultures, politics, and economies. With a strong emphasis on Indian history alongside global perspectives, it prepares students for research, teaching, and heritage management. The program aims to cultivate analytical thinking and historiographical skills, crucial for deciphering complex historical narratives relevant to India''''s diverse heritage.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history enthusiasts, fresh graduates with a background in arts or humanities seeking entry into academic research or public service, and working professionals aiming to enhance their understanding of historical contexts for policy-making or cultural initiatives. It caters to individuals passionate about exploring India''''s rich past and its global connections, providing a robust foundation for intellectual and career growth.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archivists, museum curators, educators, journalists, and civil servants. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in academic or government roles. The program fosters critical thinking and research skills, enabling growth into leadership positions in cultural institutions and educational sectors across the country.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts and Historiography- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding fundamental historical concepts, theories of historiography, and research methodologies. Actively attend lectures, participate in discussions, and clarify doubts promptly with professors to build a strong theoretical foundation.
Tools & Resources
University library, JSTOR, Project MUSE, NCERT history textbooks (for basic revision), NPTEL online courses for supplemental learning
Career Connection
A strong conceptual understanding is vital for competitive examinations (UPSC, state PSCs), academic research, and teaching roles, ensuring a solid base for advanced studies and informed decision-making.
Develop Critical Reading and Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice dissecting historical arguments, identifying biases, and evaluating evidence from primary and secondary sources. Form study groups to discuss readings and different interpretations. Regularly write concise summaries and critical reviews of historical texts to refine analytical thinking.
Tools & Resources
Peer study groups, Academic journals, Online platforms offering critical thinking exercises, University writing center (if available)
Career Connection
These skills are essential for any research-oriented career, journalism, policy analysis, and for effective communication and report writing required in civil services or educational roles.
Build a Strong Academic Network- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with faculty members, attend department seminars, and interact with senior students. Seek mentorship from professors for academic guidance and potential research projects. Collaborate with peers on assignments and presentations to foster a supportive learning environment.
Tools & Resources
Department events and workshops, Academic conferences (if any at university level), Professional social networks like LinkedIn (for connecting with alumni)
Career Connection
Networking can lead to valuable research opportunities, strong recommendations for further studies, and insights into diverse career paths, significantly aiding early career navigation in academia or related fields.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Research Projects- (Semester 3)
Proactively seek opportunities for small, independent research projects under faculty supervision, even if outside the formal curriculum. This could involve exploring local history, oral histories, or specific historical controversies to gain practical research experience beyond coursework.
Tools & Resources
University archives, Local historical societies, Online databases for primary sources, Reference management software (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley)
Career Connection
Develops hands-on research skills, strengthens your CV for PhD applications, and provides valuable experience relevant for archival work, historical consultancy, or roles in heritage management.
Seek Internships in Heritage or Education- (Semester 3-4 breaks or during Semester 4)
Actively search for internships at museums, archives, educational NGOs, government cultural departments, or heritage sites across India. This practical exposure provides real-world application of historical knowledge and insights into professional environments.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Online internship portals (Internshala, LinkedIn), Direct contact with institutions like ASI, IGNCA, state archives
Career Connection
Crucial for gaining work experience, building professional contacts within the cultural and educational sectors, and identifying specific career interests within the broad field of history.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations- (Semester 3-4 (ongoing))
Begin focused preparation for national-level competitive examinations such as UGC NET/JRF (for academia) or UPSC Civil Services/State PSCs (for public service). Integrate relevant historical topics from the syllabus into your exam preparation, focusing on both breadth and depth of knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Online test series, Dedicated study groups, Government publications and reports
Career Connection
This provides a direct pathway to academic careers (Assistant Professor, Research Fellow) or esteemed administrative positions in various branches of the Indian government and public sector.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation/Project Work- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your final dissertation or project work. Choose a topic of genuine interest, conduct thorough and original research, present a well-structured argument, and strictly adhere to academic writing standards. Seek regular feedback from your supervisor.
Tools & Resources
Thesis writing guides, Academic integrity tools, University library resources, Specialized guidance from senior faculty
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is a hallmark of research capability, essential for PhD admissions, and demonstrates the ability for independent, rigorous academic work, which is highly valued in any analytical or research-focused role.
Refine Communication and Presentation Skills- (Semester 4)
Practice presenting your research findings clearly, concisely, and engagingly. Actively participate in departmental colloquia, workshops, or student conferences. Develop effective public speaking and academic writing skills, which are crucial for viva-voce and job interviews.
Tools & Resources
Public speaking clubs, Mock interviews and presentations, Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint), Academic writing workshops
Career Connection
These skills are critical for teaching positions, delivering impactful reports in government jobs, communicating complex ideas in media or publishing, and successfully defending any research or project work.
Strategic Career Planning and Alumni Engagement- (Semester 4)
Define your post-MA career goals, whether it''''s pursuing a PhD, civil services, roles in heritage management, journalism, or teaching, and tailor your final semester efforts accordingly. Actively connect with alumni working in your target fields to gain insights and explore opportunities.
Tools & Resources
University alumni network, Career counseling services, LinkedIn for professional connections, Industry-specific job portals and career fairs
Career Connection
Provides a clear roadmap for your future, leveraging existing networks for potential job referrals, and gaining a practical understanding of the demands and realities of your desired professions in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s Degree with Honours in History or B.A. (General) with History as one of the subjects, having 45% marks in History / Aggregate 45% marks.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 78 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20% (for 4-credit papers, 20 marks out of 100), External: 80% (for 4-credit papers, 80 marks out of 100)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-1 | Historiography: Concepts, Methods & Tools | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of History, Objectivity and Causation in History, Historical Interpretation and Theories, Sources of History and their Authenticity, Tools and Techniques of Historical Research, Major Historiographical Traditions |
| CC-2 | Ancient Indian History (Earliest Times to 600 AD) | Core | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic Age and Early States, Rise of Jainism and Buddhism, Mauryan Empire and Administration, Gupta Age: Polity, Society and Culture |
| CC-3 | Ancient Indian History (600 AD to 1200 AD) | Core | 4 | Post-Gupta Period and Regional States, Harsha''''s Empire and its Decline, Polity, Society and Economy (7th-12th Century), Religious Developments (Bhakti Movement), Cultural Achievements and Temple Architecture, External Contacts and Trade Routes |
| CC-4 | History of Medieval India (1200 AD to 1556 AD) | Core | 4 | Establishment of Delhi Sultanate, Administrative Reforms of Alauddin Khalji and Muhammad Tughlaq, Sufi and Bhakti Movements, Vijayanagara and Bahmani Kingdoms, Lodi Dynasty and Decline of Sultanate, Early Mughals: Babur and Humayun |
| AECC-1 | Research Methodology | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Meaning, Types and Scope of Research, Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Methods of Data Collection and Analysis, Referencing and Documentation, Structure of Research Report/Thesis, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| GE-1 | History of Indian Art and Architecture | Generic Elective | 4 | Prehistoric and Indus Valley Art, Mauryan and Post-Mauryan Art Forms, Early Temple Architecture (Gupta Period), North Indian (Nagara) Temple Styles, South Indian (Dravida) Temple Styles, Mughal and Colonial Architecture |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-5 | History of Medieval India (1556 AD to 1707 AD) | Core | 4 | Akbar: Consolidation of Mughal Empire, Mughal Administration and Land Revenue, Mughal Society, Economy and Culture, Religious Policies of Akbar and Aurangzeb, Growth of Architecture and Painting, Decline of Mughal Empire |
| CC-6 | History of Modern India (1707 AD to 1857 AD) | Core | 4 | Decline of Mughal Empire and Regional Powers, Arrival of European Trading Companies, British Expansion and Consolidation, Economic Policies of British India, Socio-Religious Reform Movements, Revolt of 1857: Causes and Consequences |
| CC-7 | History of Modern India (1858 AD to 1947 AD) | Core | 4 | British Administration and Constitutional Reforms, Rise of Indian Nationalism (Moderates, Extremists), Gandhian Era and Mass Movements, Revolutionary Activities and Separatist Trends, Partition of India and Independence, Social and Economic Changes |
| CC-8 | History of Europe (1789 AD to 1871 AD) | Core | 4 | The French Revolution and its Impact, Napoleonic Era and Congress of Vienna, Concert of Europe and Revolutions of 1830 & 1848, Industrial Revolution in Europe, Rise of Nationalism and Liberalism, Unification of Italy and Germany |
| GE-2 | History of Indian Diasporas | Generic Elective | 4 | Early Indian Migrations and Maritime Trade, Indentured Labour Migration (19th Century), Post-Colonial Emigration Trends, Challenges and Contributions of Diasporic Communities, Cultural Preservation and Identity, Role of Diaspora in India''''s Development |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-9 | History of Europe (1871 AD to 1945 AD) | Core | 4 | Age of Imperialism and Colonial Expansion, Causes and Consequences of World War I, Russian Revolutions of 1917, Rise of Fascism in Italy and Nazism in Germany, Inter-War Period and Economic Depression, Causes and Course of World War II |
| CC-10 | History of the USA (1776 AD to 1945 AD) | Core | 4 | American Revolution and Constitution, Expansion and Sectionalism, American Civil War and Reconstruction, Industrialization and Progressive Era, Great Depression and New Deal, USA''''s Role in World Wars |
| CC-11 | History of Contemporary World (1945 AD to 2000 AD) | Core | 4 | Cold War: Origins and Phases, Decolonization and Emergence of New Nations, United Nations Organization (UNO), Non-Aligned Movement, Disintegration of USSR and End of Cold War, Globalization and Major Global Conflicts |
| CC-12 | History of Science & Technology in India | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Contributions to Science (Mathematics, Astronomy, Medicine), Medieval Period: Technology and Innovation, Impact of Colonialism on Indian Science, Growth of Modern Scientific Institutions, Space Research and Nuclear Energy in India, Information Technology Revolution in India |
| DSE-1 (Group A) | History of Modern Jharkhand | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Formation of Jharkhand State, Tribal Movements and Uprisings (Birsa Munda, Santhal Rebellion), Land Reforms and Forest Policies, Industrialization and Urbanization in Jharkhand, Political and Economic Developments Post-Independence, Social and Cultural Changes |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC-13 | History of Southeast Asia (1945 AD to 2000 AD) | Core | 4 | Decolonization in Southeast Asia, Rise of Nationalism and Independence Movements, Cold War Impact and Regional Conflicts, Vietnam War and its Aftermath, Formation and Role of ASEAN, Economic Growth and Political Systems |
| CC-14 | History of East Asia (China and Japan) (1839 AD to 1949 AD) | Core | 4 | Opium Wars and unequal treaties in China, Taiping Rebellion and Self-Strengthening Movement, Meiji Restoration in Japan and Modernization, Sino-Japanese Wars and Imperialism, Chinese Revolution of 1911 and Rise of Republic, Rise of Communism in China and World War II |
| DSE-2 | Dissertation / Project Work | Discipline Specific Elective | 8 | Research Topic Selection and Proposal Writing, Literature Review and Source Criticism, Methodology and Data Collection, Thesis Writing and Argumentation, Presentation of Research Findings, Viva-Voce Examination |
