

M-A in English at Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University


Nanded, Maharashtra
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About the Specialization
What is English at Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University Nanded?
This M.A. English program at Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded, focuses on a comprehensive study of English language and literature, encompassing historical periods, literary criticism, theory, linguistics, and Indian writing. It delves into the rich tapestry of global English literature while emphasizing critical thinking and research skills. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for language and literature experts in India''''s diverse educational and cultural sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in Arts, especially those with English as an optional subject, seeking entry into academic roles, research, or content development. It also suits aspiring teachers and educators aiming to enhance their pedagogical skills in English language teaching, as well as individuals keen on a deep dive into literary analysis and cultural studies.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as Assistant Professors, researchers, content writers, editors, and English language trainers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3 LPA to 6 LPA, with significant growth trajectories in academia and corporate communication. The analytical and communication skills gained are highly valued across publishing, media, and e-learning industries.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Literary Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with lectures and primary texts across literary history and criticism. Form study groups to discuss complex theories and historical contexts, focusing on understanding foundational concepts rather than rote memorization. This stage is crucial for building a strong base for advanced literary analysis.
Tools & Resources
University Library Resources, Online literary journals, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A firm grasp of literary concepts is essential for academic writing, competitive exams like NET/SET, and becoming an effective educator or content analyst in India.
Enhance Language and Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Participate in departmental seminars, workshops on academic writing, and public speaking. Focus on refining grammar, vocabulary, and effective communication. Seek feedback on essays and presentations from professors to continuously improve linguistic proficiency.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Purdue OWL, Toastmasters (if available locally)
Career Connection
Strong communication skills are universally valuable, particularly for teaching, content creation, journalism, and corporate communication roles in the Indian job market.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond the syllabus, explore how literature intersects with philosophy, history, sociology, and psychology. Read widely across genres and disciplines, including Indian regional literatures in translation, to broaden perspectives and develop a nuanced understanding of cultural contexts.
Tools & Resources
Online academic databases (JSTOR, Project Muse), Open access journals, Multidisciplinary lecture series
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary thinking fosters adaptability and provides a competitive edge in diverse fields requiring critical analysis and a holistic viewpoint, such as policy analysis or cultural commentary.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Literary Theory Critically- (Semester 3-4)
Apply various literary theories (feminism, post-colonialism, structuralism, etc.) to analyze texts from diverse cultures, including Indian English literature. Actively participate in debates and discussions on theoretical frameworks to sharpen analytical and interpretative skills.
Tools & Resources
Critical Theory readers, Online academic forums, Departmental colloquia
Career Connection
Proficiency in literary theory is vital for research, M.Phil/Ph.D. pursuits, and advanced literary criticism, allowing for sophisticated engagement with academic and publishing industries.
Undertake Research Projects and Presentations- (Semester 3-4)
Proactively seek opportunities for mini-research projects, even beyond the mandated dissertation. Present findings at departmental seminars or local academic conferences. This builds research acumen and confidence in academic discourse, crucial for the Indian academic landscape.
Tools & Resources
Zotero/Mendeley for referencing, PowerPoint/Canva for presentations, University research grants if available
Career Connection
Experience in research and presentation significantly strengthens a resume for higher education, research assistant positions, and academic teaching roles.
Network with Faculty and Scholars- (Semester 3-4)
Build relationships with professors, visiting scholars, and alumni. Attend workshops and talks by external experts. This networking can open doors to mentorship, research collaborations, internship opportunities, and insights into various career paths within and outside academia in India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Academic conferences and workshops, Departmental alumni events
Career Connection
Networking is crucial for job referrals, collaborations, and staying updated on industry trends, providing a direct link to potential employers and mentors.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation Excellence- (Semester 4)
Invest significant time in selecting a compelling research topic for the Dissertation/Project Work. Work closely with your supervisor, meticulously conducting research, drafting, and refining your thesis. Aim for original contribution and publishable quality, which can be a strong credential for academic positions.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (if applicable), Advanced academic databases, Writing centers/peer review groups
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is the cornerstone for pursuing M.Phil/Ph.D., showcasing research capabilities for academic and specialized content development roles in India.
Prepare for Career Advancement Exams- (Semester 4)
Alongside academic studies, dedicate time to prepare for national-level exams like UGC NET/SET for Assistant Professorship and Junior Research Fellowship. These certifications are mandatory for academic careers in Indian universities and colleges. Utilize online coaching and mock tests.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/SET study materials, Online coaching platforms, Previous year question papers
Career Connection
Clearing NET/SET is a prerequisite for most university teaching and research positions in India, significantly boosting career prospects in academia.
Develop Professional Portfolio and Soft Skills- (Semester 4)
Curate a portfolio of your best academic writings, research papers, and presentations. Simultaneously, focus on developing soft skills like leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability through extracurricular activities, workshops, or volunteering experiences.
Tools & Resources
Personal website/blog, LinkedIn profile, Resume/CV building workshops
Career Connection
A professional portfolio and well-honed soft skills make graduates highly marketable for diverse roles in content, media, public relations, and teaching beyond traditional academic jobs.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed any Bachelor Degree of this University or equivalent thereto, shall be eligible for admission to the first semester of the M.A. English Programme. The candidate who has passed the B.A. with English as one of the optional subjects will be given preference.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA ENG 101 | History of English Literature (From Chaucer to Restoration) | Core | 4 | Old English Literature, Chaucer and his Age, The Renaissance and Elizabethan Period, Jacobean and Caroline Age, The Commonwealth Period, Restoration Drama and Prose |
| MA ENG 102 | Literary Criticism (Classical to Modern) | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle, Longinus), Neoclassical Criticism (Dryden, Dr. Johnson), Romantic Criticism (Wordsworth, Coleridge), Victorian Criticism (Arnold), Modern Criticism (T.S. Eliot, I.A. Richards) |
| MA ENG 103 | Phonetics and Linguistics | Core | 4 | Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology, Organs of Speech and IPA, Morpheme and Word Formation, Syntax and Sentence Structure, Semantics and Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics and Language Variation |
| MA ENG 104 | Indian Writing in English | Core | 4 | Early Indian English Fiction, Indian English Poetry, Indian English Drama, Major Themes and Movements, Role of Indian English Literature, Representative Authors and Works |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA ENG 201 | History of English Literature (From the Augustan Age to the Modern Age) | Core | 4 | The Augustan Age and Enlightenment, The Romantic Age, The Victorian Age, The Modernist Movement, Post-War and Contemporary Literature, Major Literary Trends |
| MA ENG 202 | Literary Theory | Core | 4 | Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Deconstruction, Feminist Literary Theory, Post-Colonial Theory, New Historicism and Cultural Materialism, Reader-Response Theory |
| MA ENG 203 | English Language Teaching (ELT) | Core | 4 | Principles and Approaches of ELT, Methods of Language Teaching (e.g., CLT, TBLT), Teaching Receptive Skills (Reading, Listening), Teaching Productive Skills (Speaking, Writing), Materials Development and Evaluation, Language Testing and Assessment |
| MA ENG 204 | Indian English Literature (From Post-Independence to the Present) | Core | 4 | The Partition Narrative, Post-Independence Novel and Poetry, Indian Diaspora Literature, Emerging Voices and Themes, Subaltern and Regional Writings, Contemporary Trends in Indian English |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA ENG 301 | Shakespeare | Core | 4 | Shakespeare''''s Tragedies, Shakespeare''''s Comedies, Historical Plays and Romances, Sonnets and Poetic Style, Elizabethan Theatre Conventions, Critical Approaches to Shakespeare |
| MA ENG 302 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Colonial and Early American Literature, Transcendentalism and Romanticism, Realism and Naturalism, Modern American Literature, African-American Literature, Contemporary Voices and Themes |
| MA ENG 303 | Modern European Literature (Optional Group: Group A) OR New Literatures in English (Optional Group: Group B) | Elective | 4 | Modernism in Europe, Existentialism and Absurdism, Russian, French, German Literary Trends, Commonwealth Literature, African and Caribbean Literature, Australian and Canadian Literature |
| MA ENG 304 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research Types and Design, Literature Review and Hypothesis Formulation, Data Collection Methods in Humanities, Qualitative and Quantitative Research, Referencing and Citation Styles (MLA, APA), Ethics in Research and Avoiding Plagiarism |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA ENG 401 | Romantic Literature | Core | 4 | Features of Romanticism, Major Romantic Poets (Wordsworth, Coleridge), Second Generation Romantics (Byron, Shelley, Keats), Romantic Prose and Essays, Nature and Imagination in Romanticism, Socio-Political Context of the Era |
| MA ENG 402 | Victorian Literature | Core | 4 | Social and Intellectual Context of Victorian Age, Victorian Novel (Dickens, Eliot), Victorian Poetry (Tennyson, Browning), Victorian Prose (Carlyle, Ruskin), Aestheticism and Decadence, Themes of Industrialism and Empire |
| MA ENG 403 | Women''''s Writing (Optional Group: Group A) OR Dalit Literature (Optional Group: Group B) | Elective | 4 | Feminist Literary Theory, Themes in Women''''s Writing, Indian Women Writers, Emergence of Dalit Literature, Dalit Aesthetics and Resistance, Autobiographies and Poetry in Dalit Writing |
| MA ENG 404 | Dissertation/Project Work | Project | 4 | Topic Selection and Research Proposal, Extensive Literature Review, Methodology and Data Analysis, Thesis Writing and Structure, Presentation Skills, Viva-voce Examination |




