

M-A in Urdu at The Graduate School College for Women, Jamshedpur


East Singhbhum, Jharkhand
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About the Specialization
What is Urdu at The Graduate School College for Women, Jamshedpur East Singhbhum?
This M.A. Urdu program at The Graduate School College for Women, Jamshedpur focuses on providing an in-depth understanding of Urdu language and literature, encompassing its rich history, diverse genres, and critical theories. It emphasizes both classical and modern literary traditions, catering to the enduring cultural and academic significance of Urdu in India, especially in regions with strong Urdu heritage. The program is designed to cultivate critical thinking and analytical skills essential for literary scholarship.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in Urdu or with Urdu as a subject, seeking entry into academic roles, literary research, or cultural preservation. It also suits individuals passionate about Urdu poetry, prose, and criticism who wish to deepen their literary expertise. Aspiring teachers, researchers, and content creators with a foundational knowledge of Urdu literature will find this program highly beneficial for their career advancement.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as lecturers, researchers, journalists, content writers, translators, and cultural heritage specialists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4 LPA, with experienced professionals earning up to INR 8-10 LPA or more in academic and media sectors. The program strengthens analytical and communication skills vital for various professional domains across Indian industries.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Classical Texts and Grammar- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate consistent time to reading and analyzing classical Urdu poetry and prose. Focus on understanding the nuances of traditional grammar, rhetoric (Ilm-e-Urooz-o-Balaghat), and vocabulary. Utilize reference books and seek guidance from professors to build a strong linguistic and literary base. Actively participate in classroom discussions on classic works to deepen comprehension.
Tools & Resources
Oxford Urdu-English Dictionary, Feroz-ul-Lughat (Urdu), Classic Urdu literary anthologies, Professor consultation
Career Connection
A strong foundation in classical literature and language is essential for advanced research, academic pursuits, and nuanced translation work, which are highly valued in educational and publishing sectors in India.
Engage with Literary Critiques- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond simply reading texts, actively engage with literary criticism. Understand different schools of thought in Urdu criticism and analyze how they apply to various literary works. Practice writing critical essays on assigned texts, focusing on developing a clear argument and supporting it with textual evidence. Attend departmental seminars on literary theory.
Tools & Resources
Books on Urdu literary criticism (e.g., by Ehtesham Hussain, Waheed Akhtar), Academic journals (online/offline), Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Developing strong analytical and critical thinking skills is crucial for research, teaching, and becoming a literary critic or editor, roles that are sought-after in Indian academia and media.
Join Urdu Literary Circles- (Semester 1-2)
Participate actively in college or local Urdu literary societies, mushairas (poetry recitations), and literary events. This helps in understanding performance aspects of poetry, networking with peers and established writers, and gaining exposure to contemporary literary trends. Organize small group discussions for selected readings to enhance collaborative learning.
Tools & Resources
College Literary Club, Local Urdu cultural organizations, Online forums for Urdu literature enthusiasts
Career Connection
Networking and practical exposure foster connections for future collaborations, publishing opportunities, and cultural event management roles, enhancing employability in India''''s vibrant cultural sector.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini Research Projects- (Semester 3)
Beyond course assignments, identify specific literary topics or authors that interest you and undertake small-scale research projects. Focus on developing research questions, gathering primary and secondary sources, and writing concise research papers. Seek regular feedback from faculty to refine your research skills and academic writing proficiency.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, JSTOR, Project MUSE (if accessible via university), Online Urdu literary archives, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Hands-on research experience is invaluable for M.Phil./Ph.D. admissions and careers in research institutions or academic publishing houses across India, demonstrating practical research aptitude.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3)
Connect Urdu literature with other disciplines like history, sociology, philosophy, or cultural studies. Analyze how socio-political contexts influence literary movements and vice versa. This broadens your perspective and allows for innovative research topics, such as studying the impact of the Progressive Writers'''' Movement on Indian society and its narratives.
Tools & Resources
Books on Indian history and sociology, Interdisciplinary academic journals, Guest lectures by experts from related fields
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary approach makes you a versatile candidate for roles in cultural studies, policy research, and think tanks, which are increasingly valued in India''''s knowledge economy for their holistic perspectives.
Develop Digital Literacy for Urdu- (Semester 3)
Learn to use digital tools for Urdu typing (e.g., InPage, Unicode), accessing online libraries, and participating in digital humanities projects related to Urdu. Familiarize yourself with online repositories of classical Urdu texts and literary journals. This includes creating and managing digital content effectively in Urdu.
Tools & Resources
InPage Urdu Software, Google Input Tools for Urdu, Rekhta.org, Digital Library of India, Online tutorials
Career Connection
Proficiency in digital Urdu tools opens up opportunities in content creation, digital archiving, e-publishing, and online journalism, which are rapidly growing sectors in India''''s digital landscape.
Advanced Stage
Initiate Dissertation Research Early- (Semester 4)
Begin identifying potential dissertation topics and supervisors early in your final year. Start collecting relevant literature and refining your research proposal. Regular consultations with your supervisor and timely progress reports are key to completing a high-quality dissertation that reflects original scholarship and adheres to academic standards.
Tools & Resources
Research proposal guidelines, Supervisor meetings, Extensive library and online database access, Academic writing workshops
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is crucial for academic career progression, particularly for securing teaching or research positions in Indian universities and colleges, showcasing your independent research capability.
Prepare for NET/SET Examinations- (Semester 4)
Simultaneously prepare for UGC NET (National Eligibility Test) or State Eligibility Test (SET) for Assistant Professorship and Junior Research Fellowship. Regularly solve previous year''''s question papers, study the prescribed syllabus thoroughly, and join study groups. This is a critical step for pursuing an academic career in India''''s higher education system.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/SET previous year papers, Standard reference books for Urdu NET syllabus, Online coaching platforms (if needed), Study groups
Career Connection
Qualifying NET/SET is mandatory for Assistant Professor positions in most Indian universities and colleges and is a significant advantage for pursuing a Ph.D. with a fellowship, opening doors to academic employment.
Develop Professional Communication Skills- (Semester 4)
Practice public speaking, presentation skills, and formal writing for academic and professional contexts. Engage in mock interviews for academic positions or jobs in media/publishing. Refine your CV and cover letter specifically for roles in the Indian literary and educational sectors. Attend workshops on academic presentation to enhance delivery.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, Mock interview sessions, Professional development workshops, Feedback from mentors
Career Connection
Strong communication and presentation skills are vital for job interviews, conference presentations, and effective teaching, making graduates highly competitive in the Indian job market for diverse professional roles.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s Degree in Urdu or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGURD CC-101 | Urdu Ghazal | Core | 4 | Origin and Development of Ghazal, Prominent Ghazal Poets (e.g., Meer, Ghalib, Momin, Faiz), Art and Aesthetics of Ghazal, Ghazal''''s Poetic Devices and Imagery, Thematic Studies in Ghazal |
| PGURD CC-102 | Urdu Nazm | Core | 4 | Origin and Evolution of Nazm, Forms and Types of Nazm (Mu''''arra, Azad, Paband), Major Nazm Poets (e.g., Hali, Iqbal, Faiz, Meeraji), Thematic Concerns in Nazm, Nazm and Modernity |
| PGURD CC-103 | Urdu Afsana | Core | 4 | History and Development of Urdu Short Story, Techniques and Elements of Afsana, Key Afsana Writers (e.g., Premchand, Manto, Bedi, Ismat Chughtai), Social and Psychological Themes in Afsana, Afsana in Post-Partition Literature |
| PGURD CC-104 | Urdu Dramma | Core | 4 | Evolution of Urdu Drama, Types and Forms of Drama, Prominent Playwrights (e.g., Imtiaz Ali Taj, Agha Hashar Kashmiri), Stagecraft and Theatrical Elements, Social and Political Commentary in Urdu Drama |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGURD CC-201 | Urdu Tanqeed-o-Tehqeeq (Criticism & Research) | Core | 4 | Principles and Theories of Literary Criticism, Schools of Criticism (e.g., Classical, Modern, Marxist), Research Methodologies in Urdu Literature, Literary Essay Writing and Analysis, Prominent Urdu Critics (e.g., Hali, Shibli, Ehtesham Hussain) |
| PGURD CC-202 | Urdu Dastaan Aur Novel (Dastans & Novels) | Core | 4 | Origin and Features of Urdu Dastaan, Major Dastans (e.g., Bagh-o-Bahar, Fasana-e-Azad), Evolution of Urdu Novel, Techniques and Structure of Novel, Key Novelists (e.g., Nazeer Ahmad, Premchand, Qurratulain Hyder) |
| PGURD CC-203 | Urdu Inshaiyya aur Khutoot (Essays & Letters) | Core | 4 | Development of Urdu Prose Essay (Inshaiyya), Forms and Characteristics of Inshaiyya, Art of Letter Writing (Khutoot Nigari) in Urdu, Prominent Essayists and Letter Writers (e.g., Ghalib, Sir Syed, Patras), Thematic and Stylistic Analysis |
| PGURD CC-204 | Ilm-e-Urooz-o-Balaghat (Prosody & Rhetoric) | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Urdu Prosody (Urooz), Metrical Patterns and Scansion, Figures of Speech (Balaghat) and their Application, Rhetorical Devices in Urdu Poetry and Prose, Analysis of Poetic Language |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGURD CC-301 | Shaeri (Poetry) | Core | 4 | Classical Urdu Poetic Forms (e.g., Qasida, Marsiya, Rubai), Detailed Study of Selected Poets and Works, Thematic Depth in Classical Poetry, Influence of Persian and Arabic Poetic Traditions, Modern Trends in Urdu Poetry |
| PGURD CC-302 | Nasar (Prose) | Core | 4 | Classical Urdu Prose Forms (e.g., Tazkira, Insha), Study of Eminent Prose Writers and their Styles, Development of Modern Urdu Prose, Influence of Western Prose Forms, Prose as a Medium for Social Commentary |
| PGURD CC-303 | Clasical Nasar Ki Ahmiyat (Importance of Classical Prose) | Core | 4 | Historical Context of Classical Urdu Prose, Literary and Cultural Significance of Classical Texts, Linguistic Evolution through Classical Prose, Analysis of Key Classical Prose Works, Relevance of Classical Prose in Contemporary Study |
| PGURD EC-304 | Elective (Iqbaliyat) | Elective | 4 | Life and Works of Allama Iqbal, Iqbal''''s Philosophy and Poetic Thought, Key Themes in Iqbal''''s Poetry (Khudi, Shaheen), Iqbal''''s Contribution to Islamic Thought, Critical Studies on Iqbaliyat |
| PGURD EC-304 | Elective (Urdu Adab mein Sahafatiyat - Journalism in Urdu Literature) | Elective | 4 | History of Urdu Journalism, Role of Journalism in Urdu Literary Development, Prominent Urdu Journalists and Newspapers, Journalistic Styles and Ethics, Impact of Media on Urdu Language |
| PGURD EC-304 | Elective (Urdu Zuban-o-Adab ki Tareekh - History of Urdu Language and Literature) | Elective | 4 | Origin and Evolution of Urdu Language, Development of Urdu Literature through Eras, Influence of Regional Languages on Urdu, Literary Movements and Schools, Major Milestones in Urdu Literary History |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGURD CC-401 | Clasical Shaeri Ki Ahmiyat (Importance of Classical Poetry) | Core | 4 | Historical Context of Classical Urdu Poetry, Literary and Cultural Significance of Classical Poetic Texts, Linguistic Evolution through Classical Poetry, Analysis of Key Classical Poetic Works, Enduring Legacy of Classical Poetry |
| PGURD CC-402 | Lisaniyat (Linguistics) | Core | 4 | Introduction to Linguistics and its Branches, Phonetics and Phonology of Urdu, Morphology and Syntax of Urdu, Semantics and Pragmatics in Urdu, Sociolinguistics and Dialectology of Urdu |
| PGURD CC-403 | Urdu Mein Taraqqi Pasand Tehreek (Progressive Movement in Urdu) | Core | 4 | Background and Ideology of Progressive Movement, Impact on Urdu Literature (Poetry, Prose), Prominent Writers of the Movement, Themes of Social Realism and Revolution, Criticism and Legacy of the Progressive Movement |
| PGURD PR-404 | Dissertation / Viva-Voce | Project | 4 | Research Methodology and Topic Selection, Literature Review and Data Collection, Thesis Writing and Documentation, Presentation and Defense of Dissertation, Viva-Voce Examination |




