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M-A in English at The Oxford College of Arts
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is English at The Oxford College of Arts Bengaluru?
This M.A. English program at The Oxford College of Arts, Bengaluru, focuses on a comprehensive study of literature and language, rooted in the rich traditions of British, Indian, and World literatures. It delves into critical theory, linguistic studies, and contemporary issues like gender, caste, and digital humanities. The program aims to cultivate critical thinking, research acumen, and effective communication skills, essential for a diverse range of careers in India''''s rapidly evolving cultural and educational landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in English literature or language who aspire to a career in academia, publishing, or content creation. It also caters to working professionals, such as teachers or journalists, seeking to enhance their literary understanding, research skills, and critical perspectives. Individuals interested in cultural studies, media analysis, or pursuing further research (Ph.D.) will find the curriculum particularly enriching.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as educators, content writers, editors, researchers, journalists, and public relations specialists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience, especially in academic or senior editorial roles. The program aligns well with opportunities in educational institutions, media houses, publishing firms, and NGOs, fostering analytical and communicative prowess crucial for professional growth.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Research and Analytical Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with literary theories and research methodology taught in semesters 1 and 2. Focus on understanding different critical lenses and developing structured academic writing. Participate in departmental seminars and discussions to sharpen analytical skills and present initial research ideas.
Tools & Resources
University library databases (JSTOR, ProQuest), Academic journals, Purdue OWL for MLA/APA formatting, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Strong research skills are vital for academic pursuits, content creation, editorial roles, and any profession requiring critical thinking and evidence-based argumentation.
Master Diverse Literary Traditions- (Semester 1-2)
Go beyond prescribed texts to explore a wider range of British, Indian, and other global literatures. Join book clubs or literary societies within the college to discuss diverse authors and genres. Develop a strong understanding of historical and cultural contexts that shaped these literary movements.
Tools & Resources
Online literary archives, Open-access e-books, Literary criticism websites, College literary club
Career Connection
A broad literary knowledge enhances cultural awareness, critical interpretation, and provides a rich contextual understanding for roles in education, publishing, and cultural commentary.
Enhance English Language Proficiency and Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to the English Language Teaching and Linguistics courses. Practice advanced grammar, phonetics, and effective communication strategies. Engage in public speaking, participate in debates, and seek opportunities to write articles for college magazines or local publications.
Tools & Resources
Online grammar checkers (Grammarly), Language learning apps, Toastmasters International (if available), College communication workshops
Career Connection
Superior English language and communication skills are indispensable for any professional role in India, particularly in teaching, corporate communication, content writing, and media.
Intermediate Stage
Dive Deep into Specialization and Contemporary Issues- (Semester 3)
Actively choose electives that align with your interests, whether it''''s Gender Studies, Dalit Studies, Film Studies, or Ecocriticism. Engage with these contemporary theories and apply them to current societal issues, fostering interdisciplinary thinking. Seek out workshops or short courses on these specific areas.
Tools & Resources
Specialized academic conferences (online/offline), Research groups, Guest lectures from industry experts or activists in specific fields
Career Connection
Specialization in areas like gender, caste, or media studies opens doors to NGOs, policy research, social advocacy, and niche content creation roles, addressing critical issues in India.
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections and Practical Applications- (Semester 3)
Leverage courses like World Literatures in English Translation and Literature and Media to understand how literature interacts with other disciplines and real-world platforms. Look for opportunities to write critical reviews for films, art exhibitions, or published books.
Tools & Resources
Local film festivals, Art galleries, Online platforms for book reviews (Goodreads), Media analysis websites
Career Connection
This develops a versatile skill set for media analysis, cultural criticism, content curation, and roles requiring cross-disciplinary understanding in India''''s diverse cultural sectors.
Begin Networking and Industry Exploration- (Semester 3)
Start attending online webinars, literary festivals, and book launches in Bengaluru or online to connect with authors, publishers, and academics. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with alumni and professionals in your areas of interest. Shadow professionals if possible.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Eventbrite for academic/literary events, University alumni network
Career Connection
Early networking can lead to internship opportunities, mentorship, and insights into potential career paths, making job searching more effective in the competitive Indian market.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation and Showcase Research Prowess- (Semester 4)
Approach your dissertation as a capstone project. Choose a topic that aligns with your career aspirations, conduct thorough research, and produce a high-quality academic paper. Present your findings confidently and be prepared to defend your research.
Tools & Resources
Research supervisors, Academic writing centers, Peer review, Citation management software (Zotero, Mendeley)
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is a powerful portfolio piece for academia, research institutions, think tanks, and demonstrates advanced research and analytical capabilities to potential employers.
Develop Professional Portfolios and Interview Skills- (Semester 4)
Compile a portfolio of your best academic papers, critical essays, and any published works. Practice interview skills, focusing on articulating your literary knowledge, research experience, and critical thinking. Tailor your resume and cover letter to specific job descriptions.
Tools & Resources
Career services department, Mock interview sessions, Online resume builders, Professional writing workshops
Career Connection
A well-prepared portfolio and strong interview skills are crucial for securing placements in publishing, content agencies, educational institutions, and corporate communication roles.
Explore Post-MA Opportunities and Career Planning- (Semester 4)
Research further academic pursuits (Ph.D.) or specific industry roles. Consider taking short-term courses in areas like digital marketing, instructional design, or creative writing to diversify your skillset for India''''s job market. Engage in continuous learning and skill enhancement.
Tools & Resources
UGC-NET preparation materials, NPTEL courses, Coursera/edX for additional skills, Career counsellors
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition into employment or further studies, maximizing the value of your M.A. degree in a competitive landscape.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidate who has passed any Undergraduate degree Examination of this University or of any other University recognized as equivalent thereto with English as a Major/Optional subject or with 50% aggregate marks in English (Core) as second language (40% for SC/ST/Cat-I Candidates) is eligible for admission.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MENG 1.1 | British Literature: From Chaucer to Shakespeare | Core | 4 | Old English Literature, Chaucer''''s Poetry, Renaissance Drama, Shakespearean Tragedy, Elizabethan Sonnets, Jacobean Literature |
| MENG 1.2 | British Literature: The Romantics | Core | 4 | Romanticism, Poetry of Wordsworth and Coleridge, Shelley and Keats, Romantic Prose, Gothic Fiction |
| MENG 1.3 | Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism, Romantic Criticism, New Criticism, Formalism, Reader-Response Theory |
| MENG 1.4 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Types of Research, Research Design, Data Collection, Academic Writing, Plagiarism, Referencing Styles |
| MENG 1.5 | English Language Teaching | Core | 4 | Language Learning Theories, Methods of ELT, Communicative Approach, Teaching Grammar, Lesson Planning |
| MENG 1.6 | Optional Paper I: Indian Writing in English / American Literature | Elective | 4 | Indian English Novel, Poetry, Drama, Post-Colonial Themes in Indian Writing, American Romanticism, Transcendentalism, Modern American Fiction |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MENG 2.1 | British Literature: The Victorian Age | Core | 4 | Victorian Novel, Poetry of Tennyson and Browning, Social Concerns, Industrial Revolution, Women''''s Issues |
| MENG 2.2 | British Literature: Modernism | Core | 4 | Modernist Movement, Experimental Fiction, Stream of Consciousness, Poetry of Eliot and Yeats, Virginia Woolf |
| MENG 2.3 | Literary Theory | Core | 4 | Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Deconstruction, Feminism, Post-Colonial Theory, Marxism |
| MENG 2.4 | English Language and Linguistics | Core | 4 | Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics |
| MENG 2.5 | English in the Digital Age | Core | 4 | Digital Humanities, Online Communication, Hypertext, Multimedia, Language Technology, Social Media |
| MENG 2.6 | Optional Paper II: Canadian Literature / Australian Literature | Elective | 4 | Canadian identity and Multiculturalism, Works of Atwood, Munro, Australian Colonialism, Aboriginal voices in Australian Literature, Landscape in Australian literature |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MENG 3.1 | New Literatures in English | Core | 4 | Postcolonial Theory, African Literature, Caribbean Literature, South Asian Diaspora, Hybridity |
| MENG 3.2 | Gender Studies | Core | 4 | Feminist Theory, Gender Identity, Queer Theory, Representation of Women, Patriarchy |
| MENG 3.3 | Dalit Studies | Core | 4 | Dalit Literature, Caste System, Protest Literature, Autobiographies, Resistance Movements |
| MENG 3.4 | World Literatures in English Translation | Core | 4 | Translation Theory, Comparative Literature, European Literature, Latin American Literature, African Literature |
| MENG 3.5 | Film Studies | Core | 4 | Film History, Auteur Theory, Film Genres, Cinematography, Narrative Structures, Indian Cinema |
| MENG 3.6 | Optional Paper III: Literature and Ecology / Literature and Psychology | Elective | 4 | Ecocriticism and Environmental Issues, Nature Writing, Freudianism and Jungian Archetypes, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Human Behavior in Literature |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MENG 4.1 | Literature and Media | Core | 4 | Media Theory, Print Culture, Digital Media, Adaptation Studies, Intermediality, Popular Culture |
| MENG 4.2 | Dissertation | Project | 8 | Research Proposal Development, Literature Review, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Academic Writing and Formatting, Thesis Submission, Viva Voce Examination |
| MENG 4.3 | Interdisciplinary Elective (Open Elective) | Elective | 4 | Topics vary based on available courses from other departments/faculties as per university guidelines. |
| MENG 4.4 | Optional Paper IV: Performance Studies / Disability Studies | Elective | 4 | Theatre History and Acting Theory, Rituals and Spectacle in Performance, Models of Disability, Representation of Disability in Literature, Narratives of Disability |
