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MA in English at University of Lucknow
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English at University of Lucknow Lucknow?
This MA English program at the University of Lucknow focuses on developing advanced critical thinking, literary analysis, and research skills. It delves into diverse literary traditions, theories, and contemporary issues, preparing students for intellectual leadership. The curriculum''''s blend of classical and modern studies caters to the evolving demands of academia and cultural industries in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in English literature seeking to deepen their academic knowledge and pursue research. It also suits aspiring educators, content writers, journalists, and those aiming for civil services, providing a robust foundation in humanities and critical discourse.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in academia, publishing, media, content creation, and competitive examinations. Entry-level salaries in India typically range from 3-5 LPA, growing to 6-10 LPA or more for experienced professionals in editorial or academic roles. The program aligns with skills required for various professional certifications in writing and communication.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Critical Reading Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to deeply engage with primary literary texts from various periods, focusing on understanding historical contexts and stylistic nuances. Utilize university library resources and online academic journals to supplement core readings.
Tools & Resources
University Library, JSTOR, Project Gutenberg, Literary criticism databases
Career Connection
Develops analytical skills crucial for academic research, content analysis, and critical thinking required in journalism or public relations roles.
Academic Writing Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Master the art of academic essay writing, including structuring arguments, using evidence effectively, and adhering to citation styles (MLA/APA). Seek feedback from professors and utilize writing center services if available.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL, Grammarly, University Writing Center
Career Connection
Essential for publishing research, excelling in academic careers, and communicating effectively in any professional setting, especially content and editorial roles.
Engaging in Literary Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, literary society events, and classroom discussions. Form study groups to critically discuss texts and theoretical concepts with peers, fostering diverse perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, Literary clubs, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Enhances oral communication, argumentation, and collaborative skills, valuable for teaching, public speaking, and team-based content development roles.
Intermediate Stage
Specialization through Electives- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose elective papers that align with specific career aspirations, whether it''''s gender studies, translation, or digital humanities. Dive deep into the chosen area through additional readings and projects.
Tools & Resources
Elective course descriptions, Faculty consultations, Online courses (NPTEL, Coursera)
Career Connection
Builds a specialized knowledge base, making you a more attractive candidate for niche roles in publishing, research, or content creation relevant to your chosen field.
Research Skills Development- (Semester 3)
Undertake mini-research projects beyond coursework, focusing on literature reviews, data gathering (for linguistic studies), and preliminary analysis. This preps for the final dissertation and future academic pursuits.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology guides, University digital archives, Google Scholar
Career Connection
Develops independent research capabilities, critical for MPhil/PhD admissions, research analyst positions, and evidence-based content strategy roles.
Networking and Mentorship- (Semester 3)
Attend conferences, workshops, and guest lectures to interact with faculty, visiting scholars, and professionals in literary fields. Seek mentorship to gain insights into career paths and academic opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Academic conferences, Departmental events, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Opens doors to internships, collaborations, and job opportunities through professional connections, providing invaluable career guidance and industry exposure.
Advanced Stage
Dissertation Excellence- (Semester 4)
Focus intently on crafting a high-quality, original research dissertation. Collaborate closely with your supervisor, ensuring rigorous research, clear argumentation, and adherence to academic standards.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor guidance, Plagiarism checkers, Reference management software (Zotero, Mendeley)
Career Connection
Showcases advanced research and analytical prowess, a cornerstone for academic positions, and demonstrates project management skills sought after in diverse professional fields.
Career Readiness and Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Attend university career counseling sessions and workshops on CV building, interview skills, and public speaking. Tailor your resume and cover letters to specific job descriptions in academia, content, or media.
Tools & Resources
Career Services Cell, Mock interview sessions, Job portals (Naukri.com, LinkedIn)
Career Connection
Directly prepares you for the job market, enhancing your chances of securing placements in reputable organizations and launching a successful career post-MA.
Professional Portfolio Creation- (Semester 4)
Compile a portfolio showcasing your best academic papers, research abstracts, any published articles, or creative writing pieces. This serves as a tangible demonstration of your skills and expertise to potential employers or academic institutions.
Tools & Resources
Personal website/blog, Behance (for creative work), Academic networking sites (ResearchGate)
Career Connection
Provides concrete evidence of your capabilities, distinguishing you in competitive fields like content writing, journalism, and academic research applications.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree with English literature as a subject or an Honours degree in English from a recognized university.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELIT-101 | Old and Middle English Literature (Up to Chaucer) | Core | 5 | Old English Poetry, Beowulf, Middle English Romances, Chaucer''''s Canterbury Tales, Piers the Plowman, Early English Drama |
| ELIT-102 | English Literature 1550-1660 (Elizabethan, Jacobean & Caroline Periods) | Core | 5 | Elizabethan Poetry, Shakespearean Drama, Metaphysical Poetry, John Milton, Francis Bacon, Prose of the Renaissance |
| ELIT-103 | English Literature 1660-1798 (Restoration, Augustan & Pre-Romantic Periods) | Core | 5 | Restoration Comedy, Neo-classical Poetry, Augustan Prose, Samuel Johnson, Pre-Romantic Poetry, Rise of the Novel |
| ELIT-104 | Literary Criticism and Theory (From Aristotle to I.A. Richards) | Core | 5 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Renaissance Criticism, Neo-Classical Criticism, Romantic Criticism, New Criticism, Theories of Tragedy and Comedy |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELIT-201 | English Literature 1798-1900 (The Romantic & Victorian Periods) | Core | 5 | Romantic Poetry, Victorian Novel, Pre-Raphaelite Poetry, Alfred Tennyson, Robert Browning, Social Thought of the Victorian Age |
| ELIT-202 | Twentieth Century English Literature (Drama and Poetry) | Core | 5 | Modernist Poetry, Georgian Poetry, Poetic Drama, Absurdist Theatre, T.S. Eliot, Irish Literary Renaissance |
| ELIT-203 | Twentieth Century English Literature (Fiction and Prose) | Core | 5 | Modernist Novel, Stream of Consciousness, Dystopian Fiction, Virginia Woolf, George Orwell, Contemporary Short Story |
| ELIT-204 | Linguistics and English Language Teaching (ELT) | Core | 5 | Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics, Methods of ELT, Language Acquisition, Sociolinguistics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELIT-301 | Indian English Literature | Core | 5 | Beginnings of Indian English Writing, Major Poets, Notable Novelists, Indian Drama in English, Post-Colonial Indian English Literature, Indian Diaspora Writers |
| ELIT-302 | American Literature | Core | 5 | American Romanticism, Transcendentalism, Harlem Renaissance, Modern American Fiction, Contemporary American Poetry, African American Literature |
| ELIT-303 | Literary Theory (Post 1960) | Core | 5 | Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Deconstruction, Feminist Criticism, Post-Colonial Theory, Reader-Response Theory |
| ELIT-304 | Elective Paper (Choose One) | Elective | 5 | Students choose one from Women’s Writing in English or Indian Literature in Translation |
| ELIT-304 (A) | Women’s Writing in English | Elective | 5 | Feminist Literary Criticism, Early Women Novelists, Victorian Women Writers, Modern Women Poets, Contemporary Feminist Voices, Gender and Representation |
| ELIT-304 (B) | Indian Literature in Translation | Elective | 5 | Theories of Translation, Ancient Indian Texts, Bhakti Movement Poetry, Modern Indian Short Stories, Regional Indian Novels, Cultural Contexts in Translation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELIT-401 | Postcolonial Literature | Core | 5 | Colonialism and Literature, Orientalism, Hybridity and Mimicry, Diaspora Literature, African and Caribbean Literature, Decolonization and Identity |
| ELIT-402 | Research Methodology and Dissertation | Core | 5 | Research Design, Data Collection in Humanities, Academic Writing, Citation Styles (MLA, APA), Dissertation Writing, Literary Research Ethics |
| ELIT-403 | Elective Paper (Choose One) | Elective | 5 | Students choose one from Theatre Studies or World Literature |
| ELIT-403 (A) | Theatre Studies | Elective | 5 | History of Theatre, Modern Drama, Performance Studies, Indian Theatre Traditions, Playwriting and Production, Theatre Criticism |
| ELIT-403 (B) | World Literature | Elective | 5 | European Classics, Latin American Literature, African Literature, Asian Literature, Global Literary Trends, Comparative Literature |
| ELIT-404 | Elective Paper (Choose One) | Elective | 5 | Students choose one from Popular Literature or Literary Computing |
| ELIT-404 (A) | Popular Literature | Elective | 5 | Detective Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy Literature, Graphic Novels, Children''''s Literature, Media and Popular Culture |
| ELIT-404 (B) | Literary Computing | Elective | 5 | Digital Humanities, Textual Analysis Tools, Corpus Linguistics, Hypertext, Electronic Literature, Digital Archiving |
