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MA in English at University of Mysore
Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is English at University of Mysore Mysuru?
This MA English program at University of Mysore focuses on a comprehensive study of literature and language, spanning various historical periods, critical theories, and global literary traditions. It aims to cultivate advanced analytical, critical, and research skills, preparing students for diverse intellectual and professional roles within India''''s growing education and communication sectors. The program''''s interdisciplinary approach is a key differentiator.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for arts graduates seeking to deepen their understanding of English literature and cultural studies, especially those aspiring to careers in academia, journalism, content creation, or civil services. It also suits working professionals, such as teachers, looking to upskill with advanced literary theory and research methodologies, or career changers transitioning into communication-intensive fields within the Indian job market.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue career paths as lecturers, researchers, content writers, editors, journalists, or subject matter experts in the Indian publishing and digital media industries. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program fosters critical thinking and communication skills, vital for growth in both public and private sectors in India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Theoretical Base- (Semester 1-2)
Focus rigorously on understanding foundational literary theories and linguistic concepts from core subjects like Critical Theory and Practice, and Language and Linguistics. Attend all lectures, participate in discussions, and consult supplementary texts to internalize complex ideas.
Tools & Resources
University Library''''s extensive collection of critical texts, Online academic journals (e.g., JSTOR, Project MUSE via university access), Study groups for peer learning
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is crucial for advanced research, M.Phil/Ph.D. pursuits, and competitive exams like NET/SLET, paving the way for academic careers in India.
Enhance Reading and Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Read prescribed texts critically, focusing on themes, narrative techniques, and historical contexts. Practice essay writing and textual analysis regularly. Engage in discussions with professors and peers to refine interpretation skills.
Tools & Resources
Online literary analysis guides, Specific academic writing workshops, English Department''''s literary forums, University writing center
Career Connection
Sharp analytical and interpretive skills are highly valued in content development, editing, journalism, and research roles, enabling effective communication and problem-solving.
Explore Diverse Literary Traditions- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with the diverse range of literatures introduced, including British, Indian English, and American. Participate in department seminars or literary club activities that broaden exposure to different genres and cultural contexts.
Tools & Resources
Literary clubs, Cultural events organized by the department, Guest lectures by scholars focusing on specific literary traditions
Career Connection
A broad understanding of global literatures enhances cultural intelligence and adaptability, beneficial for roles in international relations, cultural exchange, and diverse media environments.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize Through Electives- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose soft core and skill-based electives (e.g., Women''''s Writing, Creative Writing, Film Studies) that align with your interests and career aspirations. Dedicate extra effort to delve deeper into these specialized areas.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors for elective selection, Specialized workshops related to chosen electives (e.g., creative writing workshops), Industry experts for insights
Career Connection
Specialization helps in building a niche, making you a more attractive candidate for specific roles in publishing, content creation, media, or advanced studies in that particular domain.
Develop Research Competencies- (Semester 3)
Apply concepts from the Research Methodology course by undertaking small-scale research projects, writing review papers, or assisting faculty with their ongoing research. Pay close attention to citation styles and academic integrity.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero for citation management, University research ethics committee guidelines, Research methodology workshops, Guidance from faculty mentors
Career Connection
Strong research skills are indispensable for M.Phil/Ph.D., academic positions, policy analysis, and any role requiring data synthesis and structured reporting.
Engage with Literary and Cultural Discourses- (Semester 3)
Actively participate in discussions surrounding various literary theories and cultural studies. Analyze texts from perspectives of gender, postcolonialism, and regional contexts, applying theoretical frameworks learned.
Tools & Resources
Departmental reading groups, Literary society meetings, Online academic discussions, Specific journal clubs
Career Connection
Deep engagement with critical discourses enhances analytical depth, valuable for roles in cultural policy, criticism, and interdisciplinary research.
Advanced Stage
Master Capstone Project/Dissertation- (Semester 4)
For students choosing Project Work/Dissertation, meticulously plan and execute your research. Work closely with your supervisor, ensuring timely completion of literature review, data collection/analysis, and thesis writing according to academic standards.
Tools & Resources
Research supervisors, University''''s digital library, Plagiarism check software (e.g., Turnitin via university), Writing and editing support
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation showcases advanced research capabilities, critical thinking, and independent work ethic, crucial for M.Phil/Ph.D. admissions and research-oriented jobs.
Prepare for NET/SLET and Placements- (Semester 4)
Begin focused preparation for the National Eligibility Test (NET) or State Level Eligibility Test (SLET) for lectureship and junior research fellowship. Simultaneously, attend university placement drives, polish your resume/CV, and practice interview skills for relevant job roles.
Tools & Resources
NET/SLET coaching materials, Past papers, University placement cell, Career counseling services, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Successfully clearing NET/SLET opens doors to teaching and research opportunities in Indian universities. Strong placement preparation secures roles in publishing, content, and media.
Cultivate Professional Writing and Communication- (Semester 4)
Hone professional communication skills through writing for academic publications, professional reports, or developing presentations. Utilize electives like Professional Writing to gain practical experience relevant to industry standards.
Tools & Resources
University workshops on professional communication, LinkedIn Learning (if university provides access), Internship opportunities in content or editorial roles, Peer review for written work
Career Connection
Excellent professional writing and communication are universally sought-after skills, essential for corporate communication, technical writing, public relations, and academic publishing roles.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. Degree from this University or any other recognized University. Candidates should have studied English as a Major/Optional/Minor/Compulsory/Additional Subject OR any other Degree (B.Sc., B.Com., B.B.M., B.C.A., B.E., B.Tech., M.B.B.S., B.D.S., B.Pharm. etc.) with 45% marks in aggregate if they have secured 45% marks in English Language (common for all). 40% for SC/ST/Cat-I. For in-service candidates, a minimum of two years experience in teaching English is compulsory.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: Minimum 90 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD 101 | British Literature: From Chaucer to the Romantics | Core | 4 | Old and Middle English Literature, Renaissance and Elizabethan Age, Metaphysical Poetry, Neoclassical Period, Romantic Age Poets |
| HD 102 | Critical Theory and Practice | Core | 4 | Classical and Neo-classical Criticism, Romantic and Victorian Criticism, Modern Criticism (Eliot, Richards), Russian Formalism and Structuralism, Post-structuralism (Derrida, Lacan) |
| HD 103 | Indian English Literature | Core | 4 | Beginnings of Indian English Writing, Indian English Poetry, Indian English Fiction (novel, short story), Indian English Drama, Themes and Trends in Indian English Literature |
| SD 104 | Language and Linguistics | Soft Core | 4 | Introduction to Linguistics, Phonetics and Phonology (speech sounds), Morphology (word formation), Syntax (sentence structure), Semantics and Pragmatics (meaning in context) |
| OE 105 | Open Elective | Elective | 4 | English for Competitive Exams (Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Comprehension), Basic English Grammar (Parts of Speech, Sentence Structure, Tenses), Communicative English (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing Skills) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD 201 | British Literature: From Victorians to the Present | Core | 4 | Victorian Age (Poetry, Novel), Modernism in British Literature, Post-War and Contemporary British Fiction, British Drama from Shaw to Pinter, Poetry since the 1950s |
| HD 202 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Early American Literature and Transcendentalism, American Novel (19th and 20th Century), Modern American Poetry, African American Literature, Contemporary American Voices |
| HD 203 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research in Humanities, Formulating Research Questions and Hypothesis, Data Collection and Analysis Methods, Literary Research Approaches, Academic Writing and Citation Styles |
| SD 204 | Postcolonial Studies | Soft Core | 4 | Colonialism and Imperialism, Postcolonial Theory (Said, Spivak, Bhabha), Concepts of Nation, Hybridity, Diaspora, Subaltern Studies, Postcolonial Literary Texts |
| OE 205 | Open Elective | Elective | 4 | Effective Communication Skills (Verbal, Non-verbal, Presentation), English for Professional Success (Resume Writing, Interview Skills), Public Speaking Basics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD 301 | Commonwealth Literature | Core | 4 | Introduction to Commonwealth Literature, African Literature (Ngugi, Achebe), Canadian Literature (Atwood, Munro), Australian and New Zealand Literature, Caribbean Literature (Walcott, Brathwaite) |
| HD 302 | Modern European Drama | Core | 4 | Rise of Modern Drama (Ibsen, Strindberg), Theatre of the Absurd (Beckett, Ionesco), Epic Theatre (Brecht), Existentialist Drama, Symbolism and Expressionism in Drama |
| SD 303 (Option 1) | Women''''s Writing | Soft Core (Elective) | 4 | Feminist Literary Theories, Women''''s Poetry and Fiction, Autobiographical Writing by Women, Gender and Representation in Literature, Challenges and Achievements of Women Writers |
| SD 303 (Option 2) | Shakespeare | Soft Core (Elective) | 4 | Shakespearean Tragedies, Comedies and Romances, Historical Plays, Sonnets and Poetic Style, Shakespeare in Performance and Adaptation |
| SD 303 (Option 3) | Translation Studies | Soft Core (Elective) | 4 | Theories of Translation, Types of Translation (Literary, Technical), Cultural Aspects of Translation, Translation Criticism, Translating Indian Languages |
| SD 303 (Option 4) | New Literatures | Soft Core (Elective) | 4 | Dalit Literature, Marginalized Voices in Literature, Regional Literatures in English Translation, Oral Traditions and Folk Literature, Protest Literature |
| SC 304 (Option 1) | English for Media Studies | Skill-based Core (Elective) | 4 | Media Communication Theories, Journalistic Writing (News, Features), Broadcast Media (Radio, TV), Digital Media and Social Media, Media Ethics and Regulations |
| SC 304 (Option 2) | Creative Writing | Skill-based Core (Elective) | 4 | Elements of Fiction Writing (Plot, Character, Setting), Poetry Writing Techniques, Playwriting and Scriptwriting, Article and Essay Writing, Editing and Revision |
| SC 304 (Option 3) | English Language Teaching (ELT) | Skill-based Core (Elective) | 4 | ELT Methodologies and Approaches, Second Language Acquisition Theories, Classroom Management and Pedagogy, Lesson Planning and Material Development, Assessment in ELT |
| SC 304 (Option 4) | Film Studies | Skill-based Core (Elective) | 4 | History of Cinema, Film Theory and Criticism, Film Genres and Movements, Indian Cinema and Global Contexts, Documentary and Experimental Films |
| OE 305 | Open Elective | Elective | 4 | Communication for Corporate Success (Business Etiquette, Workplace Communication), Soft Skills Development (Time Management, Problem Solving, Leadership), Group Discussion and Interview Techniques |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HD 401 | Literary Criticism and Theory (Advanced) | Core | 4 | Psychoanalytic and Marxist Criticism, Feminist and Gender Theories, Deconstruction and Reader-Response Theory, Cultural Studies and New Historicism, Eco-criticism and Posthumanism |
| HD 402 | Literature and Gender Studies | Core | 4 | Feminist Literary Criticism and Theories, Queer Theory and Sexuality Studies, Representations of Masculinity, Gender and Power Dynamics in Literature, Intersectionality in Gender Studies |
| SD 403 (Option 1) | Regional Indian Literatures in English Translation | Soft Core (Elective) | 4 | Major Regional Language Literatures (Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali), Themes in Regional Literature, The Art and Politics of Translation, Subaltern Voices in Regional Texts, Impact of English Translation on Indian Literature |
| SD 403 (Option 2) | Children''''s Literature | Soft Core (Elective) | 4 | History and Evolution of Children''''s Literature, Genres (Fairytales, Fantasy, Adventure), Picture Books and Early Readers, Adolescent and Young Adult Fiction, Moral, Educational, and Social Aspects |
| SD 403 (Option 3) | Eco-criticism | Soft Core (Elective) | 4 | Environmental Philosophy and Ethics, Nature Writing and Environmental Literature, Ecofeminism and Environmental Justice, Posthumanism and Anthroposcenic Thought, Climate Change in Literature |
| SD 403 (Option 4) | Disability Studies | Soft Core (Elective) | 4 | Models of Disability (Medical, Social, Cultural), Disability in Literature and Culture, Representation and Stereotypes, Disability Rights and Activism, Narratives of Disability and Difference |
| SC 404 (Option 1) | Professional Writing | Skill-based Core (Elective) | 4 | Technical Writing and Documentation, Report Writing and Business Communication, Grant and Proposal Writing, Editing and Proofreading for Professional Contexts, Content Creation for Digital Platforms |
| SC 404 (Option 2) | Digital Humanities | Skill-based Core (Elective) | 4 | Introduction to Digital Humanities, Text Encoding and Markup Languages, Digital Archiving and Libraries, Data Visualization in Humanities, Digital Pedagogy and Research Tools |
| SC 404 (Option 3) | Cultural Studies | Skill-based Core (Elective) | 4 | Introduction to Cultural Studies, Popular Culture and Media, Identity, Subcultures, and Representation, Everyday Life and Consumerism, Globalization and Cultural Hybridity |
| SC 404 (Option 4) | Project Work / Dissertation | Skill-based Core (Project) | 4 | Research Proposal Development, Extensive Literature Review, Methodology and Data Collection, Thesis Writing and Structuring, Viva Voce and Presentation Skills |
| OE 405 | Open Elective | Elective | 4 | Advanced Communication Skills (Intercultural, Conflict Resolution), Public Speaking (Speech Preparation, Delivery, Audience Analysis), Leadership and Team Building Communication |
