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MA in History at University of Mysore
Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is History at University of Mysore Mysuru?
This MA History program at University of Mysore focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of India''''s past, from ancient to modern eras, alongside global historical perspectives. It emphasizes critical analysis of historical events and historiographical theories. The program is vital for careers in research, education, archives, and cultural heritage management, areas with consistent demand in the Indian public and private sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history enthusiasts, fresh graduates with a background in humanities or social sciences, and aspiring researchers or educators. It also suits working professionals, such as school teachers, seeking advanced subject knowledge or career progression. Candidates with a strong aptitude for critical thinking and a desire to contribute to historical scholarship will thrive.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can pursue diverse career paths including university lecturers, archivists, museum curators, heritage consultants, and civil services. Entry-level salaries in teaching roles often range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program equips students with analytical and research skills, crucial for academic advancement and competitive exams like NET/SET or UPSC.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Historiographical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Develop a strong foundation in historical theories, methods, and critical analysis. Engage with diverse schools of thought from the start to build a robust academic base.
Tools & Resources
University library''''s history section, JSTOR, E-GyanKosh, NPTEL history courses
Career Connection
Essential for academic research, providing a strong analytical base crucial for any career requiring critical thinking and historical understanding.
Active Participation in Seminars & Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly attend and actively participate in departmental seminars, paper presentations, and historical debates to hone presentation and argumentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, Academic journals, Peer discussion groups
Career Connection
Improves public speaking, critical argumentation, and intellectual networking vital for academia, research, and professional roles.
Develop Strong Research & Writing Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Practice academic writing, essay structuring, and proper citation methods from the first semester. Start compiling research notes systematically for future use.
Tools & Resources
Zotero/Mendeley for referencing, Purdue OWL for writing guidelines, University writing center
Career Connection
Crucial for dissertation writing, research papers, and effective professional communication in government or private sectors.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Elective Specializations Deeply- (Semester 3-4)
Choose electives strategically based on career interests, such as Archaeology, Environmental History, or Gender Studies, and delve deeper into specific areas through projects.
Tools & Resources
Specialized academic journals, Relevant online courses, Faculty mentorship in chosen specialization
Career Connection
Builds a niche profile and specialized expertise, making students more competitive for focused roles in research, heritage, or policy-making.
Undertake Minor Research Projects/Fieldwork- (Semester 3-4)
Seek opportunities for short-term research projects, archival visits, or local historical fieldwork, even if not formally part of the curriculum, to gain practical experience.
Tools & Resources
Local archives (Karnataka State Archives), Museums, Archaeological sites (with permission), Faculty research projects
Career Connection
Provides invaluable practical experience in data collection and analysis, crucial for a strong dissertation and future research-oriented roles.
Network with Historians & Academics- (Semester 3-4)
Attend history conferences, workshops, and lectures outside the university. Connect with senior academics and professionals in the field to expand your network.
Tools & Resources
Indian History Congress, South Indian History Congress, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Opens doors to mentorship, collaborative research, and provides insights into job market trends and academic opportunities.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation for Career Alignment- (Semester 4)
Choose a dissertation topic that aligns with your future career goals or research interests. Dedicate significant time to rigorous research and writing for a strong output.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated faculty supervisor, Advanced research databases, Institutional grants for research
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is a key credential for PhD applications, academic positions, and demonstrating advanced research capability to potential employers.
Prepare for NET/SET and Civil Services Exams- (Semester 4 (concurrent with studies))
Integrate preparation for the National Eligibility Test (NET)/State Eligibility Test (SET) for lectureship, or Civil Services exams like UPSC, concurrently with your studies.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Coaching institutes, Dedicated study groups, Online mock tests
Career Connection
Essential for securing lectureship positions in Indian colleges/universities or entering prestigious government services, particularly in history-related cadres.
Build a Professional Portfolio & Online Presence- (Semester 4)
Compile research papers, project reports, and a well-structured CV. Create a professional online profile (e.g., LinkedIn, Academia.edu) showcasing academic work.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Academia.edu, Personal academic website/blog
Career Connection
Crucial for job applications, showcasing expertise, attracting research opportunities, and building a professional identity in academic and heritage sectors.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s Degree in History or any Social Science (Sociology, Economics, Political Science, Geography) or B.A. (with History as one of the subjects) / B.Ed. (History) with at least 45% marks in aggregate (40% for SC/ST/Cat-I candidates) or equivalent grade.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS 401 | Historiography, Theory and Method of History | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of History, Philosophy of History, Sources and Methods of History, Orientalism, Subaltern Studies, Postmodernism, Research Design |
| HIS 402 | History of Medieval Karnataka (1000-1700 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources of Medieval Karnataka History, Political History: Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Empire, Society, Economy and Religion, Art, Architecture and Literature |
| HIS 403 | History of Modern India (1757-1857 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources for Modern Indian History, British Expansion and Consolidation, Administrative, Economic and Social Policies, Resistance Movements, Revolt of 1857 |
| HIS 404 | History of Ancient India (c. 600 B.C. – c. 300 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources of Ancient Indian History, Mahajanapadas, Mauryan Empire, Sunga-Kanva, Satavahana Dynasties, Social and Economic Structures, Buddhism and Jainism |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS 405 | Social and Economic History of India (Ancient to Medieval) | Core | 4 | Social Structures, Varna and Caste Systems, Agrarian Relations and Land Grants, Urbanization, Trade and Guilds, Religious Movements and Bhakti, Art, Architecture and Education |
| HIS 406 | History of Medieval India (1206-1707 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources of Medieval Indian History, Delhi Sultanate: Foundation and Expansion, Mughal Empire: Administration and Policies, Socio-Economic and Cultural Conditions, Decline of the Mughal Empire |
| HIS 407 | History of Modern Karnataka (1700-1947 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources for Modern Karnataka History, Wodeyars of Mysore, Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, British Rule in Mysore State, Socio-Economic and Cultural Changes, Mysore''''s Integration into Indian Union |
| HIS 408 | History of Modern India (1858-1947 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Post-1857 Administrative Changes, Rise of Indian Nationalism, Gandhian Era and Mass Movements, Constitutional Developments, Partition and Independence |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS 409 | India and the World (c. 300 A.D. – c. 1000 A.D.) | Core | 4 | Sources for Global Indian History, Gupta Empire and Post-Gupta Period, South Indian Kingdoms and Empires, Socio-Economic and Cultural Developments, India''''s External Contacts and Trade |
| HIS 410 | History of Science & Technology in India | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian Scientific Traditions, Mathematics, Astronomy, Medicine, Medieval Period Advancements, Colonial Impact on Science, Post-Independence Scientific Growth |
| HIS 411 | Gender Studies: An Historical Approach | Elective (Student chooses any 2 from HIS 411-415) | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Gender, Women in Ancient India, Women in Medieval and Modern India, Feminist Historiography, Social Reform Movements |
| HIS 412 | History of Historiography of Karnataka | Elective (Student chooses any 2 from HIS 411-415) | 4 | Sources: Inscriptions, Manuscripts, Early Historians and Chronicles, Colonial and Nationalist Historiography, Regional Historical Studies, New Trends in Karnataka Historiography |
| HIS 413 | Environmental History of India | Elective (Student chooses any 2 from HIS 411-415) | 4 | Human-Environment Interaction, Forests, Water Management, Famines and Epidemics, Colonial Environmental Policies, Environmental Movements in India |
| HIS 414 | Archaeology: Theory and Practice | Elective (Student chooses any 2 from HIS 411-415) | 4 | Concepts and Principles of Archaeology, Methods and Techniques, Dating Techniques, Prehistoric and Protohistoric Archaeology, Historic Archaeology and Conservation |
| HIS 415 | Historical Tourism | Elective (Student chooses any 2 from HIS 411-415) | 4 | Concepts and Types of Tourism, Heritage Sites and Monuments, Museums and Archives, Impacts of Tourism, Management and Promotion of Heritage |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIS 416 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Research Design and Problem Formulation, Hypothesis and Data Collection, Sources of Historical Research, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Writing a Research Paper, Referencing |
| HIS 417 | Indian Diaspora | Elective (Student chooses any 1 from HIS 417-420) | 4 | Historical Patterns of Indian Migration, Causes and Consequences of Migration, Indian Communities Abroad, Identity, Culture, and Integration, Impact of Diaspora on India |
| HIS 418 | Oral History and Public History | Elective (Student chooses any 1 from HIS 417-420) | 4 | Concepts of Oral History, Methodology and Techniques, Ethics and Challenges in Oral History, Public History Applications, Museums, Archives and Heritage |
| HIS 419 | Archival Science | Elective (Student chooses any 1 from HIS 417-420) | 4 | Concepts and Principles of Archives, Types of Archival Records, Archival Management and Organization, Preservation and Conservation, Digital Archives and Access |
| HIS 420 | Human Rights in Historical Perspective | Elective (Student chooses any 1 from HIS 417-420) | 4 | Origins and Evolution of Human Rights, Human Rights in Ancient and Medieval Periods, Modern Concepts and Movements, Human Rights in the Indian Context, International Human Rights Framework |
| HIS 421 | Dissertation | Project | 4 | Research Topic Selection, Literature Review, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing and Presentation, Original Research Contribution |
