

MA in Urdu at University of Mysore


Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Urdu at University of Mysore Mysuru?
This MA Urdu program at the University of Mysore focuses on a comprehensive study of Urdu language, literature, and culture, covering classical to modern periods. It emphasizes critical analysis, research methodology, and the rich heritage of Urdu prose and poetry, preparing students for diverse roles in academia, media, and cultural preservation within the Indian context, where Urdu holds significant historical and contemporary value.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Arts graduates with a specialization in Urdu, aspiring academicians, researchers, and writers passionate about literary studies. It also caters to individuals looking to enhance their linguistic and literary expertise for roles in journalism, translation, or cultural organizations, providing a strong foundation for those seeking to delve deep into Urdu''''s nuanced literary world.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers in academia as lecturers or researchers, join media houses as journalists or content writers, or work as professional translators and cultural officers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, growing significantly with experience up to INR 8-15 LPA in specialized roles within Indian publishing, media, and government sectors.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Deep Dive into Classical Texts- (Semester 1)
Dedicate significant time to meticulously read and analyze foundational Urdu prose and poetry. Participate actively in classroom discussions and seek feedback on your interpretations. Utilize grammar resources and literary dictionaries to master linguistic nuances.
Tools & Resources
University Library (classical manuscripts), Online Urdu Dictionaries, Literary Analysis Workshops
Career Connection
Develops a strong literary foundation, crucial for critical analysis in research, teaching, and writing, which are core career paths in Urdu.
Build Strong Foundational Research Habits- (Semester 1)
Familiarize yourself with the university''''s library resources, both physical and digital, for Urdu literature and linguistic studies. Learn to use academic databases and master ethical research practices including proper citation and referencing from the outset.
Tools & Resources
University Library portal, JSTOR, Shodhganga (for relevant research papers), Zotero/Mendeley (for citation management)
Career Connection
Essential for any academic or research role, ensuring your future dissertations and publications are robust and credible.
Cultivate Literary Appreciation and Discussion- (Semester 1)
Actively join literary clubs or groups within the university or local community focused on Urdu. Attend departmental talks, guest lectures, and student-led seminars to broaden your perspective and engage in peer-to-peer literary debates and paper presentations.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Literary Society, Online literary forums (e.g., Rekhta), Local cultural organizations
Career Connection
Enhances critical thinking, communication skills, and networking, beneficial for academic presentations, literary criticism, and journalism.
Intermediate Stage
Specialise in Modern Literary Forms and Criticism- (Semester 2-3)
Explore the evolution of modern Urdu prose, poetry, and critical theories through elective courses and independent study. Actively participate in workshops on modern criticism, and consider submitting literary reviews or articles to departmental magazines.
Tools & Resources
Elective courses on Modern Fiction/Poetry, Literary journals, Online platforms like UrduPoint, Rekhta for modern literature
Career Connection
Develops expertise in contemporary literary analysis, preparing you for roles in modern literature research, critique, and media content creation.
Develop Practical Skills in Translation and Media- (Semester 2-3)
Undertake translation projects, both academic and creative, to hone your linguistic transfer skills. Seek internships with publishing houses, media organizations, or translation agencies to gain hands-on experience in content creation, editing, and journalism.
Tools & Resources
Internship portals (e.g., Internshala, LinkedIn), Translation tools (e.g., CAT tools, though less common for literary), University-affiliated media initiatives
Career Connection
Opens up career avenues in translation, localization, journalism, content writing, and digital media, high-demand areas in the Indian market.
Network with Industry Professionals and Academics- (Semester 2-3)
Attend national and international seminars, conferences, and literary festivals. Actively engage with visiting scholars, connect with faculty members, and leverage alumni networks to explore mentorship opportunities and potential career paths in Urdu studies.
Tools & Resources
Conference announcements (university website, UGC), LinkedIn (for professional networking), Departmental alumni events
Career Connection
Builds valuable professional contacts for job referrals, collaborations, and gaining insights into career trends and opportunities.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Independent Research and Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Focus intensely on your dissertation, demonstrating advanced analytical, critical, and writing skills. Work closely with your supervisor, meticulously plan your research, collect data, and craft a compelling and original scholarly contribution.
Tools & Resources
Research supervision by faculty, Academic writing workshops, Statistical software (if applicable for certain research)
Career Connection
Essential for pursuing MPhil/PhD, research positions, or showcasing advanced analytical capabilities for various professional roles.
Prepare for Academia and Competitive Examinations- (Semester 4)
Begin focused preparation for competitive exams like UGC NET/JRF, which are crucial for academic careers. Practice essay writing and language proficiency for civil services examinations (UPSC, KPSC) if interested, leveraging your Urdu specialization.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/JRF study materials, Previous year question papers, Coaching institutes (if required), Online mock tests
Career Connection
Directly paves the way for lectureships, junior research fellowships, and prestigious government administrative roles in India.
Cultivate Professional Writing and Communication- (Semester 4)
Refine your writing style for academic publications, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and scholarly rigor. Develop strong presentation skills by participating in university seminars, workshops, and potentially presenting your research at national student conferences.
Tools & Resources
University writing center, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Prezi), Public speaking clubs/workshops
Career Connection
Crucial for publishing research, presenting at conferences, effective communication in media roles, and leadership positions in cultural organizations.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed B.A. with Urdu as Major/Optional Subject or any equivalent examination with not less than 45% of marks in aggregate of all the three years/four years (excluding languages, Group-I & III) and 50% in the cognate subject, or 50% in the aggregate if Urdu is one of the three equal optional subjects, or B.A. / B.Sc. / B.Com. with 55% marks in aggregate with Urdu as a Modern Indian Language (MIL) or passed M.I.L. Urdu subject (55%) in the B.A. Degree in this University or any other University recognized as equivalent thereto by the University of Mysore.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5601 | Classical Prose (Early Period) | Hard Core | 4 | Urdu Nasr ka Irtiqa, Fort William College ka Qiyam, Saba Ras (Mullah Wajhi), Fasana-e-Ajaib (Rajjab Ali Beg Suroor), Bagh-o-Bahar (Meer Amman) |
| 5602 | Classical Poetry (Early Period) | Hard Core | 4 | Urdu Ghazal ka Irtiqa, Wali Dakani (Ghazaliyat), Meer Taqi Meer (Ghazaliyat), Mirza Rafi Sauda (Qasaid), Khwaja Mir Dard (Ghazaliyat) |
| 5603 | History of Urdu Language & Literature (Early Period) | Hard Core | 4 | Urdu Zaban ka Aghaz aur Nazariyat, Dabistan-e-Dehli aur uski Khususiyat, Dabistan-e-Lucknow aur uski Khususiyat, Dakani Adab aur uski Riwayat, Urdu Qasida aur Marsia ka Irtiqa |
| 5604 | Principles of Literary Criticism | Hard Core | 4 | Tanqeed ki Tareef aur Ahmiyat, Tanqeed ke Bunyadi Usul, Maghribi Tanqeed ki Riwayat, Mashriqi Tanqeed ki Riwayat, Tanqeed ke Mukhtalif Dabistan |
| 5605 | Dakhani Literature (Pre-Classical Period) | Elective | 4 | Dakhani Urdu ka Aghaz o Irtaqa, Sultan Mohd. Quli Qutub Shah, Mulla Wajhi, Hashmi Bijapuri, Dakhani Ghazal aur Nazm ki Khususiyat |
| 5606 | Sufism & Tasawwuf in Urdu Literature | Elective | 4 | Tasawwuf ka Mafhoom aur Aghaz, Tasawwuf ke Bunyadi Masail, Sufi Shuara ka Kalam, Khwaja Mir Dard, Shah Niaz Ahmed Barelvi |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5701 | Classical Prose (Later Period) | Hard Core | 4 | Sir Syed Ahmed Khan ka Nasr Nigar, Altaf Hussain Hali ka Nasr Nigar, Maulana Shibli Nomani ka Nasr Nigar, Ratan Nath Sarshar (Fasana-e-Azad), Urdu Nasr mein Tahreekat ka Asar |
| 5702 | Classical Poetry (Later Period) | Hard Core | 4 | Mirza Asadullah Khan Ghalib (Ghazaliyat), Momin Khan Momin (Ghazaliyat), Shaikh Ibrahim Zauq (Qasaid), Mir Anees (Marsia Nigari), Urdu Ghazal ka Jadeed Irtiqa |
| 5703 | History of Urdu Language & Literature (Later Period) | Hard Core | 4 | Taraqqi Pasand Tehreek ka Asar, Jadeed Urdu Adab ki Khususiyat, Urdu Afsana aur Novel ka Irtiqa, Urdu Drama aur uski Riwayat, Aligarh Tehreek ka Adabi Kirdar |
| 5704 | Theories of Literary Criticism | Hard Core | 4 | Sheriyat aur Fun Par Tanqeed, Rasaail-e-Muzammati (Muqaddama), Structuralism aur Urdu Tanqeed, Post-Structuralism aur Urdu Tanqeed, Manazir-e-Tanqeed |
| 5705 | Urdu Fiction | Elective | 4 | Afsana ki Tareef aur Fun, Premchand ke Afsane, Saadat Hasan Manto ke Afsane, Ismat Chughtai ke Afsane, Qurratulain Hyder ke Novels |
| 5706 | Urdu Drama & One Act Play | Elective | 4 | Drama ki Tareef aur Ajza-e-Tarkeebi, Imtiaz Ali Taj (Anarkali), Agha Hashar Kashmiri ke Dramey, Mohammad Mujtaba Husain ke Dramey, One Act Play (Ekanki) ki Funni Khususiyat |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5801 | Modern Prose | Hard Core | 4 | Pitras Bukhari (Mazameen), Rasheed Ahmed Siddiqui (Khake), K.A. Abbas (Safarnama), Mumtaz Mufti (Afshan), Urdu Inshaiya aur uski Riwayat |
| 5802 | Modern Poetry | Hard Core | 4 | Allama Iqbal (Bange-e-Dara), Faiz Ahmed Faiz (Naqsh-e-Faryadi), Josh Malihabadi (Shorish-e-Hayat), Majaz Lucknawi (Ahang), Urdu Nazm ka Jadeed Irtiqa |
| 5803 | Research Methodology & Translation | Hard Core | 4 | Tahqeeq ki Tareef aur Aqsam, Tahqeeq ke Usul aur Marahel, Hawala Jata aur Hashiya Nigari, Tarjuma ki Ahmiyat aur Fun, Tarjuma ke Masail aur Hal |
| 5804 | Linguistics & Phonetics | Hard Core | 4 | Lisaniyat ki Tareef aur Ahmiyat, Urdu Lisaniyat ke Bunyadi Usul, Phoneem aur Morpheme, Semantics aur Syntax, Urdu Zaban ki Awaziaat |
| 5805 | Mass Media & Journalism | Elective | 4 | Sahafat ki Tareef aur Ahmiyat, Akhbari Tarz-e-Tehreer, Radio aur Television par Urdu, Internet aur Digital Journalism, Urdu Media ka Kirdar |
| 5806 | Literary Forms (Ghazal, Nazm, Qasida, Marsia) | Elective | 4 | Ghazal ki Tareef aur Fanni Khususiyat, Nazm ki Anwa aur Irtiqa, Qasida ka Aghaz aur Fun, Marsia ki Tareekh aur Ajza, Rubai, Qita aur Mukhammas |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5901 | Modern Fiction | Hard Core | 4 | Krishan Chander ke Afsane, Rajinder Singh Bedi ke Afsane, Manto aur Unki Kahaniyan, Ismat Chughtai ki Tehrirein, Qurratulain Hyder ki Duniya |
| 5902 | Modern Critical Approaches | Hard Core | 4 | Nafsiyati Tanqeed, Saikolati Tanqeed, Samajiyati Tanqeed, Feminist Tanqeed, Jadeed Tanqeed ke Mukhtalif Dabistan |
| 5903 | Comparative Literature | Hard Core | 4 | Taqabuli Adab ka Mafhoom, Urdu aur Hindi Adab ka Taqabul, Urdu aur Farsi Adab ka Taqabul, Mutalakhis Adab ki Riwayat, Iqbal aur Ghalib ka Taqabuli Mutala |
| 5904 | Dissertation | Hard Core | 4 | Research Proposal Development, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing Techniques, Academic Presentation Skills, Original Research Contribution |
| 5905 | Open Elective (O.E.) | Open Elective | 4 | As per department offering |
| 5906 | Advanced Translation Studies | Elective | 4 | Tarjuma ke Jadeed Nazriyat, Literary Translation Challenges, Technical and Scientific Translation, Machine Translation and its Limitations, Tarjuma ki Ahmiyat aur Scope |




