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MA in General at Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology
Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is General at Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology Tiruvallur?
This Master of Arts (MA) in English program at Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala Research and Development Institute of Science and Technology focuses on an in-depth study of English language and literature across various ages and cultures. It integrates classical and contemporary literary theories with practical applications in fields like English Language Teaching (ELT), addressing the evolving demands of the Indian educational and communication sectors. The program''''s comprehensive approach prepares students for diverse career paths.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in English or a related field who aspire to pursue higher education in literature, research, or teaching. It also caters to working professionals, such as teachers or content creators, seeking to enhance their literary understanding and linguistic skills for career advancement in India''''s booming education and media industries. Individuals with a keen interest in critical thinking and cultural analysis will find this program highly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure roles as educators, content writers, editors, researchers, or communication specialists in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3.0-5.0 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in academic or corporate settings. The program fosters critical analytical skills and a deep understanding of humanistic traditions, crucial for growth in publishing, journalism, and academic research within India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Mastering Literary Ages and Critical Reading- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with the core literary periods from Chaucer to the 20th century by meticulously reading primary texts and secondary critical analyses. Form study groups to discuss complex themes and literary theories, focusing on developing a strong foundation in literary history and critical interpretation. Utilize library resources and online academic journals to broaden perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Vel Tech Library resources, JSTOR, Google Scholar, Literary criticism texts
Career Connection
A strong foundation in literary history and critical theory is indispensable for academic research, teaching, and informed critical analysis in any content-driven industry, providing a competitive edge for future roles in education or publishing.
Developing Robust Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in research methodology courses, applying learned techniques to small-scale literary investigations. Practice academic writing, citation styles, and ethical research practices early on. Seek feedback from professors on essays and short research papers to refine analytical and argumentative abilities, which are crucial for advanced studies and thesis work.
Tools & Resources
MLA Handbook, Zotero/Mendeley for citations, Vel Tech research workshops
Career Connection
Proficiency in research and academic writing is highly valued across various sectors, including academia, journalism, content development, and policy analysis, making graduates versatile and employable in India''''s knowledge economy.
Enhancing Language and Communication Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond coursework, dedicate time to improving spoken and written English, especially focusing on academic and professional communication. Participate in debates, presentations, and workshops. Practice effective listening and articulate expression, essential for teaching and public-facing roles. Engage with diverse forms of English, including Indian English literature.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters International (if available), Online English proficiency courses, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Exceptional communication skills are universally critical for success, particularly in roles involving teaching, media, corporate communications, and international relations within India, opening doors to diverse career opportunities.
Intermediate Stage
Specialized Elective Engagement and Application- (Semester 3-4)
Choose electives strategically based on career interests (e.g., ELT for teaching, Media Studies for journalism, Subaltern Studies for research). Engage beyond classroom lectures by exploring real-world applications. For ELT, seek opportunities to assist in language classes or conduct mini-teaching sessions. For Media Studies, intern with local media houses or contribute to college publications.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, Local schools for ELT practice, College magazines/newspapers
Career Connection
Focused engagement with electives provides practical experience and specific skill sets, making graduates more attractive to employers in niche areas such as teaching, content creation, or academic research in India.
Initiating and Executing the MA Project/Thesis- (Semester 3-4)
Start identifying a research area and potential supervisor early in Semester 3. Develop a robust research proposal, conduct extensive literature reviews, and begin data collection/analysis in alignment with the chosen methodology. Regularly consult with the supervisor, attend project presentation sessions, and focus on delivering a high-quality, original research output.
Tools & Resources
Vel Tech Research Ethics Board guidelines, Plagiarism check software, Department faculty for guidance
Career Connection
Completing a substantial project or thesis demonstrates independent research capabilities, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of a specific area, which is vital for academic careers (NET/SET) and research positions in India.
Networking and Career Preparation- (Semester 3-4)
Attend academic conferences, seminars, and workshops in Chennai or online to network with scholars and professionals in the English and Humanities fields. Prepare for competitive exams like NET/SET or PhD entrance exams. Develop a strong resume/CV tailored for academic or industry roles, and participate in mock interviews and group discussions to hone job-seeking skills.
Tools & Resources
University career services, LinkedIn, NET/SET preparatory materials, Professional academic bodies
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to academic and professional opportunities, while early career preparation ensures graduates are well-equipped to navigate the competitive Indian job market for teaching, research, or content roles.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in any Bachelor’s Degree of minimum 3 years duration with English as a subject / Part I or Part II or B.A. (English) / B.A. (English Literature) under 10+2+3 or 11+1+3 or 10+3+2 stream.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 74 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21HCE101 | CHAUCER TO ELIZABETHAN AGE | Core | 4 | Geoffrey Chaucer, Elizabethan Age, Renaissance Drama, English Poetry, Early Modern Prose |
| 21HCE102 | THE AUGUSTAN AGE | Core | 4 | Restoration Period, Neoclassical Literature, Age of Pope, Satire, Drama of the Restoration |
| 21HCE103 | THE ROMANTIC AGE | Core | 4 | Romanticism, English Romantic Poetry, William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Percy Bysshe Shelley |
| 21HCE104 | VICTORIAN LITERATURE | Core | 4 | Victorian Era, Victorian Poets, Victorian Novel, Social Commentary, Alfred Lord Tennyson |
| 21HCE105 | AMERICAN LITERATURE | Core | 4 | Early American Literature, Transcendentalism, American Renaissance, Modern American Fiction, African-American Literature |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21HCE201 | BRITISH LITERATURE OF THE 20th CENTURY | Core | 4 | Modernism, Post-Modernism, World Wars Impact, Dystopian Literature, Existentialism |
| 21HCE202 | LITERARY CRITICISM | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism, Romantic Criticism, New Criticism, Structuralism, Post-Structuralism |
| 21HCE203 | RESEARCH METHODOLOGY | Core | 4 | Research Design, Data Collection, Quantitative Research, Qualitative Research, Thesis Writing |
| 21HCE204 | INDIAN LITERATURE IN ENGLISH | Core | 4 | Indian English Poetry, Indian English Novel, Post-Colonial Literature, Major Indian Writers, Themes in Indian Writing |
| 21HCE205 | LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTICS | Core | 4 | Phonetics, Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21HCE301 | ELT: THEORIES AND PRACTICES | Core | 4 | Language Teaching Approaches, Communicative Language Teaching, Task-Based Learning, Assessment in ELT, Materials Development |
| 21HCE302 | DISCOURSE ANALYSIS | Core | 4 | Text and Context, Cohesion and Coherence, Conversational Analysis, Critical Discourse Analysis, Pragmatics |
| 21HCEE301A | CHILDREN''''S LITERATURE | Elective | 3 | History of Children''''s Literature, Genres, Picture Books, Fantasy, Adolescent Fiction |
| 21HCEE301B | SUBALTERN STUDIES | Elective | 3 | Subalternity, Post-colonial Theory, Hegemony, Voice of the Marginalized, Resistance Literature |
| 21HCEE301C | INDIAN DIASPORIC LITERATURE | Elective | 3 | Diaspora, Identity, Migration, Cultural Hybridity, Nostalgia |
| 21HCEE302A | WOMEN''''S WRITING | Elective | 3 | Feminist Theory, Gender Studies, Women''''s Voices, Autobiographies, Patriarchy |
| 21HCEE302B | THEATRE STUDIES | Elective | 3 | History of Theatre, Dramatic Forms, Performance Studies, Indian Theatre, Modern Drama |
| 21HCEE302C | MEDIA STUDIES | Elective | 3 | Media Theory, Mass Communication, Digital Media, Journalism, Media Ethics |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21HCE401 | NEW LITERATURES IN ENGLISH | Core | 4 | Post-colonial Theory, African Literature, Caribbean Literature, Australian Literature, South Asian Literature |
| 21HCEP401 | PROJECT | Project | 6 | Research Proposal, Literature Review, Data Analysis, Report Writing, Presentation |
| 21HCEE401A | SHAKESPEARE STUDIES | Elective | 3 | Shakespearean Tragedies, Comedies, Sonnets, Historical Context, Critical Interpretations |
| 21HCEE401B | ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES | Elective | 3 | Ecocriticism, Nature Writing, Environmental Justice, Climate Change Literature, Eco-feminism |
| 21HCEE401C | FILM STUDIES | Elective | 3 | Film Theory, Genres, Indian Cinema, Documentary, Adaptation |
