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M-A-HISTORY in General at Virudhunagar Hindu Nadars Senthikumara Nadar College
Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is General at Virudhunagar Hindu Nadars Senthikumara Nadar College Virudhunagar?
This M.A. History program at Virudhunagar Hindu Nadars Senthikumara Nadar College focuses on a comprehensive understanding of historical processes, from ancient to contemporary India and the world. It emphasizes critical analysis and research methodologies, equipping students with deep insights into societal, political, and cultural transformations. The program provides a strong foundation for various roles in academia, research, and cultural heritage management within India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for history enthusiasts, fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in History or related social sciences, and professionals seeking to deepen their historical knowledge for academic or research pursuits. It caters to individuals passionate about understanding India''''s rich past and its global connections, as well as those aspiring to contribute to historical preservation and interpretation.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as historians, archivists, museum curators, heritage managers, researchers, and educators. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program prepares students for NET/SET examinations, PhD research, and public service examinations (UPSC, TNPSC), fostering analytical and communication skills highly valued in various sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Historiographical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with historiography and research methodology by reading diverse historical perspectives. Focus on understanding different schools of historical thought, primary and secondary sources, and critical analysis techniques. Regularly discuss readings with peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
College library resources, J-STOR for academic journals (if accessible), NCERT history textbooks, Historical documentaries
Career Connection
Builds foundational analytical skills crucial for any history-related career, including research, writing, and teaching, and enhances critical thinking for competitive exams.
Develop Strong Research and Writing Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Practice structured academic writing and systematic note-taking from the beginning. Start with smaller research assignments, focusing on clear arguments, evidence-based reasoning, and proper citation formats. Seek feedback from professors on drafts.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab), Zotero/Mendeley for citation management, Academic writing workshops (if offered by college)
Career Connection
Essential for all academic and research roles, report writing in government/NGOs, and helps in crafting compelling arguments for competitive exams.
Engage with Indian and Regional History Debates- (Semester 1-2)
Participate actively in discussions and seminars focusing on medieval and modern Indian history, alongside Tamil Nadu''''s history. Explore differing interpretations of key historical events and movements. Attend departmental seminars and invite guest speakers to broaden perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Indian History Congress proceedings, Regional history journals, Online history forums
Career Connection
Develops a nuanced understanding of India''''s past, critical for roles in heritage management, historical tourism, and public service examinations.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Mini-Research Projects- (Semester 3)
Apply learned research methodologies to specific historical topics, even beyond the main project. Select a historical area of personal interest, conduct preliminary research, and present findings in a structured format. This could be a term paper or an informal presentation.
Tools & Resources
Digital archives (e.g., National Archives of India, state archives), Research databases, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Provides practical experience in independent research, a key skill for M.Phil./Ph.D. programs, archival work, and historical consultancy.
Seek Internships in Heritage/Cultural Organizations- (Semester 3-4 (during breaks))
Gain practical exposure by interning at museums, archives, or heritage sites. Actively look for opportunities during breaks or concurrently with studies. Focus on understanding daily operations, conservation, and public engagement.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Online internship platforms (Internshala, Let''''sIntern), Direct contact with local heritage institutions
Career Connection
Provides invaluable hands-on experience, builds professional networks, and can lead to future job opportunities in the cultural sector.
Participate in Inter-Collegiate History Competitions/Seminars- (Semester 3-4)
Present papers or engage in debates to hone presentation and argumentation skills. Prepare well-researched papers on historical topics and present them confidently. Actively listen and engage with other participants'''' perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Peer groups for practice, Faculty advisors for guidance, Departmental funding for participation
Career Connection
Enhances public speaking, critical thinking, and networking, all vital for academic careers, media, and public relations roles.
Advanced Stage
Exemplary Project Completion and Presentation- (Semester 4)
Execute the final project with utmost dedication, focusing on original research and a compelling narrative. Choose a unique research question, thoroughly gather and analyze sources, and write a high-quality dissertation. Practice presenting your findings clearly and concisely.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated faculty supervisor, Advanced analytical tools (if applicable), Professional editing services (if needed)
Career Connection
A strong project acts as a portfolio piece, demonstrating advanced research capabilities, crucial for higher studies, research positions, and academic job applications.
Intensive Preparation for NET/SET and Public Service Exams- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant time to preparing for national-level eligibility tests for lectureship (NET/SET) and government jobs (UPSC, TNPSC). Review the entire syllabus, practice previous year papers, join study groups, and consider coaching if required.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/SET study materials, Online test series, Relevant government publications, Current affairs magazines
Career Connection
Directly paves the way for careers in academia (Assistant Professor) and prestigious government administrative roles (IAS, IPS, etc.), offering stable and impactful career paths in India.
Network with Alumni and Industry Professionals- (Semester 4)
Leverage college alumni networks and professional platforms for mentorship and career guidance. Connect with alumni working in diverse fields related to history, such as museums, archives, education, and civil services. Seek advice on career paths and job search strategies.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College alumni association portals, Career fairs and workshops
Career Connection
Opens doors to hidden job opportunities, provides insights into industry trends, and helps in building a professional reputation before graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates must have passed a Bachelor’s Degree in History or related social science subjects (e.g., Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Geography, Philosophy) from a recognized university, or B.A./B.Sc. with specific diploma qualifications in Epigraphy/Archaeology.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 77 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17PHIC11 | Historiography | Core | 5 | History: Meaning, Nature, Scope, Value, Schools of History: Greek, Roman, Judeo-Christian, Enlightenment, Objective and Subjectivity in History, Historians: Leopold Von Ranke, Edward Gibbon, Arnold Toynbee, Post-Modernism and New History |
| 17PHIC12 | History of Medieval India (1206-1707 A.D.) | Core | 5 | Sources of Medieval Indian History, The Delhi Sultanate: Establishment, Administration, Decline, The Mughal Empire: Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Shahjahan, Aurangzeb, Socio-Economic Conditions during Mughal Period, Bhakti and Sufi Movements |
| 17PHIC13 | History of India (1707-1857 A.D.) | Core | 5 | Decline of the Mughal Empire and Rise of Regional Powers, Advent of Europeans and Anglo-French Rivalry, Expansion of British Power: Carnatic Wars, Mysore, Marathas, Sikhs, British Administrative and Economic Policies, Socio-Religious Reform Movements |
| 17PHIE11 | Tourism and Hospitality Management | Elective | 4 | Concepts of Tourism: Types, Motivations, Components, Tourism Products in India: Cultural, Historical, Ecological, Hospitality Industry: Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Travel Agency and Tour Operations Management, Impacts and Future of Tourism, Sustainable Tourism |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17PHIC21 | Historical Research Methodology | Core | 5 | Research: Meaning, Types, Scientific Method, Sources of History: Primary and Secondary, Oral Tradition, Data Collection Techniques: Interview, Observation, Questionnaire, Historical Interpretation and Causation, Writing History: Referencing, Footnotes, Bibliography |
| 17PHIC22 | History of India (1857-1947 A.D.) | Core | 5 | The Revolt of 1857: Causes, Nature, Consequences, Rise and Growth of Indian Nationalism: Moderates, Extremists, Gandhian Era and Mass Movements, Constitutional Developments: Minto-Morley, Montagu-Chelmsford, Government of India Act 1935, Towards Partition and Independence |
| 17PHIC23 | History of Tamil Nadu (upto 1336 A.D.) | Core | 5 | Sources of Tamil Nadu History: Literary, Archaeological, The Sangam Age: Polity, Society, Economy, Culture, The Kalabhra Interregnum, The Pallavas: Art, Architecture, Administration, The Cholas: Imperial Expansion, Administration, Temples |
| 17PHIE21 | Human Rights | Elective | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Human Rights in India: Constitutional Provisions, NHRC, Role of International Agencies and NGOs, Challenges to Human Rights: Terrorism, Environmental Issues |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17PHIC31 | History of Contemporary India (1947 A.D. to the Present Day) | Core | 5 | Consolidation of India: Integration of Princely States, Nehruvian Era: Planning, Non-Alignment, Foreign Policy, Political Developments: Indira Gandhi, Emergency, Coalition Governments, Economic Reforms and Liberalization, Social Changes in Modern India: Caste, Gender, Religion |
| 17PHIC32 | History of Tamil Nadu (1336 A.D. to the Present Day) | Core | 5 | Vijayanagar and Nayaks of Madurai, Marathas and European Penetration in Tamil Nadu, Socio-Economic Conditions under British Rule, The Dravidian Movement and its Impact, Post-Independence Tamil Nadu: Political and Economic Developments |
| 17PHIC33 | History of Modern World (1789-1945 A.D.) | Core | 5 | The French Revolution and its Aftermath, Industrial Revolution and Capitalism, Imperialism and Colonialism, World War I: Causes, Course, Consequences, Rise of Totalitarian Regimes: Fascism, Nazism, World War II |
| 17PHIE31 | Indian Administration | Elective | 4 | Indian Constitution: Salient Features, Preamble, Union Government: President, Parliament, Judiciary, State Government: Governor, State Legislature, High Courts, Local Self-Government: Panchayati Raj, Urban Local Bodies, Public Sector Undertakings and Bureaucracy |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17PHIC41 | History of Contemporary World (1945 A.D. to the Present Day) | Core | 5 | The Cold War: Origins, Phases, End, Decolonization and Emergence of New Nations, United Nations Organization (UNO) and its Role, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Globalization, New World Order, Post-Cold War Conflicts |
| 17PHIC42 | History of Science and Technology | Core | 5 | Science and Technology in Ancient Civilizations, Medieval Science and Islamic Contributions, The Scientific Revolution in Europe, Impact of Industrial Revolution on Technology, Modern Science and Technology: Space, IT, Biotechnology |
| 17PHIC43 | Project | Project | 6 | Identification of Research Problem, Literature Review and Hypothesis Formulation, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Documentation, Viva-Voce and Presentation |
| 17PHIE41 | Archives and Records Management | Elective | 4 | Archives: Definition, History, Types, Principles of Records Management, Conservation and Preservation of Archival Material, Digital Archiving and Digitization, Utilizing Archives for Historical Research |
