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MA in English at Vishwanath Rai Kakand Mahavidyalay
Deoria, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is English at Vishwanath Rai Kakand Mahavidyalay Deoria?
This MA English program at Vishwanath Rai Kakand Mahavidyalay focuses on advanced study of English language and literature, aligned with the DDU Gorakhpur University''''s CBCS framework. It encompasses diverse literary periods, critical theories, linguistics, and contemporary cultural studies. The program aims to cultivate analytical and research skills, preparing students for various roles in academia, media, and the education sector in India. It also highlights the relevance of English literature and language in understanding global and Indian socio-cultural dynamics.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s degree in English or related humanities disciplines who aspire to pursue higher education or research. It also suits individuals seeking careers in teaching, content creation, journalism, or civil services in India. Professionals looking to enhance their literary and linguistic expertise or explore academic careers will find this program beneficial, fostering critical thinking and communication skills.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as Assistant Professors, researchers, content writers, editors, journalists, and language trainers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program enhances critical analysis, communication, and research skills crucial for competitive examinations and provides a strong foundation for NET/JRF qualifications, crucial for academic growth.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Literary Concepts- (undefined)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand foundational literary periods, key authors, and basic critical theories from Semester 1 and 2. Regularly review classic texts and engage in discussions to deepen comprehension of historical contexts and literary movements.
Tools & Resources
Oxford Companion to English Literature, Norton Anthologies, SparkNotes (for initial understanding), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation is essential for advanced studies, NET/JRF examinations, and forming the bedrock for any academic or content-related career.
Develop Academic Writing and Research Skills- (undefined)
Actively participate in workshops on academic writing, essay structuring, and research methodology. Practice citing sources correctly and developing coherent arguments, focusing on clear and concise expression in all assignments.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL, MLA Handbook, University Library resources, Grammarly
Career Connection
Proficiency in academic writing is crucial for dissertation work, scholarly publications, and any role requiring formal communication or research, like content development or journalism.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Reading- (undefined)
Beyond prescribed texts, explore supplementary readings in history, philosophy, and cultural studies related to literary periods. This broadens perspectives and enhances contextual understanding, vital for critical analysis.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR (academic articles), Project Gutenberg (free classics), Documentaries on historical periods
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary approach enriches critical thinking, invaluable for teaching, research, and navigating complex topics in media or public policy roles.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize in a Literary Area- (undefined)
As elective options become available in Semesters 3-4, identify an area of interest (e.g., Postcolonial, American, Gender Studies) and delve deeper through elective courses and independent reading. Consider attending webinars or online courses in that specialization.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX for specialized courses, Online academic journals, Departmental seminars
Career Connection
Specialization creates a niche, making you a more desirable candidate for specific research projects, advanced degrees, or teaching roles focused on that area.
Participate in Literary Debates and Seminars- (undefined)
Actively join college literary societies, debate clubs, or departmental seminars. Present papers or reviews on literary topics to hone public speaking and critical argumentation skills, crucial for academic and professional settings.
Tools & Resources
College Literary Club, Inter-college literary festivals, Online discussion forums
Career Connection
These activities build confidence, networking opportunities, and sharpen communication skills, vital for roles in academia, public relations, and teaching.
Explore Teaching Assistantships or Mentorship- (undefined)
Seek opportunities to assist professors with undergraduate classes or mentor junior students. This provides initial exposure to teaching methodologies, classroom management, and helps consolidate your own knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Departmental faculty, College administration for opportunities
Career Connection
Direct experience in teaching is invaluable for those aspiring to become educators or pursue academic careers, providing practical insight and a strong CV point.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (undefined)
Invest significant effort in your Semester 4 dissertation or project. Choose a topic that aligns with your career goals, conduct thorough research, and seek regular feedback from your supervisor. Aim for a publishable quality output.
Tools & Resources
University research guidelines, Reference management software (Zotero, Mendeley), Statistical analysis tools if applicable
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is a cornerstone for research careers, PhD admissions, and demonstrates advanced analytical and independent work capabilities to potential employers.
Prepare for NET/JRF and Civil Services- (undefined)
Begin focused preparation for national-level examinations like NET/JRF (for lectureship/research) or UPSC Civil Services (if applicable), which often require strong humanities backgrounds. Join coaching or dedicated study groups.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET/JRF previous year papers, Online coaching platforms, Study groups
Career Connection
Success in these examinations opens doors to esteemed academic positions, research fellowships, and prestigious administrative roles within the Indian government.
Network and Seek Professional Guidance- (undefined)
Connect with alumni, professors, and professionals in your desired field (e.g., publishing, media, education). Attend career fairs and seek guidance on career planning, job search strategies, and industry trends specific to India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Alumni association events, Career counseling cells at the university/college
Career Connection
Networking is paramount for job placements, mentorship, and discovering hidden opportunities in the competitive Indian job market, offering insights beyond academic curriculum.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree with English as a subject or equivalent from a recognized university, with minimum passing marks.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 80-96 (approx. 20-24 credits per semester) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGC-101 | Literatures in English From Chaucer to 18th Century | Core | 4 | Middle English Poetry (Chaucer), Renaissance Drama (Shakespeare), Metaphysical Poetry (Donne, Herbert), Restoration Comedy (Congreve), Augustan Age Poetry and Prose (Pope, Swift, Addison) |
| ENGC-102 | Literary Theory and Criticism-I (From Plato to Eliot) | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle), Renaissance Criticism (Sidney), Neoclassical Criticism (Dryden, Johnson), Romantic Criticism (Wordsworth, Coleridge), Modern Criticism (Eliot, I.A. Richards) |
| ENGC-103 | Indian English Literature-I | Core | 4 | Early Indian English Poetry, Indian English Novel (Mulk Raj Anand, R.K. Narayan), Indian English Drama (Girish Karnad), Prominent Indian English Prose Writers, Themes and Evolution of Indian English Writing |
| ENGC-104 | Academic Writing and Research Skills | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Academic Writing, Research Process and Methodology, Essay and Report Writing, Referencing and Citation Styles (MLA/APA), Presentation Skills |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGC-201 | Literatures in English From 19th to 21st Century | Core | 4 | Romantic Poetry (Keats, Shelley), Victorian Novel (Dickens, Hardy), Modernist Literature (Joyce, Woolf), Post-War and Contemporary Drama (Beckett, Pinter), Postmodernist Fiction and Poetry |
| ENGC-202 | Literary Theory and Criticism-II (From Russian Formalism to Postcolonialism) | Core | 4 | Russian Formalism and New Criticism, Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Psychoanalytic Criticism (Freud, Lacan), Feminist Criticism, Postcolonial Theory (Said, Spivak, Bhabha) |
| ENGC-203 | Linguistics and English Language Teaching (ELT) | Core | 4 | Introduction to Linguistics, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics, Methods and Approaches in ELT |
| ENGC-204 | European Literature in Translation | Elective | 4 | Greek Tragedy (Sophocles), Russian Novel (Dostoevsky, Tolstoy), French Existentialism (Camus, Sartre), German Drama (Brecht), Modern European Fiction |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGC-301 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Early American Writing, American Romanticism (Emerson, Whitman), American Realism and Naturalism, Modern American Fiction (Faulkner, Hemingway), Contemporary American Poetry and Drama |
| ENGC-302 | Commonwealth Literature | Core | 4 | African Literature (Achebe, Soyinka), Caribbean Literature (Walcott, Brathwaite), Canadian Literature (Atwood, Munro), Australian Literature (White, Wright), Themes of Postcolonial Identity and Migration |
| ENGC-303 | Cultural Studies and Popular Culture | Elective | 4 | Introduction to Cultural Studies, Media and Representation, Consumer Culture and Advertising, Subcultures and Identity, Film and Television Studies |
| ENGC-304 | Translation Studies | Elective | 4 | Theories of Translation, Types of Translation, Cultural Aspects in Translation, Translating Literary Texts, Machine Translation and Technology |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGC-401 | Dissertation/Project Work | Project | 6 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review, Methodology and Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Presentation |
| ENGC-402 | Gender Studies and Women''''s Writing | Elective | 4 | Feminist Literary Theory, Representation of Gender in Literature, Key Women Writers (Virginia Woolf, Simone de Beauvoir), Indian Women''''s Writing, Queer Theory and Sexuality |
| ENGC-403 | Ecocriticism and Environmental Literature | Elective | 4 | Foundations of Ecocriticism, Nature Writing, Environmental Themes in Fiction, Poetry of Nature, Climate Change and Literature |
| ENGC-404 | Dalit Literature | Elective | 4 | History and Context of Dalit Writing, Dalit Autobiography, Dalit Poetry and Fiction, Themes of Protest and Identity, Translation of Dalit Works |
