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MA in English Syllabus & Subjects 2024
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MA in English Syllabus & Subjects Overview
MA in English syllabus includes topics from the foundations of English literature. Students pursuing an MA in English study various kinds of subjects throughout their semesters, including Criticism Theory, Linguistics, American Literature, Drama, Fiction, Indian Literature, etc. The four semesters of the MA in English programme focus on core and elective courses that help candidates get necessary expertise in poetry, fiction, literature, plays, and other related subjects. Also, the advanced study of English literature's social, political, cultural, and historical periods is an integral part of the MA in English course.
An MA in English syllabus can include both core and elective subjects. Some common subjects in an MA in English syllabus include:
- Modern English usage and grammar
- English poetry from Chaucer to Milton
- Eighteenth-century English literature
- American literature
- Language and linguistics
- Works of Shakespeare
- Indian literature
- 19th and 20th century novels
- 20th century poetry and drama
- European comedy
- Foreign languages
Other subjects that may be included are:
- Chaucer to Elizabethans
- Metaphysical to Milton
- Augustans and Neoclassical writers
- Pre Romantics and Romantics
- Phonetics and spoken English
- Literary criticism
- Victorian literature
- Literature and the visual arts in Europe
- Literature and the visual arts in American literature
There are many reasons to pursue a detailed MA in English syllabus and subjects, such as the fact that it greatly enhances one's chances of landing a job in journalism or education and offers a plethora of opportunities for those who want to work as writers or translators for international organisations. That being said, students with a BA in English are the ones who usually enrol in this course. Enrolling in this course is the finest way to learn about literature, language, and cultural practices. To be eligible for this, students must have completed any bachelor’s degree with at least 45%-55% aggregate marks from a recognised institution. Continue reading to know more about the MA in English syllabus and subjects that students will study during their programme.
Table of Contents
- MA in English Syllabus & Subjects Overview
- MA English Course Details
- MA in English Year Wise Syllabus
- MA in English Subjects
- MA in English Common Subjects for All Semester
- MA in English Optional Subjects
- Detailed MA in English Subjects
- Syllabus for MA in English Distance Programs
- MA in English Entrance Exam Syllabus
- MA in English Important Books
- MA in English Course Structure
- Top MA English Colleges in India
- FAQs about MA in English Syllabus
MA English Course Details
Details of the MA English course are provided below.
| Level of Course | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Duration of MA English Course | 2 Years |
| MA English Eligibility Criteria | Candidates who have pursued a BA in English or equivalent degree with a minimum overall aggregate of 50% are eligible. |
| MA English Admission Process | Entrance based admission process and direct admission process |
| MA English Top Entrance Exams | CUET English and Foreign Language University Entrance Examination (EFLU Entrance Exam) |
| MA English Average Course Fee | INR 40K - INR 60K |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 2 LPA to INR 8 LPA |
| Job Options |
|
| Top Recruiters | Times of India, Hindustan Times, Popxo, India Today, IDiva, British Council, Zomato, Accenture, etc. |
Also Read: Part Time Language Courses at DU
MA in English Year Wise Syllabus
The MA in English syllabus has been designed to provide students with all the resources they need to truly understand literature, including the most well-known books and literary works from history, ancient times and eras, to come up with their philosophical concepts and draft books, reports, articles, novels, and other literary works. The following is a discussion about the semester-wise MA in English syllabus that students can use for reference.
MA in English 1st Year Syllabus
The following table highlights the semester-wise MA in English syllabus for 1st year:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Scholarly Writing | Classical Literary Criticism |
| Literature and Film | American Literature |
| Digital Content Writing | Indian Writing in English |
| Appreciating Shakespeare | 20th Century British Drama |
| 14th-20th Century British Poetry | 20th Century British Novels |
MA in English 2nd Year Syllabus
The following table highlights the semester-wise MA in English syllabus for 2nd year:
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| Post Colonial Literature | Literary Criticism |
| Literature Review | Postcolonial Novel |
| Gender Studies | Fiction |
| Foreign Language | Project Work/Viva |
| Culture Studies | Fiction from 1900 Onwards |
| 20th-Century Literature Theory and Criticism | Foreign Languages |
| 16th-19th Century Literary Criticism | Dissertation |
MA in English Subjects
The 1st year subjects for MA in English include Dalit and Tagore literature, Shakespeare's writings, and literature from the early 14th to the late 20th centuries. On the other hand, the 2nd year subjects for MA in English cover literary criticism from the 16th to the 19th centuries as well as post-colonial literature critiques. Nearly every college or institution offers the following MA in English subjects:
- English Fiction I & II
- The Study of Modern English
- The Structure of Modern English
- English Language and Literature Training
- Literary Theory and Criticism
- Indian Literature in English I & II
- European Literature in Translation
- Literary Criticism I & II
- Drama
MA in English Common Subjects for All Semester
MA in English courses that have a combination of Indian Culture, Language and Literature, Philosophy, Sociology, Linguistics, and History are called common subjects. These are known as the core subjects and are often offered in the curriculum of the most esteemed universities awarding this degree. The common subjects for the MA in English course for all semesters are listed below:
- Shakespeare
- Literary Criticism 1 & 2
- Language and Linguistics
- English Poetry from Chaucer to Milton.
- Eighteenth Century English Literature.
- British Literature III: Victorian Times to Modern Times
- British Literature II: Dryden to Romantic Age
- British Literature I: Chaucer to Milton
- 20th Century Poetry and Drama
- 19th & 20th Century Novel
MA in English Optional Subjects
Since students can choose optional subjects based on their leisure interests or professional career objectives, they are also known as elective subjects. Nonetheless, every institution may have a different optional course curriculum. A list of MA in English elective subjects is provided below:
- Visual Arts and Literature in Europe or American Literature
- Traditional English Drama
- Spy Fiction
- Seventeenth and Eighteenth-Century Drama
- Research Methodology
- Modern English Drama
- Literature and Gender
- Indian Prose Works
- Foreign Languages
- European Comedy
- English Poetry
- Campus Novel
- Ancient Greek and Latin Literature
Detailed MA in English Subjects
A wide number of topics are covered in the MA English course curriculum, including, the Process of Speech Production, John Milton's Paradise Lost, the Modern Translation of Geoffrey Chaucer's Prologue to The Canterbury Tales, Descriptive and Generative Linguistics, and so on. The following table lists the major subjects in MA English along with the topics they cover:
| Subject Name | Topics Included |
|---|---|
| The Study of Modern English |
|
| The Structure of Modern English |
|
| Literary Theory and Criticism |
|
| Literary Criticism I |
|
| Indian Literature in English I |
|
| Fiction II |
|
| European Literature in Translation |
|
| English Language and Literature Training |
|
| English Fiction |
|
| Drama |
|
Syllabus for MA in English Distance Programs
During the two-year course duration, prospective students gain advanced English language proficiency via an MA in English distance programmes. It includes learning a variety of fundamental disciplines including translation studies, American literature, drama, Indian writing in English and translation, fiction, film studies, poetry, research methodology, and more. The following is a discussion about the syllabus for MA in English distance programmes.
MA in English Syllabus for 1st Year Distance Programs
The following table outlines the 1st year semester-wise syllabus for MA in English:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Poetry I- From Chaucer to 17th Century | American Literature |
| Indian Writing in English and in Translation | Fiction II-Nineteenth to Twentieth Century |
| Fiction I-Origins and Developments up to 18th Century | Drama II-Restoration to Twentieth Century |
| Elective Paper-I Classics in Translation | English for Careers |
| Drama I-Elizabethan and Jacobean Drama | Poetry II-Eighteenth to Nineteenth Century |
MA in English Syllabus for 2nd Year Distance Programs
The following table outlines the 2nd year semester-wise syllabus for MA in English:
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| Approaches, Analysis, Literature, and Copy Editing | Research Methodology and Project Writing |
| English Language and Linguistics | Writings by and on Women |
| Film Studies | English Literature for UGC NET/SET Examination |
| Literary Criticism and Literary Theory | Introduction to Translation Studies |
| Shakespeare Studies | Twentieth Century Poetry |
MA in English Entrance Exam Syllabus
Several colleges, including NMIMS Mumbai, Hindu College, and others, need applicants to take national or institutional admission tests to be admitted to the MA in English course. The following pointers list the MA in English entrance exam syllabus:
IPU CET Syllabus: The Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test or IPU CET syllabus includes topics such as Analytical and Logical Reasoning, Applied Mechanics, BSc Level Mathematics, Computer Awareness and Chemistry/ Physics Related Knowledge, English (Class 12 level), Scientific Aptitude, and so on.
CUET PG Syllabus: The Common University Entrance Test or CUET PG syllabus includes topics such as Social Work, Urban and Rural Community Development, Psychology, Applied Psychology, Health Psychology, Plastic Arts, Philosophy, Painting, Fine Arts (Art History and Visual Studies, Sculpture, Printmaking, Painting, Mural, etc.), Dev and Labour Studies, Art and Aesthetics, Applied Arts, and more.
NPAT Syllabus: The National Test for Programs After Twelfth or NMIMS NPAT includes topics such as Verbal- Logical Reasoning, Trigonometry, Spatial Reasoning, Sets and Functions, Numerical Reasoning, Number Systems, Elementary Statistics and Probability, Data Sufficiency, Data Interpretation, Critical Thinking, Arithmetic, Algebra, and more.
For admission to MA English programmes at prestigious universities, students must take entrance exams. Below is a list of the MA English entrance exams syllabus:
- 17th-Century Poetry
- Early Modern Poetry
- 19th-Century Poetry, Drama and Novel
- Medieval Poetry
- Modern and Postmodern Critical Theories
- Early 20th-Century Fiction and Drama
- Neo-classical Criticism and Theory
- 18th-Century Poetry, Drama and Fiction
- Early 20th-Century Poetry (up to WWII)
- American Literature
- Classical Theory
- Contemporary Writings
- Romantic Criticism
- Indian Literature
- Indian Writing in English
- Dalit Literature
- Language and Comprehension
- Research Methodology
MA in English Important Books
Books are the essential part for the students to ensure that they complete their college with good marks. Reference books can help in enhancing their subject knowledge. Listed below are the list of MA in English important books along with their author's name.
| Books | Authors |
|---|---|
| Hamlet, The Winter’s Tale, King Lear | William Shakespeare |
| Gulliver’s Travels | Jonathan Swift |
| The Duchess of Malf | Webster |
| Dr Faustus | Marlowe |
| Samson Agonistes | John Milton |
| Congreve: The Way of the World | John Dryden |
| Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience | William Blake |
| David Copperfield | Charles Dickens |
MA in English Course Structure
The course structure for MA in English constitutes a mix of core and elective subjects that imparts knowledge related to different forms of literature. MA in English syllabus is divided across four semesters dealing with numerous literature aspects in most of the universities in the modern scenario. However, many traditional colleges and universities still follow a yearly pattern of examination and the syllabus is designed accordingly. MA in English subjects are designed in such that the students can also do internships during summer vacations and they also need to submit projects and dissertations before the completion of the final year. Given below is the MA in English course structure:
- Project Submission
- Practical Workshops
- IV Semesters
- Internships
- Elective Subjects
- Core Subjects
Top MA English Colleges in India
The list of top MA English colleges in India, along with their respective fees, is provided below.
| College Name | Fees |
|---|---|
| Lady Shri Ram College for Women | INR 18K |
| Loyola College, Chennai | INR 12K |
| Christ University, Bangalore | INR 61K |
| Miranda House, New Delhi | INR 14K |
| Hindu College, New Delhi | INR 18K |
| Fergusson College, Pune | INR 10K |
| Presidency University, Kolkata | INR 10K |
| Gargi College, New Delhi | INR 12K |
| St Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad | INR 31K |
| Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata | INR 27K |
Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change.
FAQs about MA in English Syllabus
What are the MA in English subjects for the 3rd semester?
The MA in English subjects for the 3rd semester introduces students to ancient literature, culture, and criticism. The list of topics includes 20th Century Literature Theory and Criticism, Post Colonial Literature, Literature Review, 16th-19th Century Literary Criticism, Gender Studies, Culture Studies, and Foreign Language.
Can I download the MA in English syllabus & subjects PDF?
Yes, students can download the MA in English syllabus & subjects PDF if they wish to know more about the list of subjects their university offers along with the electives. It may also include semester-wise subject codes, reference materials, subject descriptions, credit numbers, and other information. To download the same, applicants should visit the official website of their desired university and click on the 'download PFD' option by visiting the subject/syllabus page.
Is project work a part of the MA in English curriculum?
Yes, a project-based learning component that involves some research and practical experience is included in the MA in English curriculum. Candidates must submit their project work at the end of the fourth semester, along with their thesis. The term projects for the MA in English syllabus contribute to the total number of credits required to complete the programme by the end of the year.
What methodologies and techniques are used to teach MA in English subjects?
Some methodologies and techniques that are used to teach MA in English subjects utilise both modern and traditional in-person strategies. This includes seminars, poetry reading sessions, workshops, group discussions, etc. The following list enlists the same:
- Book Reading Sessions
- Case Study
- Experiential Learning
- Internship/Work Placements
- Seminars and Group Discussions
- Traditional Classroom Method
Is the MA English syllabus tough?
The MA English syllabus is tough as English requires a lot of intensive study. One must read and practice a lot to score well. Paying attention in the classroom will help a lot, and personal study is required about ancient to modern stories.
What are the popular MA in English project topics?
The list of popular MA in English project topics includes the following:
- The Teaching of Language Skills
- The Role of Symbolism in William Shakespeare's Plays
- The Representation of Gender in Victorian Literature
- Methods and Approaches to Language Teaching
- English Language and Literature Training
- Background to Indian English Poetry
What are the core subjects of an MA in English?
The core subjects of an MA in English include 19th & 20th Century Novel, 20th Century Poetry and Drama, British Literature I: Chaucer to Milton, British Literature II: Dryden to Romantic Age, British Literature III: Victorian Times to Modern Times, Eighteenth-Century English Literature., English Poetry from Chaucer to Milton., Language and Linguistics, Literary Criticism 1 & 2, Shakespeare, etc.
What are the MA in English elective subjects?
The list of MA in English elective subjects includes Ancient Greek and Latin Literature, Campus Novels, English Poetry, European Comedy, Foreign Languages, Indian Prose Works, Literature and Gender, Modern English Drama, Research Methodology, Seventeenth and Eighteenth-Century Drama, Spy Fiction, Traditional English Drama, Visual Arts and Literature in Europe or American Literature, etc.
Do the MA in English subjects incorporate research?
Students must perform projects during the last two semesters of the MA programme in English subjects, so minimum research is incorporated into the programme. Students will be encouraged to research within the MA English course curriculum to advance their education and better understand the subject matter.
What are the MA in English subjects for the 4th semester?
The MA in English subjects for the 4th semester includes fiction and criticism related to ancient literature. The list of topics includes Foreign Languages, Literary Criticism, Postcolonial Novel, Dissertation, Fiction, and Fiction from 1900 Onwards.
Do the MA in English syllabus train students to improve their communication skills?
Yes, the MA in English syllabus trains students to improve their communication skills as this course substantially improves one's career prospects to work in journalism or education and offers various options to pursue careers in writing or translation for various foreign organisations.
What are the MA in English subjects for 2nd semester?
The MA in English subjects for 2nd semester are common topics that introduce the students to the advanced concepts they will be taught in the remaining course of their degree. The list of topics includes 20th Century British Drama, Indian Writing in English, 20th Century British Novels, American Literature, and Classical Literary Criticism.
What are the MA in English subjects for 1st semester?
The MA in English subjects for 1st semester are basic topics that usually help students revise concepts they have learned in their class 12. It includes topics such as Appreciating Shakespeare, Digital Content Writing, 14th-20th Century British Poetry, Literature and Film, and Scholarly Writing.
What is the syllabus for an MA in English?
The syllabus for an MA in English consists of both core and elective subjects such as 19th & 20th Century Novel, 20th Century Poetry and Drama, Campus Novels, Eighteenth Century English Literature, English Poetry from Chaucer to Milton., European Comedy, Foreign Languages, Language and Linguistics, Literary Criticism 1 & 2, Seventeenth and Eighteenth-Century Drama, Shakespeare, Spy Fiction, Traditional English Drama, and more.
What is the entrance exam syllabus for MA in English?
The entrance exam syllabus for MA in English Analytical and Logical Reasoning, Applied Grammar, Applied Mathematics, Applied Mechanics, Art History and Visual Studies, Contextual Usage, Fine Arts – Painting, Plastic Arts, Printmaking, Scientific Aptitude, Sculpture, Sequencing of Ideas, Vocabulary, and so on.
Which colleges offer the best curriculum for MA in English courses?
Colleges that offer the best curriculum for MA in English courses include Christ University, Hansraj College, Jadavpur University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Loyola College, Miranda House, Presidency University, University of Calcutta, University of Delhi, and more.
What are the best reference books to study MA in English subjects?
The best reference books to study MA in English subjects include the following:
- Paradise Lost by author John Milton
- Piers Plowman by author William Langland
- The Art of Rhetoric by author Aristotle
- The Book of Margery Kempe
- The Nautch Girl by author Hasan Shah
- The Oresteia by author Aeschylus
- Theory of Criticism by author Raman Selden
What is an MA in English distance education syllabus?
The MA in English distance education syllabus include the following topics:
- Drama I- Elizabethan and Jacobean Drama
- Drama II- Restoration to Twentieth Century
- English Language and Linguistics
- Fiction I- Origins and Developments up to 18th Century
- Introduction to Translation Studies
- Literary Criticism and Literary Theory
- Poetry II- Eighteenth to Nineteenth Century
- Writings by and on Women
What is the MA in English course structure?
The MA in English course structure is divided into four semesters that contain a mix of literature topics and different languages. To prepare graduates for careers in a variety of sectors, including publishing, literature, information technology, journalism, etc., this guarantees an enhanced comprehension of the topics.
What do the detailed MA in English subjects include?
The detailed MA in English subjects includes topics such as Aristotle's Poems, English in India, Henry Fielding: Joseph Andrews, Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice, Joseph Conrad: Heart of Darkness, Morphology, Rabindranath Tagore's Poems, Raja Rao: The Serpent and the Rope, Semantics, Shakespeare Criticism: Dr Samuel Johnson, William Shakespeare Poems, and more.
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