Curriculum Overview
The curriculum for the Masters of Arts program at Government Degree College Puttur Chittoor is designed to provide a solid foundation in humanities and social sciences while encouraging specialization through elective courses. The structure spans two academic years, with each year consisting of four semesters.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1, Semester 1 | MAS01 | Introduction to Humanities | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| Year 1, Semester 1 | MAS02 | Research Methodology in Arts | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| Year 1, Semester 1 | MAS03 | History of Philosophy | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| Year 1, Semester 1 | MAS04 | Introduction to Sociology | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| Year 1, Semester 1 | MAS05 | Cultural Anthropology | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| Year 1, Semester 2 | MAS06 | Literary Theory | 3-0-0-3 | MAS01 |
| Year 1, Semester 2 | MAS07 | Gender Studies | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| Year 1, Semester 2 | MAS08 | Political Theory | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| Year 1, Semester 2 | MAS09 | Psychology of Learning | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| Year 1, Semester 2 | MAS10 | Translation Studies | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| Year 2, Semester 3 | MAS11 | Advanced Research Project I | 3-0-0-3 | MAS02 |
| Year 2, Semester 3 | MAS12 | Cultural Heritage and Preservation | 3-0-0-3 | MAS05 |
| Year 2, Semester 3 | MAS13 | Postcolonial Literature | 3-0-0-3 | MAS06 |
| Year 2, Semester 3 | MAS14 | Ethical Reasoning | 3-0-0-3 | MAS03 |
| Year 2, Semester 3 | MAS15 | Comparative Political Systems | 3-0-0-3 | MAS08 |
| Year 2, Semester 4 | MAS16 | Final Year Thesis/Capstone Project | 3-0-0-6 | MAS11 |
| Year 2, Semester 4 | MAS17 | Advanced Seminar in Cultural Studies | 3-0-0-3 | MAS12 |
| Year 2, Semester 4 | MAS18 | Digital Humanities and Data Analysis | 3-0-0-3 | MAS02 |
| Year 2, Semester 4 | MAS19 | International Relations and Conflict Resolution | 3-0-0-3 | MAS08 |
| Year 2, Semester 4 | MAS20 | Cognitive Psychology and Human Behavior | 3-0-0-3 | MAS09 |
Advanced Departmental Electives
These advanced courses are offered in the second year of the program, allowing students to specialize further based on their interests and career goals.
- Postcolonial Literature: This course examines how colonialism affects literary expression and identity formation. Students explore works by authors such as Edward Said, Jamaica Kincaid, and Salman Rushdie, analyzing themes of resistance, hybridity, and cultural reclamation.
- Cultural Heritage and Preservation: Designed to understand the preservation of historical artifacts, monuments, and intangible cultural practices. The course includes field visits to museums and heritage sites in Chittoor and surrounding regions.
- Digital Humanities and Data Analysis: Integrates computational methods with humanities research. Students learn to use software tools like Voyant, NLTK, and Python for analyzing large datasets of textual material.
- Advanced Research Project I: Students engage in original research under faculty supervision, culminating in a detailed report and presentation. The project must contribute new insights to the field.
- Ethical Reasoning: Focuses on moral philosophy and ethical decision-making. Topics include utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and applied ethics in fields like medicine, environment, and technology.
- Comparative Political Systems: Analyzes political systems across different countries and cultures. The course compares democratic, authoritarian, and hybrid regimes, examining governance structures and policy outcomes.
- Advanced Seminar in Cultural Studies: A discussion-based seminar exploring contemporary issues in cultural studies. Topics include race, class, gender, sexuality, and digital culture.
- International Relations and Conflict Resolution: Examines global conflicts and diplomatic approaches to resolving disputes. Students study historical case studies and current events involving international organizations like the UN and NATO.
- Cognitive Psychology and Human Behavior: Investigates mental processes such as perception, memory, learning, and problem-solving. The course includes laboratory experiments and psychological assessments.
- Gender and Society: Explores gender roles and identities within different cultural contexts. Students analyze feminist theories and their applications in modern society.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department emphasizes project-based learning as a core component of the curriculum. From the beginning, students are encouraged to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations through hands-on projects.
The first-year mini-projects focus on foundational skills and encourage collaborative learning. These projects typically involve research, data collection, and presentation techniques.
In the second year, students undertake more substantial individual or group projects related to their chosen specializations. These projects are supervised by faculty mentors who guide the development process from inception to completion.
The final-year thesis or capstone project is a culmination of the student’s academic journey. It requires extensive research, original analysis, and scholarly writing that contributes to existing knowledge in the field.
Students select their projects based on personal interest, faculty expertise, and available resources. The department facilitates matching between students and mentors to ensure successful outcomes.