Master in Historical Studies
Rajgir, India
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
The programme is offered by the School of Historical Studies (SHS). The School is a dynamic community of faculty members and graduate students, engaged in a systematic and rigorous enquiry into some of the fundamental questions that concern historical experiences within and beyond Asia. The School draws its inspiration from the glorious legacy of ancient Nālandā which served as a conduit for India’s vibrant intellectual linkages with the world for nearly a millennium. As is evident from the research profiles of its faculty, SHS is uniquely poised to train students in the cultural, religious and intellectual history of India and other regions of Asia from a comparative and cross-cultural perspective.
One of the salient features of the School is its pedagogical focus on critical thinking, leading to the creation of experiential knowledge through rigorous enquiry and debate, regular conduct of examinations, and writing of assignments.
Focus areas of the Programme
- World History
- Asian Interconnections
- Maritime History/ Indian Ocean Interconnections
- International Relations
- Historical Archaeology
- Ethnoarchaeology
- Cultural Anthropology
- Cultural History of India/Asia
- Economic History of Asia
- Contemplative Traditions
- Civilizational and Historical linkages between India and East Asian countries
- Oral Histories of India/Asia
- Sanskrit Cosmopolis
- Digital Humanities
- Performance Studies
- Trade and Knowledge Routes
The post-graduate programme in the School of Historical Studies at Nalanda University provides students with the opportunity to engage with a range of disciplines:
- Art History
- Archaeology
- Social Anthropology
- Religious Studies
- Classical and Modern Languages
- Critical Theory
- Philosophy
- Economic and Trade History
- Environmental History
In addition, students are led towards an in-depth understanding of the different regions of Asia like West, South, South-East and East, together with global history. As a whole, the programme fosters a deep understanding and analysis of issues and events that are of key importance to the world today. This knowledge can be applied in many fields.
Other crucial competencies and skills that students can look forward to developing include:
- Ability to frame well-structured arguments, both oral and written
- Putting forward ideas in a cogent manner
- Collecting, investigating and analyzing various kinds of material in a logical and coherent way
- Comprehending and synthesizing facts, ideas and information
Students are required to complete 64 hours of coursework (16 credits per semester) and submit a thesis towards the fulfillment of a Master’s degree, all the courses have in-class written exams (Midterm and Finals).
Semester – I (Foundational Courses)
- 4 Core Courses
- Birth of Civilizations in Asia
- World History: An Overview
- Routes in Asia and Beyond: Making Cultures Portable
- History and Archaeology
- Birth of Civilizations in Asia
- World History: An Overview
- Routes in Asia and Beyond: Making Cultures Portable
- History and Archaeology
- 1 Elective Course
- Digital Humanities
- South Asian History
- Languages: Sanskrit/ Korean
- Digital Humanities
- South Asian History
- Languages: Sanskrit/ Korean
- 1 Seminar Course
Semester – II (Bridge Courses)
- 3 Core Courses
- Cultural History of India
- Contemplative Traditions
- Cultural Anthropology & Ethnoarchaeology
- Cultural History of India
- Contemplative Traditions
- Cultural Anthropology & Ethnoarchaeology
- 2 Elective Courses
- Maritime History of India
- Pre-Protohistoric Archaeology
- Language: Sanskrit/Korean
- Maritime History of India
- Pre-Protohistoric Archaeology
- Language: Sanskrit/Korean
- 1 Seminar Course
Semester – III (Advanced Courses)
- 2 Core Courses
- Maritime Interconnections in the Indian Ocean: Making Culture Portable
- Historical Archaeology
- Maritime Interconnections in the Indian Ocean: Making Culture Portable
- Historical Archaeology
- 3 Elective Courses
- History of Devotional Cultures: Sufism and Bhakti in India
- International Relations of India over the Ages
- Wellness and Healing Traditions from India: Cultural Inquiries
- Nalanda through the Ages: Learning from Ruins
- Monocultures
- History of Devotional Cultures: Sufism and Bhakti in India
- International Relations of India over the Ages
- Wellness and Healing Traditions from India: Cultural Inquiries
- Nalanda through the Ages: Learning from Ruins
- Monocultures
- 1 Seminar Course
Semester – IV (Specialized Courses)
- 1 Core Course
- Framing History: Historiography
- Framing History: Historiography
- 1 Elective Course
- Indian Art, Aesthetic, and Architecture
- Civilizational and Historical link between India and East Asian countries
- Economic History of India
- Indian Art, Aesthetic, and Architecture
- Civilizational and Historical link between India and East Asian countries
- Economic History of India
- 1 Seminar Course
- Dissertation
Training in historical studies imparts transferable skills enabling one to pursue careers in many directions:
- Archivist
- Historical Researcher
- Museum Work
- Library and Information Work
- School Teachers
- University Professor
- International Organizations
Other occupations
Apart from these, students can also pursue their careers with the government, in private and corporate sectors, and international organizations such as the various bodies of the United Nations.
- Law
- Publishing
- Civil Services
- Journalism
- Corporate Sector
In conclusion, by engaging with historical contexts, debates and controversies, students develop a unique understanding of various problems along with ways to comprehend solutions. Using these skills and abilities, they can make a number of career choices depending on their interests and motivation.
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