Indira Gandhi National Open University (Ignou) is launching a master’s degree programme in women’s and gender studies through the School of Gender and Development Studies from the July 2013 session. The programme addresses the need to examine gender issues from an academic perspective through the dissemination of knowledge in the area of women’s and gender studies.
It is open to all students with an undergraduate degree in any discipline who may be interested in acquiring conceptual, theoretical and analytical knowledge in the areas of women’s and gender studies. Women’s and gender studies being inter-disciplinary areas, the programme focuses on developing analytical and critical perspectives by examining knowledge discourses across disciplines from a gender perspective.
The two-year, 64-credit MA programme comprises a total of eight courses and project work. The four core courses of the first year provide an introduction to women’s movements, feminist theories and concepts, and gender perspectives in relation to social power hierarchies, arts and media and representations of gender bodies. The modular programme allows learners to exit at the end of the first year with a PG diploma in women’s and gender studies, or continue for the full MA degree.
In the second year, learners can opt for a specialisation either in gender, literature and culture or in women’s studies. Besides a compulsory course in research methods, specialised courses in the two streams are aimed at providing enhanced knowledge in the area of specialisation. The courses are intended to equip students with foundation as well as advance knowledge in a chosen area to prepare them for relevant employment opportunities later.
{{/usCountry}}In the second year, learners can opt for a specialisation either in gender, literature and culture or in women’s studies. Besides a compulsory course in research methods, specialised courses in the two streams are aimed at providing enhanced knowledge in the area of specialisation. The courses are intended to equip students with foundation as well as advance knowledge in a chosen area to prepare them for relevant employment opportunities later.
{{/usCountry}}Career paths and employment opportunities can be sought in higher education, teaching, NGOs, public and private sector, counseling, media, mass communication, journalism, writing, editing, or other fields where a conceptual and analytical understanding of gender issues is required. Persons already employed in various fields (NGOs, counselling, psychology, law, medical field, journalism, media, etc) may take up this programme to acquire additional knowledge and for better career opportunities within their respective areas.
The deadline for admission to the course is July 31, 2013 (with late fee). Further information regarding admissions can be obtained from the common prospectus available at the university website: www.ignou.ac.in