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M-A-ENGLISH-COMPARATIVE-LITERATURE in General at Central University of Kerala
Kasaragod, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is General at Central University of Kerala Kasaragod?
This M.A. English & Comparative Literature program at Central University of Kerala focuses on a comprehensive study of English literature, critical theories, and cross-cultural literary traditions. It deepens understanding of diverse textual forms and critical perspectives, preparing students for advanced research and academic careers. The program stands out for its emphasis on comparative methodologies within an Indian academic context, highlighting global literary dialogues.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for humanities graduates with a keen interest in literary studies, critical thinking, and cultural analysis. It suits fresh graduates aspiring for M.Phil./Ph.D. or teaching careers in colleges and universities. Working professionals seeking to enhance their literary research skills or transition into academic roles will also find it beneficial. A strong foundation in English language and literature is a prerequisite.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including academia (assistant professors, researchers), content writing, editing, publishing, and journalism. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing with experience. The program fosters critical analytical skills highly valued across sectors, preparing students for UGC-NET/JRF and competitive exams. Many secure positions in educational institutions and media houses.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Literary Theories- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding foundational critical theories such as New Criticism, Structuralism, Post-structuralism, and Feminism. Attend department workshops on theory application, join reading groups, and actively discuss theoretical concepts with peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Purdue OWL, Seminal texts by theorists like Barthes, Derrida, and Said
Career Connection
A strong theoretical grounding is crucial for advanced research, academic writing, and teaching roles, making graduates highly competitive for UGC-NET/JRF and academic positions.
Cultivate Effective Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing robust research methodologies, including literature review, citation management, and academic writing. Utilize university library resources, learn advanced search techniques, and practice ethical research practices. Seek early guidance from faculty on potential research interests.
Tools & Resources
MLA Handbook, Chicago Manual of Style, Mendeley/Zotero, CUK Library databases, Research methodology workshops
Career Connection
Essential for dissertation writing, pursuing M.Phil./Ph.D., and any role requiring analytical thinking, documentation, and evidence-based arguments.
Engage in Peer Learning and Literary Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups with peers to discuss challenging texts, theories, and concepts. Organize informal literary debates or book club meetings to broaden perspectives and enhance interpretative skills. Participate actively in classroom discussions to articulate ideas clearly.
Tools & Resources
Departmental common rooms, Online discussion forums, Literary journals, CUK cultural clubs
Career Connection
Improves communication skills, critical thinking, and collaborative abilities, valuable for academic discourse, teaching, and content creation roles.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Interdisciplinary Connections- (Semester 3)
Actively seek out connections between literature and other disciplines like history, philosophy, sociology, and media studies. Choose electives that broaden your intellectual scope. Attend interdepartmental seminars and workshops to gain a holistic understanding of cultural phenomena.
Tools & Resources
Cross-listed courses, Interdisciplinary journals, CUK events calendars, Guest lectures from other departments
Career Connection
Develops a versatile profile for careers in cultural studies, policy analysis, media research, and multidisciplinary academic roles, highly sought after in India.
Participate in Academic Conferences & Workshops- (Semester 3-4)
Attend and, if possible, present papers at departmental, university-level, or national conferences on literary studies. Engage with visiting scholars and experts. Participate in writing workshops to refine academic presentation and publication skills.
Tools & Resources
CUK''''s academic calendar, Calls for papers, National literary associations (e.g., IACLALS)
Career Connection
Builds professional networks, enhances academic credibility, and provides valuable experience for future research and teaching positions.
Begin Dissertation Research and Outline- (Semester 3)
By Semester 3, start brainstorming dissertation topics, identifying potential supervisors, and conducting preliminary literature reviews. Develop a clear research question and methodology. Utilize the research skills acquired in the foundation stage to build a robust outline.
Tools & Resources
CUK research guidelines, Faculty consultation, Past dissertations from the department, Online academic databases
Career Connection
The dissertation is a cornerstone for academic career progression (Ph.D.) and demonstrates independent research capabilities valued by employers in research and content development.
Advanced Stage
Refine and Complete Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Dedicate substantial effort to writing, revising, and perfecting the dissertation. Seek regular feedback from your supervisor, meticulously edit for clarity and coherence, and ensure strict adherence to academic formatting and citation guidelines. Aim for originality and scholarly contribution.
Tools & Resources
Supervisor guidance, CUK writing center (if available), Plagiarism checkers, Academic proofreading services
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is crucial for gaining admission to Ph.D. programs, securing research grants, and demonstrating expertise to potential employers in academia and research.
Prepare for UGC-NET/JRF and Teaching Opportunities- (Semester 4)
Start rigorous preparation for the UGC-NET/JRF examination, which is essential for assistant professorships in India. Join coaching classes, solve previous year papers, and focus on both Paper I (Teaching & Research Aptitude) and Paper II (English Literature). Explore teaching assistant roles if available.
Tools & Resources
UGC-NET/JRF study materials, Previous year question papers, Online platforms for test preparation
Career Connection
Directly opens doors to academic teaching positions in Indian universities and colleges and qualifies for junior research fellowships.
Build a Professional Portfolio and Network- (Semester 4)
Compile a portfolio of your best academic papers, research presentations, and any publications. Develop a strong CV tailored for academic or industry roles. Attend job fairs, connect with alumni, and network with professionals in publishing, media, and education sectors to explore diverse career opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional networking events, CUK career guidance cell, Alumni association
Career Connection
Facilitates seamless transition into employment by showcasing skills and achievements, leading to opportunities in academia, content creation, editing, and corporate communications in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Any graduate with 50% marks or equivalent grade in Part III/Core Group (excluding subsidiaries) OR 50% marks or equivalent grade in English language/literature (45% for SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/PWD/EWS candidates). Admission through CUET PG.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: Minimum 72 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENL 4001 | Modern Critical Theory | Core | 4 | Foundations of Modern Criticism, New Criticism and Formalism, Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Feminist Criticism, Deconstruction |
| ENL 4002 | Indian English Literature | Core | 4 | Early Indian English Writing, The Indian English Novel, Poetry in Indian English, Indian English Drama, Contemporary Trends |
| ENL 4003 | English Literature: 16th to 18th Century | Core | 4 | Renaissance and Elizabethan Literature, Metaphysical and Cavalier Poetry, Restoration Drama and Prose, Augustan Literature, Pre-Romanticism |
| ENL 4004 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research, Research Design and Methods, Data Collection and Analysis, Academic Writing and Documentation, Ethics in Research, Interdisciplinary Approaches |
| ENL 4005 | History and Structure of English Language | Core | 4 | Old English Period, Middle English Period, Early Modern and Modern English, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENL 4006 | Comparative Literature: Theory and Practice | Core | 4 | Definition and Scope of Comparative Literature, Schools of Comparative Literature, Influence, Analogy, and Translation, Genre and Theme Studies, East-West Literary Relations, Interdisciplinary Comparisons |
| ENL 4007 | English Literature: 19th and 20th Century | Core | 4 | Romanticism and Victorianism, Modernist Literature, Post-War British Fiction, Contemporary British Drama, Irish Literature |
| ENL 4008 | World Literature | Core | 4 | Concept of World Literature, African Literature, Latin American Literature, European Literature (Non-English), Asian Literature (Non-English), Literature in Translation |
| ENL 4009 | Translation Studies | Elective (Open Elective) | 4 | Theories of Translation, Types of Translation, Cultural Aspects in Translation, Translator''''s Role and Ethics, Machine Translation, Translation Criticism |
| ENL 4010 | Contemporary Literary Theory | Elective (Department Elective) | 4 | Postmodernism and Posthumanism, Postcolonial Theory, Queer Theory, Ecocriticism, Digital Humanities, Affect Theory |
| SSC 4001 | Soft Skill Course-II | Soft Skill Course | 2 | Generic Professional Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Problem-solving, Personal Development |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENL 5001 | New Literatures in English | Core | 4 | Postcolonial Literatures, African Literature, Caribbean Literature, Canadian Literature, Australian Literature, Diaspora and Migrant Writing |
| ENL 5002 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Early American Writing, Transcendentalism and Realism, Modern American Fiction, African American Literature, Contemporary American Poetry, Native American Literature |
| ENL 5003 | Literary Criticism and Theory: Advanced | Core | 4 | Reader-Response Theory, Cultural Studies, New Historicism, Critical Race Theory, Advanced Psychoanalysis, Spatial Theory |
| ENL 5004 | Gender Studies | Elective (Department Elective) | 4 | Feminist Thought, Masculinity Studies, Queer Theory, Gender and Representation, Women''''s Writing, Gender in Literature and Culture |
| ENL 5005 | Literature and Media | Elective (Department Elective) | 4 | Media Theory, Adaptations across Media, Literature and Film, Digital Narratives, Print Culture and New Media, Media Ethics and Aesthetics |
| SSC 5001 | Soft Skill Course-III | Soft Skill Course | 2 | Generic Professional Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Problem-solving, Personal Development |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENL 5006 | Comparative Aesthetics | Core | 4 | Indian Poetics (Rasa, Dhvani), Western Aesthetics (Aristotle, Longinus), Comparative Poetics, Classical Indian Theories, Aesthetics of Modernism, Cross-cultural Aesthetic Theories |
| ENL 5007 | Dissertation | Core | 6 | Research Proposal Development, Literature Review, Methodology and Data Analysis, Thesis Writing and Structuring, Academic Presentation Skills, Ethical Considerations |
| ENL 5008 | Literary Theories and Practices in India | Elective (Department Elective) | 4 | Sanskrit Poetics, Tamil Poetics, Bhakti Movement Literature, Dalit Literature, Folk and Oral Traditions, Performance Studies in India |
| ENL 5009 | English Language Teaching | Elective (Department Elective) | 4 | ELT Methods and Approaches, Second Language Acquisition, Lesson Planning and Materials Development, Assessment in ELT, Classroom Management, Technology in ELT |
| SSC 5002 | Soft Skill Course-IV | Soft Skill Course | 2 | Generic Professional Skills, Communication Skills, Teamwork, Problem-solving, Personal Development |
