

M-A-KANNADA 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. Kannada program at Central University of Kerala focuses on an in-depth study of Kannada language, literature, culture, and linguistics. It delves into ancient, medieval, and modern literary traditions, embracing critical theories and research methodologies. The program is designed to preserve and promote the rich heritage of Kannada, a prominent Dravidian language, contributing significantly to India''''s diverse linguistic landscape. It emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of literary forms and cultural nuances.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for graduates with a background in Kannada or other languages with Kannada as a second language, seeking to deepen their academic and cultural understanding. It suits aspiring researchers, academicians, writers, and those passionate about language preservation. Fresh graduates aiming for teaching roles or cultural institutions, as well as professionals in media and communication wanting to enhance their linguistic proficiency for content creation in Kannada, will find this program beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as university lecturers, researchers in literary and linguistic studies, content writers, journalists in Kannada media, and translators. Opportunities also exist in cultural organizations, archives, and government sectors promoting regional languages. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in academia or specialized media roles, aligning with growth in regional language content industries.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immerse in Classical Kannada Texts- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with the rich legacy of Old and Medieval Kannada literature. Focus on understanding the nuances of language, poetic forms (Champu, Vachana, Dasa Sahitya), and grammatical structures.
Tools & Resources
University library''''s collection of classical texts, Online repositories of Kannada literature, Discussions with faculty and senior students
Career Connection
Builds a strong foundational knowledge essential for research, teaching, and literary criticism in Kannada.
Develop Strong Linguistic Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Master Dravidian and Modern Linguistics concepts, including phonetics, morphology, and semantics, specific to Kannada. Pay attention to the historical evolution of the language and its dialects.
Tools & Resources
Linguistics textbooks, Online linguistic databases, Attending language workshops, Practicing linguistic analysis
Career Connection
Crucial for advanced research in language studies, lexicography, and language policy development.
Cultivate Critical Reading and Discussion Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond textbook learning, actively participate in classroom discussions, literary circles, and seminars. Form study groups to analyze texts from various perspectives and present your interpretations.
Tools & Resources
Peer study groups, Departmental literary club, Online forums for literary analysis
Career Connection
Enhances analytical thinking and communication skills, vital for academic presentations, research papers, and critical writing.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Comparative and Interdisciplinary Studies- (Semester 3)
Explore how Kannada literature interacts with other literatures (Indian and global) and disciplines like cultural studies. This broadens perspective and fosters innovative research ideas.
Tools & Resources
Comparative literature journals, Interdisciplinary seminars, Collaborating with students from other language departments
Career Connection
Prepares for advanced research that bridges different fields, highly valued in modern academia and cultural policy making.
Master Research Methodology and Critical Analysis- (Semester 3)
Systematically learn research design, data collection, critical theory application, and academic writing. Apply these skills to analyze literary works and cultural phenomena.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology handbooks, Academic databases (JSTOR, MLA International Bibliography), Writing centers, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Essential for pursuing M.Phil/Ph.D., becoming a literary critic, or working as a research associate in cultural studies.
Specialise through Electives and Project Work- (Semester 3-4)
Thoughtfully choose elective papers that align with your career aspirations, whether it is media, translation, or specific literary genres. Initiate preliminary research for your dissertation based on these interests.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, Departmental research seminars, Online resources for specific elective topics, Literary archives
Career Connection
Allows for deep expertise in a niche area, making you a specialist for specific job roles or further advanced studies.
Advanced Stage
Develop a Robust Dissertation for Impact- (Semester 4)
Approach your final dissertation as a significant contribution to Kannada studies. Ensure rigorous research, clear argumentation, and impeccable academic writing. Seek regular feedback from your supervisor.
Tools & Resources
Research software (if applicable), Advanced academic writing guides, University library services, Regular meetings with supervisor
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is a key credential for academic positions, research grants, and demonstrating expert knowledge.
Network and Present Research- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in national and international conferences, workshops, and literary events. Present your research findings, engage with scholars, and build professional connections within the academic and literary community.
Tools & Resources
Conference listing websites, Departmental funding for travel, Professional academic associations
Career Connection
Builds visibility, secures recommendations, and opens doors to collaborative projects and academic opportunities.
Prepare for Post-MA Opportunities- (Semester 4)
Based on your career goals (academia, media, translation, government), prepare for NET/SLET exams, job interviews, or entrance tests for further studies. Develop a strong CV focusing on your research, publications, and linguistic skills.
Tools & Resources
Career services, Mock interviews, Exam preparation materials, Mentorship from alumni and faculty
Career Connection
Streamlines your transition into the chosen career path, maximizing chances for successful placement or admission to higher studies.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Any graduate in Kannada or any other language/Literature with Kannada as Second language/Optional or equivalent qualification from any recognized University/Institute with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent grade (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC as per GOI norms).
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 72 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KN 401 | Old Kannada Poetry | Core | 4 | Poetic characteristics, Pre-Pampa era, Pampa era, Ranna era, Nagavarma - Kavyaavalokana |
| KN 402 | Prose Literature (Lexicon/Etymology) | Core | 4 | Novel, Short Story, Travelogue, Criticism, Champu |
| KN 403 | Dravidian Linguistics | Core | 4 | Origin of language, Language families, Dravidian languages, Kannada language studies, Lexicography |
| KN 404 | Kannada Grammar (Prosody, Rhetoric) | Core | 4 | Nature of prosody, Different meters, Figures of speech (Alankaras), Poetic flaws, Linguistic style |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KN 405 | Old Kannada Prose | Core | 4 | Vachana literature, Prose works, Inscriptional literature, Features of Old Kannada prose |
| KN 406 | Modernist Literature | Core | 4 | Poetry, Drama, Novel, Short Story, Criticism |
| KN 407 | Folk Literature | Core | 4 | Nature of folklore, Folk poetry, Prose, Drama, Folk studies |
| KN 408 | Modern Linguistics | Core | 4 | Branches of linguistics, Phonetics, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KN 501 | Medieval Kannada Literature | Core | 4 | Vachana literature, Dasa literature, Shatpadi poetry, Kirtanas, Prominent poets |
| KN 502 | Research Methodology and Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Nature of research, Principles of criticism, Prominent critics, Research report writing, Essay writing |
| KN 503 | Comparative Literature | Core | 4 | Concept of comparative literature, Influences, Imitation, Translation, Comparative studies in Kannada |
| KN 504A | Women''''s Literature | Elective | 4 | Women''''s writing in Kannada, Feminist criticism, Representation of women, Major women writers, Social issues |
| KN 504B | Dalit Literature | Elective | 4 | Dalit movement, Themes in Dalit literature, Dalit autobiography, Major Dalit writers, Social justice |
| KN 504C | Marketing and Media Kannada | Elective | 4 | Language in advertising, Media communication, Journalism, Content creation, Public relations |
| KN 504D | Regional Languages and Kannada | Elective | 4 | Language diversity in Karnataka, Dialects of Kannada, Inter-language relations, Language policy, Linguistic minorities |
| KN 504E | Mother Tongue Teaching Methodology | Elective | 4 | Principles of language teaching, Curriculum development, Teaching aids, Assessment techniques, Role of mother tongue |
| KN 504F | Ancient Kannada Poetics | Elective | 4 | Indian poetics, Poetic schools, Rasa theory, Dhvani theory, Figures of speech in ancient texts |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KN 505 | History of Kannada Literature | Core | 4 | Ancient literature, Medieval literature, Modern literature, Dalit and Bandaya literature, Contemporary trends |
| KN 506 | Cultural Studies | Core | 4 | Concept of culture, Kannada culture, Folk culture, Globalization and culture, Cultural identity |
| KN 507A | Kannada Drama and Theatre | Elective | 4 | History of Kannada theatre, Modern drama, Playwriting, Performance studies, Folk theatre |
| KN 507B | History of Criticism | Elective | 4 | Western criticism, Indian criticism, Major critical theories, Kannada critical tradition, Contemporary approaches |
| KN 507C | Media Studies | Elective | 4 | Mass media, Print media, Electronic media, Digital media, Media ethics |
| KN 507D | Translation Studies | Elective | 4 | Theories of translation, Types of translation, Cultural issues in translation, Translation tools, Machine translation |
| KN 507E | Creative Writing | Elective | 4 | Genres of creative writing, Storytelling techniques, Poetry writing, Scriptwriting, Editing |
| KN 507F | Art History | Elective | 4 | Indian art history, Karnataka art and architecture, Folk arts, Modern art forms, Aesthetics |
| KN 508 | Dissertation | Project | 4 | Research topic selection, Data collection methods, Analysis and interpretation, Thesis writing, Presentation |




