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MA in English at CHRIST (Deemed to be University)
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is English at CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Bengaluru?
This MA English program at CHRIST, Bengaluru, focuses on developing advanced critical thinking and analytical skills through a comprehensive study of literary theories, diverse literary traditions, and language studies. Rooted in India''''s rich academic heritage, the program delves into classical and contemporary texts, preparing students for dynamic roles in education, research, media, and publishing. It aims to bridge global literary perspectives with local cultural nuances, making it highly relevant for the Indian intellectual landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for English literature graduates passionate about deeper textual analysis, cultural studies, and theoretical frameworks. It caters to fresh graduates seeking entry into academia or research, as well as aspiring writers, editors, journalists, and content creators. Working professionals looking to enhance their analytical and communication skills for roles in media, corporate communications, or teaching will also find the curriculum enriching, given its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and critical inquiry.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as university lecturers (after NET/SET), researchers, content strategists, technical writers, editors, and journalists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 8-15 LPA in education or publishing. The program fosters advanced critical thinking, research acumen, and effective communication, essential skills for upward growth in Indian companies, think tanks, and media houses.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Active Reading & Critical Annotation- (Semester 1-2)
Develop a habit of actively reading texts by annotating, highlighting key arguments, and summarizing complex ideas. Use online tools like Hypothesis for collaborative annotation or physical notebooks for structured notes. Focus on understanding historical contexts and theoretical underpinnings discussed in class.
Tools & Resources
Hypothesis, Zotero (for bibliography), literary journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly, Indian Literature), library databases
Career Connection
Enhances research skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to articulate complex ideas, crucial for academic writing, research roles, and analytical positions.
Engage in Peer-to-Peer Learning & Discussion Forums- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss challenging literary theories and texts. Participate actively in classroom discussions and online forums (if provided by the university) to share interpretations and broaden perspectives. Organize informal debates on controversial literary topics.
Tools & Resources
Google Meet/Zoom for group discussions, university LMS discussion boards, dedicated WhatsApp groups
Career Connection
Improves communication, collaboration, and critical argumentation skills, valuable in any team-based professional setting, especially in media, education, and content creation.
Build Foundational Research & Citation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Master the basics of academic research, including identifying credible sources, ethical data collection, and proper citation styles (MLA/Chicago). Utilize library resources and academic databases extensively. Attend workshops on research methodology offered by the university.
Tools & Resources
CHRIST University Library resources, JSTOR, Project MUSE, Purdue OWL, Mendeley/Zotero
Career Connection
Essential for academic careers, content development, and any role requiring credible information synthesis and reporting, highly valued in Indian academia and publishing.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize through Electives and Interdisciplinary Projects- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose electives that align with your career interests (e.g., ELT for teaching, Media Studies for journalism). Seek opportunities for interdisciplinary projects, perhaps collaborating with students from other departments (e.g., combining Literature and Film with a Visual Arts student).
Tools & Resources
University elective guides, departmental faculty for mentorship, inter-departmental collaboration platforms
Career Connection
Develops specialized knowledge and a unique profile, making you a more attractive candidate for specific roles in teaching, media, or cultural industries in India.
Seek Practical Exposure through Internships- (Semester 3)
Actively search for and complete an internship in a relevant field such as publishing, content writing, journalism, or education. This practical experience, often credit-bearing, is vital for understanding industry dynamics and building a professional network.
Tools & Resources
University career services, LinkedIn, internshala.com, company websites of Indian publishers/media houses
Career Connection
Provides real-world experience, enhances resume, and often leads to pre-placement offers, significantly boosting employability in the competitive Indian job market.
Participate in Academic Conferences & Workshops- (Semester 3)
Attend and ideally present papers at national and international conferences or seminars on English Literature. Engage in workshops on advanced research methods, digital humanities, or academic writing to hone specialized skills and network with scholars.
Tools & Resources
Calls for papers (CFPs), university bulletin boards, academic association websites (e.g., Sahitya Akademi)
Career Connection
Builds academic credibility, enhances public speaking skills, and establishes connections with the wider academic community, crucial for a research or teaching career in India.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation Research and Writing- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your dissertation, ensuring originality, rigorous methodology, and clear academic writing. Work closely with your supervisor, attend all progress review meetings, and incorporate feedback diligently.
Tools & Resources
Plagiarism checkers (Turnitin), academic writing guides, EndNote/Mendeley for citation management, library''''s research support
Career Connection
Demonstrates advanced research capability and independent scholarship, critical for Ph.D. admissions, research-oriented roles, and high-level content development positions in India.
Prepare for NET/SET and Higher Education- (Semester 4)
If aspiring for a career in academia, begin preparing for the National Eligibility Test (NET) or State Eligibility Test (SET) during the final semester. Focus on core literary theories and historical periods. Explore Ph.D. programs and scholarships in India and abroad.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET syllabus, previous year question papers, online coaching platforms, university academic advisors
Career Connection
Essential qualification for Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and colleges, and a strong foundation for doctoral studies.
Develop Professional Portfolio & Interview Skills- (Semester 4)
Curate a portfolio of your best academic papers, creative writings, and internship projects. Practice interview skills, focusing on articulating your research interests, critical insights, and career aspirations clearly and confidently. Leverage university placement cell services.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn profile, personal website/blog, mock interview sessions, career counseling services at CHRIST
Career Connection
Crucial for securing placements in educational institutions, publishing houses, content agencies, and corporate communications in India, showcasing your capabilities to potential employers.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates must have a Bachelor''''s degree (3 or 4 years) in English (Major/Honours/Core) or a Bachelor''''s degree with English as a compulsory subject, from any recognised university in India or abroad. Candidates are expected to have scored an aggregate of 50% or equivalent grade in their Bachelor''''s degree.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 76 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG131 | Literary Criticism: From Aristotle to the Romantics | Core | 4 | Aristotle''''s Poetics, Longinus on the Sublime, Neoclassical Criticism, Romantic Criticism, Coleridge''''s Biographia Literaria, Wordsworth''''s Preface to Lyrical Ballads |
| ENG132 | Indian Literature in English Translation | Core | 4 | History of Indian Literature, Regional Literatures, Dalit Literature, Women''''s Writing, Post-Colonial Indian Writings, Major Indian Authors |
| ENG133 | Linguistics and English Language Teaching | Core | 4 | Introduction to Linguistics, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics, Language Teaching Methodologies, ESP and Syllabus Design |
| ENG134 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research, Research Design, Data Collection, Quantitative and Qualitative Research, Report Writing, Ethics in Research |
| ENG135 | British Literature: Early to 18th Century | Core | 4 | Medieval Literature, Renaissance Drama, Metaphysical Poetry, Restoration Comedy, Augustan Age, Pre-Romanticism |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG231 | Literary Theory: From Marx to Postmodernism | Core | 4 | Marxism and Literature, Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Feminism and Gender Studies, Postcolonial Theory, Ecocriticism |
| ENG232 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Colonial and Early American Literature, Transcendentalism, American Realism, Modern American Poetry, African-American Literature, Contemporary American Fiction |
| ENG233 | World Literatures in English | Core | 4 | Postcolonial Literatures, African Literature, Caribbean Literature, Canadian Literature, Australian Literature, Nobel Laureates |
| ENG234 | British Literature: 19th and 20th Century | Core | 4 | Romanticism, Victorian Age, Modernism, World Wars Literature, Post-War British Fiction, Contemporary British Drama |
| ENG241 | Gender Studies | Elective | 4 | Feminism, Masculinity Studies, Queer Theory, Gender and Representation, Women''''s Voices, Gender in India |
| ENG242 | Media Studies | Elective | 4 | History of Media, Media Theories, Print and Electronic Media, Digital Media, Media Ethics, Advertising and Public Relations |
| ENG243 | Creative Writing | Elective | 4 | Elements of Fiction, Poetry Writing, Script Writing, Travel Writing, Non-fiction, Editing and Publishing |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG331 | Literature and Other Arts | Core | 4 | Literature and Painting, Literature and Music, Literature and Film, Literature and Architecture, Inter-art Studies, Adaptation Studies |
| ENG332 | New Literatures in English | Core | 4 | Commonwealth Literature, Postcolonial Authors, Diaspora Literature, South Asian Literature, Caribbean Literature, African Literature |
| ENG341 | ELT: Materials and Methods | Elective | 4 | ELT Approaches, Curriculum Design, Material Development, Classroom Management, Assessment in ELT, Language Skills |
| ENG342 | Literature and Film | Elective | 4 | Film Theory, Adaptation Studies, Narrative in Film, Auteur Theory, Indian Cinema, Global Cinema |
| ENG343 | Translation Studies | Elective | 4 | Theories of Translation, Types of Translation, Cultural Translation, Literary Translation, Machine Translation, Translation Ethics |
| ENG344 | Indian Aesthetics | Elective | 4 | Rasa Theory, Dhvani, Alankaras, Natyashastra, Indian Art Forms, Comparative Aesthetics |
| ENG345 | Ecocriticism and Environmental Humanities | Elective | 4 | Nature Writing, Environmental Philosophy, Green Studies, Posthumanism, Climate Change Literature, Animal Studies |
| ENG346 | Digital Humanities | Elective | 4 | Digital Textualities, Data Analysis, Text Mining, Digital Archiving, Scholarly Editing, Digital Pedagogy |
| ENG371 | Internship / Skill-Based Learning | Core | 2 | Practical Application, Industry Exposure, Professional Skill Development, Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Project Management |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG431 | Contemporary Literary Trends | Core | 4 | Postmodernism, Globalization and Literature, Trauma Studies, Memory Studies, Graphic Narratives, Cyberculture and Literature |
| ENG432 | Dissertation | Core | 6 | Research Proposal, Literature Review, Methodology, Data Analysis, Thesis Writing, Oral Defense |
| ENG441 | Children''''s Literature | Elective | 4 | History of Children''''s Literature, Genres, Picture Books, Young Adult Fiction, Fables and Folk Tales, Pedagogy |
| ENG442 | Science Fiction and Fantasy | Elective | 4 | Origins of SF, Utopian/Dystopian Literature, Cyberpunk, Fantasy Tropes, World Building, Speculative Fiction |
| ENG443 | Academic Writing and Publishing | Elective | 4 | Essay Writing, Research Paper Structure, Citation Styles, Peer Review Process, Journal Publishing, Presentation Skills |
| ENG444 | Theatre and Performance Studies | Elective | 4 | History of Theatre, Performance Theory, Indian Theatre, Modern Drama, Staging, Audience Reception |
| ENG445 | Comics and Graphic Narratives | Elective | 4 | History of Comics, Graphic Novel as Art Form, Visual Storytelling, Sequential Art, Manga, Cultural Impact |
| ENG446 | Critical Race Theory | Elective | 4 | Race and Racism, Critical Whiteness Studies, Intersectionality, Postcolonial Race Theory, Social Justice, Identity Politics |
