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BA in English Literature And Journalism at CMS College Kottayam
Kottayam, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is English Literature and Journalism at CMS College Kottayam Kottayam?
This BA English Literature and Journalism program at CMS College Kottayam focuses on equipping students with a profound understanding of literary traditions alongside practical skills in modern journalism. The curriculum blends rigorous literary analysis, critical theory, and creative expression with essential journalistic techniques for news gathering, reporting, and media production. It addresses the growing need for media professionals who possess strong linguistic and analytical abilities in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from diverse academic backgrounds who possess a strong command of English and a keen interest in both literary arts and current affairs. It suits aspiring journalists, content writers, editors, public relations professionals, and literary critics looking for a comprehensive foundation. Individuals passionate about storytelling, critical analysis, and contributing to the media landscape in India will find this course particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as journalists, sub-editors, content writers, copywriters, public relations officers, and academic researchers. Entry-level salaries in journalism typically range from INR 2.5-4 lakhs annually, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 8-15 lakhs, depending on the media house and specialization. The program also prepares students for higher studies in literature, media studies, or mass communication.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Reading Habit- (Semester 1-2)
Cultivate a habit of reading diverse literary genres and daily news, beyond prescribed texts. Join college literary clubs or reading groups to discuss books and current events, broadening your perspective and enhancing comprehension skills.
Tools & Resources
College Library, Project Gutenberg (for classics), Daily Indian Newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express), Literary Clubs
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking, vocabulary, and understanding of complex narratives crucial for both literary analysis and journalistic content creation, leading to stronger academic performance and better writing skills for media careers.
Master English Grammar and Academic Writing- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on refining English grammar, syntax, and academic writing conventions. Utilize online resources and grammar checkers, and actively seek feedback on all written assignments to improve clarity, precision, and adherence to academic standards.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Purdue OWL, MGU Academic Writing Guidelines, Peer Review Groups
Career Connection
Strong grammatical proficiency and clear academic writing are fundamental for excelling in literary essays and producing credible, error-free journalistic content, making you a more desirable candidate for editing and writing roles.
Engage with Introductory Journalism Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in complementary journalism classes. Practice identifying news values in everyday events, write short news reports, and try interviewing peers. Attend campus events and attempt to cover them as a reporter, focusing on basic reporting ethics.
Tools & Resources
Journalism Textbooks, News Portals, Student Publications, Campus Events
Career Connection
Lays the groundwork for practical journalism skills, helps in understanding media processes early on, and builds confidence for future field assignments and internships in the Indian media industry.
Intermediate Stage
Participate in College Media Initiatives- (Semester 3-5)
Join the college magazine, newsletter, or any student-run media initiatives. Take on roles in reporting, editing, or content creation. This hands-on experience in a structured environment is invaluable for applying classroom learning.
Tools & Resources
College Magazine/Newsletter, Departmental Blogs, Photography Clubs
Career Connection
Provides practical exposure to the editorial process, teamwork, deadlines, and content management, directly enhancing your portfolio for media placements and demonstrating industry readiness.
Build a Portfolio of Writings and Reports- (Semester 3-5)
Maintain a personal blog or digital portfolio showcasing your best literary essays, critical analyses, and journalistic reports. Include articles written for college publications, mock reports, and creative pieces. Seek mentorship from faculty.
Tools & Resources
WordPress/Blogger, LinkedIn Profile, Google Drive, Faculty Mentors
Career Connection
A strong portfolio is crucial for demonstrating your skills to potential employers for internships and jobs in content creation, journalism, or publishing firms across India.
Attend Workshops and Guest Lectures- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek out and attend workshops on advanced journalism skills (e.g., photojournalism, documentary making, digital media) and literary seminars conducted by eminent personalities. Network with professionals and academicians.
Tools & Resources
College Event Announcements, University Seminars, Industry Webinars
Career Connection
Expands your skill set beyond the curriculum, provides insights into industry trends, and helps build a professional network, which is vital for securing internships and future job opportunities in the competitive Indian market.
Advanced Stage
Undertake an Internship with a Media House- (Semester 5-6 (Summer breaks or during final semester))
Secure an internship with a newspaper, magazine, digital media platform, or PR agency during breaks. Focus on applying reporting, editing, or content development skills in a real-world setting, preferably in an Indian context.
Tools & Resources
College Placement Cell, Internshala, LinkedIn Jobs, Direct Applications
Career Connection
Provides invaluable industry experience, professional contacts, and a clear understanding of the media landscape, significantly boosting your employability for full-time roles post-graduation.
Specialize in a Niche and Publish- (Semester 6)
Identify a specific area of interest within journalism (e.g., environmental, political, cultural) or literature (e.g., a specific literary period, genre, or theory). Research and write advanced articles or critical essays for publication in academic journals or respected online platforms.
Tools & Resources
Academic Databases, Online Journals, Reputable News Portals accepting op-eds
Career Connection
Establishes you as an expert in a specific field, enhances your profile for specialized roles, and demonstrates a deep commitment to intellectual inquiry, important for higher education or expert commentary roles.
Prepare for Placements and Higher Studies- (Semester 6)
Refine your resume and cover letter, practice interview skills, and prepare for competitive exams if pursuing higher studies (e.g., MA English, Mass Communication). Leverage the college''''s placement cell for mock interviews and career counseling.
Tools & Resources
College Placement Cell, Online Interview Preparation Platforms, UGC NET/other entrance exam materials
Career Connection
Ensures a smooth transition into the professional world or further academic pursuits, maximizing your chances of securing desirable placements or admissions into prestigious Indian universities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed Plus Two or equivalent examination from a recognized board.
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 120 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN1C01 | Literary Genres | Common Course (English) | 4 | Understanding Literature, Poetry Forms and Analysis, Drama and Theatrical Elements, Fiction: Novel and Short Story, Non-fiction: Essays and Biographies, Literary Criticism Basics |
| EN1C02 | English Grammar and Usage | Common Course (English) | 3 | Parts of Speech, Tenses and Voice, Sentence Structures, Common Errors in English, Punctuation and Capitalization, Direct and Reported Speech |
| ML1C01/HN1C01 (or other) | Additional Language I (e.g., Malayalam/Hindi) | Common Course (Additional Language) | 4 | Fundamentals of Grammar, Prose and Poetry Selections, Basic Communication Skills, Cultural Context, Translation Practice, Vocabulary Building |
| EN1B01 | Methodology of Literary Studies | Core Course (English) | 4 | Defining Literature, Approaches to Literary Study, Literary Theory Introduction, Research Skills, Academic Writing Conventions, Critical Reading |
| JO1C01 | Introduction to Journalism | Complementary Course (Journalism) | 2 | Nature of Journalism, History of Indian Press, News Values, Mass Media Overview, Media Ethics, Types of Journalism |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN2C03 | Critical Thinking and Academic Writing | Common Course (English) | 4 | Logic and Reasoning, Argumentation Skills, Essay Structure, Research Paper Writing, Citing and Referencing, Avoiding Plagiarism |
| EN2C04 | Reading Literature in English | Common Course (English) | 3 | Poetry Analysis, Elements of Drama, Prose Styles, Fiction Interpretation, Literary Terms Application, Contextual Reading |
| ML2C01/HN2C01 (or other) | Additional Language II (e.g., Malayalam/Hindi) | Common Course (Additional Language) | 4 | Advanced Grammar, Literary Texts Analysis, Creative Writing, Public Speaking Practice, Regional Literature, Language and Society |
| EN2B02 | Reading Prose | Core Course (English) | 4 | Essays and Articles, Speeches and Oratory, Biographies and Autobiographies, Literary Movements in Prose, Rhetorical Devices, Interpreting Non-Fiction |
| JO2C02 | Reporting | Complementary Course (Journalism) | 2 | News Gathering Techniques, Interviewing Skills, Sources of News, Types of Reporting, Feature Writing, Investigative Journalism |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN3C05 | Literature and the Contemporary World | Common Course (English) | 4 | Literature and Society, Environmental Literature, Identity and Representation, Technology in Literature, Globalisation and Culture, Contemporary Issues |
| ML3C01/HN3C01 (or other) | Additional Language III (e.g., Malayalam/Hindi) | Common Course (Additional Language) | 4 | History of Language Literature, Modern Literary Trends, Literary Criticism in Language, Poetic Traditions, Prose Styles, Translation Studies |
| EN3B03 | Reading Poetry | Core Course (English) | 4 | Elements of Poetry, Poetic Forms and Devices, Major English Poets, Poetic Movements, Sound and Rhythm, Interpreting Poetic Meaning |
| JO3C03 | Editing and Principles of Design | Complementary Course (Journalism) | 3 | Copy Editing Techniques, Headline Writing, Page Layout and Design, Photojournalism Basics, Proofreading Symbols, Graphic Design for Media |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN4C06 | Literary Criticism and Theory | Common Course (English) | 4 | Classical Criticism, Romantic Criticism, New Criticism, Structuralism, Post-structuralism, Postcolonial Theory |
| ML4C01/HN4C01 (or other) | Additional Language IV (e.g., Malayalam/Hindi) | Common Course (Additional Language) | 4 | Drama and Performance Studies, Folk and Oral Traditions, Contemporary Literature, Literary Adaptations, Classical Texts, Short Story Analysis |
| EN4B04 | Reading Drama | Core Course (English) | 4 | History of Drama, Shakespearean Drama, Modern European Drama, Absurdist Theatre, Dramatic Devices, Performance Studies |
| JO4C04 | Media Law and Ethics | Complementary Course (Journalism) | 3 | Freedom of Press in India, Defamation and Libel, Copyright and Intellectual Property, Press Council of India, Broadcast Regulations, Ethical Dilemmas in Media |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN5B05 | Shakespeare Studies | Core Course (English) | 4 | Shakespeare''''s Tragedies, Comedies and Romances, Historical Context, Sonnets and Poetry, Critical Approaches to Shakespeare, Shakespeare in Performance |
| EN5B06 | History of English Literature | Core Course (English) | 4 | Old English Period, Middle English Period, Renaissance Literature, Restoration and 18th Century, Romantic and Victorian Ages, Modern and Postmodern Literature |
| EN5B07 | Indian Writing in English | Core Course (English) | 4 | Early Indian English Writers, Post-Independence Indian Fiction, Diasporic Indian Literature, Themes in Indian Writing, Major Indian Authors, Regional English Writing |
| EN5B08 | American Literature | Core Course (English) | 4 | Colonial and Early American Writing, Transcendentalism, Realism and Naturalism, Harlem Renaissance, Modern American Novelists, American Poetic Traditions |
| EN5D01 | Open Course: Academic Writing | Open Course | 3 | Introduction to Research Writing, Essay and Report Structure, Effective Argumentation, Referencing and Bibliographies, Critical Analysis, Review Writing |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN6B09 | European Fiction | Core Course (English) | 4 | Rise of the Novel in Europe, Realism and Naturalism, Existentialist Fiction, Modernist and Postmodernist Trends, Major European Novelists, Narrative Techniques |
| EN6B10 | Women''''s Writing | Core Course (English) | 4 | Feminist Literary Theory, Women''''s Voices in English Literature, Indian Women Writers, Global Perspectives on Women''''s Writing, Gender and Representation, Autobiographical Writing |
| EN6B11 | Postcolonial Literatures | Core Course (English) | 4 | Postcolonial Theory, Impact of Colonialism, Themes of Identity and Hybridity, Resistance Literature, Major Postcolonial Authors, Literature from the Global South |
| EN6B12(Pr) | Project/Dissertation | Core Course (English) - Project | 4 | Research Question Formulation, Literature Review, Data Collection and Analysis, Academic Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Ethical Research Practices |
| EN6B13(E) | Elective Course: English Language Teaching | Elective Course (English) | 3 | Principles of Language Teaching, Second Language Acquisition, Teaching Methods and Approaches, Classroom Management, Materials Development, Language Assessment |
