

B-A-ENGLISH-LANGUAGE-LITERATURE in General at De Paul Institute of Science and Technology


Ernakulam, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is General at De Paul Institute of Science and Technology Ernakulam?
This B.A. English Language & Literature program at De Paul Institute of Science and Technology focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of English literature, language, and critical theories. Situated in the vibrant cultural context of Kerala, the program is designed to cultivate strong analytical, communication, and creative skills, preparing students for diverse careers. It delves into the rich heritage of English language and literature while also incorporating contemporary trends and the burgeoning demands of the Indian media and publishing industries.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from diverse academic backgrounds who possess a keen interest in literature, critical thinking, and effective communication. It caters to individuals aspiring for careers in teaching, journalism, content creation, civil services, or higher education. The curriculum is also suitable for those looking to enhance their linguistic proficiency and analytical prowess, making them well-rounded professionals in various sectors requiring strong language and interpretation skills.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding career paths in India such as content writers, editors, journalists, public relations specialists, teachers, and civil servants. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 Lakhs to 4.5 Lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program provides a solid foundation for postgraduate studies in English, comparative literature, linguistics, or related fields, offering strong growth trajectories in academia and research within Indian universities.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Active Reading and Critical Analysis- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with prescribed texts, actively highlighting key themes, literary devices, and authorial intent. Participate regularly in class discussions and utilize resources like literary criticism guides and online academic databases to develop a strong analytical framework for interpreting texts.
Tools & Resources
Library resources, Academic journals, Online literary criticism platforms (e.g., JSTOR, Project MUSE through college library access), Peer study groups
Career Connection
Essential for building analytical skills required for research, content development, and effective communication in any professional role.
Develop Robust Academic Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering essay structures, research methodologies, and proper academic citation styles (e.g., MLA, Chicago). Seek regular feedback from professors on assignments and utilize campus writing centers for refining writing prowess and avoiding plagiarism. Practice summarizing and synthesizing information concisely.
Tools & Resources
College writing center, Moodle/LMS resources on academic writing, Grammarly, Online style guides (Purdue OWL)
Career Connection
Crucial for all academic and professional communication, including report writing, content creation, and formal presentations.
Enhance Spoken English and Communication Confidence- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in debates, public speaking events, and group presentations. Join English literary clubs or drama societies to practice articulate expression and overcome stage fright. Engage in conversations with peers and faculty to improve fluency and idiomatic usage.
Tools & Resources
Literary clubs, Debate societies, TED Talks for inspiration, Language learning apps for pronunciation, Mock interviews with seniors
Career Connection
Vital for interviews, client interactions, public relations, teaching, and leadership roles in any industry.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Diverse Literary Genres and Cultural Contexts- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond the syllabus, read widely across different genres (fiction, poetry, drama) and engage with literature from various cultural backgrounds, including Indian regional literature in translation. Understand how socio-political contexts influence literary expression.
Tools & Resources
Public libraries, Online literary magazines, World literature anthologies, College cultural societies, Online lecture series on literary movements
Career Connection
Broadens perspectives for roles in journalism, cultural studies, publishing, and provides a nuanced understanding essential for cross-cultural communication.
Initiate Research Projects and Participate in Conferences- (Semester 3-5)
Identify areas of interest and undertake small research projects under faculty mentorship. Aim to write research papers and present findings at internal college seminars or inter-collegiate literary festivals/conferences. This hones research and presentation skills.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, MGU research guidelines, Academic writing workshops, College research committee
Career Connection
Builds a strong profile for higher studies, academic research, and demonstrates initiative and analytical depth to potential employers.
Engage with Language and Media Industries Through Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Seek out short-term internships or volunteer opportunities with local newspapers, content creation agencies, publishing houses, or NGOs requiring strong communication. This provides practical exposure to the application of English skills in real-world professional settings.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, Local company directories, Professional networking events
Career Connection
Gaining practical experience is invaluable for securing placements, understanding industry demands, and building a professional network.
Advanced Stage
Specialize in a Niche and Develop a Portfolio- (Semester 6-8)
Identify a specific area of interest (e.g., Postcolonial Literature, Digital Humanities, Creative Writing, ELT) and focus your elective choices and project work around it. Start building a portfolio of your best essays, creative pieces, or research work to showcase your expertise.
Tools & Resources
Advanced electives, Final year dissertation/project, Personal blog/website, Online portfolio platforms (e.g., Behance for creative writing)
Career Connection
A specialized portfolio demonstrates expertise and passion, significantly boosting employability in target roles like content specialist, editor, or academic researcher.
Prepare Systematically for Career Opportunities- (Semester 6-8)
Actively participate in campus placement drives, attend workshops on resume building, interview preparation, and group discussions. For those aiming for civil services or higher education, begin focused preparation for competitive exams (UPSC, NET/SET, GRE/IELTS) or university entrance tests.
Tools & Resources
College career guidance cell, Online mock interview platforms, Competitive exam coaching centers, MGU career resources
Career Connection
Direct pathway to securing desired jobs, postgraduate admissions, or competitive government positions post-graduation.
Network with Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 6-8)
Attend literary festivals, book launches, and industry seminars to connect with authors, editors, journalists, and academics. Utilize the college''''s alumni network to gain insights, mentorship, and potential job leads. Building professional relationships is crucial for career advancement.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, College alumni association, Professional literary societies, Industry events in Kerala and nearby cities
Career Connection
Opens doors to hidden job markets, mentorship opportunities, and provides valuable career guidance from experienced professionals.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in Plus Two / Pre-Degree or equivalent examination from a recognized board/university.
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 170 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG1CC01 | Introduction to Literary Studies | Core | 4 | Definitions of Literature, Literary Genres, Elements of Fiction and Poetry, Poetic Devices, Literary Criticism basics |
| ENG1AE01 | Academic English Writing and Presentation Skills | Ability Enhancement Course (AEC) | 3 | Academic Writing Principles, Essay Structure, Research Skills, Referencing Styles, Oral Presentation Techniques |
| ENG1MC01 | Communication Skills in English | Minor | 4 | Conversational English, Public Speaking, Listening Skills, Non-verbal Communication, Interpersonal Skills |
| MDC1 | Multidisciplinary Course 1 | Multidisciplinary Course (MDC) | 3 | Basic concepts of chosen discipline, Foundational theories, Practical applications, Interdisciplinary connections, Basic problem-solving |
| ENG1GE01 | Reading English Texts for Pleasure | General Elective (GE) | 3 | Reading Strategies, Literary Appreciation, Diverse Genres, Character Analysis, Thematic Exploration |
| VA1GE01 | Value Education and Life Skills | Value Added Course (VAC) | 2 | Ethics and Human Values, Personal Development, Social Responsibility, Stress Management, Emotional Intelligence |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG2CC02 | English Literary History - From Chaucer to the Romantics | Core | 4 | Old and Middle English Periods, Renaissance Literature, Augustan Age, Romanticism, Key Authors and Works |
| ENG2AE02 | Creative Writing | Ability Enhancement Course (AEC) | 3 | Elements of Storytelling, Poetry Forms, Scriptwriting Basics, Journaling and Blogging, Editing and Revision |
| ENG2MC02 | Language and Linguistics | Minor | 4 | Nature of Language, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics |
| MDC2 | Multidisciplinary Course 2 | Multidisciplinary Course (MDC) | 3 | Advanced concepts of chosen discipline, Application-oriented learning, Case studies, Ethical considerations, Project-based learning |
| ENG2GE02 | Introduction to Indian English Literature | General Elective (GE) | 3 | Origin and Growth, Major Authors and Themes, Postcolonial Context, Regional Voices, Literary Movements in India |
| EE2GE01 | Environmental Studies | Value Added Course (VAC) | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Climate Change, Sustainable Development Goals, Environmental Protection Laws |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG3CC03 | English Literary History - From the Victorians to the Present | Core | 4 | Victorian Age Literature, Modernism and Post-Modernism, Contemporary Literature, Key Authors and Movements, Impact of Wars and Social Changes |
| ENG3CC04 | Introduction to Drama | Core | 4 | Classical Drama, Elizabethan Theatre, Modern Drama, Elements of Playwriting, Theatrical Conventions |
| ENG3AE03 | Digital Humanities and Academic Tools | Ability Enhancement Course (AEC) | 3 | Digital Literary Resources, Data Analysis for Literature, Online Archives and Databases, Academic Software Applications, Digital Storytelling |
| ENG3MC03 | Critical Theory | Minor | 4 | Major Critical Schools, Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Feminist Theory, Postcolonialism, Marxist Criticism |
| MDC3 | Multidisciplinary Course 3 | Multidisciplinary Course (MDC) | 3 | Specialized topics in chosen discipline, Research methodologies, Data interpretation, Industry applications, Advanced problem-solving |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG4CC05 | Introduction to Poetry | Core | 4 | Forms of Poetry, Poetic Devices, Major Poets and Movements, Thematic Analysis, Critical Appreciation of Poetry |
| ENG4CC06 | Introduction to Fiction | Core | 4 | Elements of Fiction, Novel Forms and Types, Short Story as a Genre, Major Novelists and Narratives, Narrative Techniques and Point of View |
| ENG4AE04 | Translation Studies | Ability Enhancement Course (AEC) | 3 | Theories of Translation, Types of Translation, Cultural Context in Translation, Translator''''s Challenges, Practice in Translation |
| ENG4MC04 | Film Studies | Minor | 4 | History of Cinema, Film Theory and Criticism, Film Genres and Movements, Cinematography and Editing, Screenwriting and Adaptation |
| MDC4 | Multidisciplinary Course 4 | Multidisciplinary Course (MDC) | 3 | Interdisciplinary projects, Advanced theories and models, Policy implications, Global trends, Ethical leadership |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG5CC07 | Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism, Romantic Criticism, New Criticism, Reader-Response Theory, Psychoanalytic Criticism |
| ENG5CC08 | Indian English Poetry | Core | 4 | Major Indian English Poets, Themes in Indian Poetry, Post-Independence Poetry, Contemporary Trends, Regional Influences |
| ENG5CC09 | Indian English Fiction | Core | 4 | Early Indian Novelists, Major Works and Authors, Themes of Identity and Nation, Partition Literature, Contemporary Indian Fiction |
| ENG5DE01 | Dalit Literature | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Origin and Evolution of Dalit Literature, Major Writers and Works, Themes of Marginalization and Protest, Autobiographical Narratives, Dalit Aesthetics |
| ENG5DE02 | Literature and Gender Studies | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Feminist Literary Theory, Gender Representation in Literature, Masculinities in Texts, Queer Literature, Patriarchal Structures and Resistance |
| ENG5SE01 | Professional Communication | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Business Communication Ethics, Report Writing and Proposals, Email and Correspondence Etiquette, Interview Skills and Resume Writing, Group Discussions and Presentations |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG6CC10 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Early American Writers, Transcendentalism and Realism, Modern American Fiction and Poetry, Post-War Literature, African American Literature |
| ENG6CC11 | Commonwealth Literature | Core | 4 | Postcolonial Theory, Major Commonwealth Writers, Themes of Identity and Migration, Resistance and Hybridity, Literature from Africa, Canada, Australia |
| ENG6CC12 | Literary Theory | Core | 4 | Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Deconstruction, Marxist Literary Theory, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Feminist and Gender Theory |
| ENG6DE03 | Introduction to Theatre Studies | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | History of Theatre, Elements of Performance, Acting Techniques and Directing, Stagecraft and Design, Indian Theatre Forms |
| ENG6DE04 | Postcolonial Literature | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Postcolonial Theory and Concepts, Subaltern Studies, Diaspora Literature, Hybridity and Identity, Resistance and Representation |
| ENG6SE02 | Content Writing | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Web Content Strategies, Blog Writing Techniques, SEO Basics for Content, Copywriting Principles, Editing for Digital Media |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG7DD01 | Research Methodology | Dissertation / Major Project | 6 | Research Design and Ethics, Data Collection and Analysis, Academic Writing Skills, Citation Styles (MLA/APA), Thesis Structure and Presentation |
| ENG7DE05 | World Literatures in Translation | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | European Literary Classics, Latin American Boom, African Narratives, Asian Literature in Translation, Theories of Translation and Adaptation |
| ENG7DE06 | Ecocriticism | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | Environmental Literature, Nature Writing, Ecocritical Theory, Anthropocene and Literature, Literary Representations of Nature |
| ENG7GE03 | Literature and Social Justice | General Elective (GE) | 3 | Social Inequality in Literature, Human Rights Narratives, Marginalized Voices, Activist Literature, Cultural Representation |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG8DD02 | Dissertation / Project Work | Dissertation / Major Project | 8 | Independent Research Execution, Advanced Data Analysis, Argumentation and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Editing, Viva Voce and Presentation |
| ENG8DE07 | English Language Teaching (ELT) | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | ELT Methodologies and Approaches, Second Language Acquisition Theories, Classroom Management Techniques, Lesson Planning and Materials Development, Assessment in ELT |
| ENG8DE08 | Publishing Studies | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 4 | History of Publishing, Editorial Process and Roles, Digital Publishing and E-books, Book Marketing and Distribution, Copyright and Intellectual Property |
| ENG8GE04 | Literary Adaptations | General Elective (GE) | 3 | Text-to-Screen Adaptations, Intertextuality and Fan Fiction, Media Studies and Literature, Fidelity vs. Transformation in Adaptations, Audience Reception and Interpretation |




