

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


Ernakulam, Kerala
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is General at De Paul Institute of Science and Technology Ernakulam?
This M.A. English Language & Literature program at De Paul Institute of Science and Technology focuses on an in-depth exploration of English and world literatures, critical theories, and linguistics. It aims to develop advanced analytical and communication skills, highly valued in India''''s burgeoning content, media, and education sectors. The program distinguishes itself by combining classical and contemporary studies.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a Bachelor''''s in English or related humanities, aspiring to careers in teaching, research, or content creation. It also caters to working professionals seeking to enhance their literary understanding or switch to academic and communication-intensive roles. Individuals passionate about critical thinking and cultural studies will thrive here.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in India, including university lectureship, content writing, editing, journalism, and civil services. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 lakhs annually, growing significantly with experience. The strong theoretical foundation aids in NET/JRF preparation and pursuing M.Phil/Ph.D. studies, fostering intellectual and professional growth.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Extensive Reading and Critical Analysis Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time daily to reading diverse literary texts, from canonical works to contemporary Indian literature. Actively engage in critical analysis, questioning themes, styles, and theoretical underpinnings discussed in class. Form reading groups to discuss challenging texts and perspectives.
Tools & Resources
University library, online literary journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly for cultural critiques), academic databases like JSTOR, Project Gutenberg for public domain texts
Career Connection
Builds a strong knowledge base essential for academic research, content writing, and teaching, fostering a nuanced understanding of cultural contexts.
Master Academic Writing and Research Ethics- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing clear, concise, and academically rigorous writing skills. Practice structuring essays, using proper citation styles (MLA/APA), and avoiding plagiarism. Attend workshops on research methodology and academic integrity.
Tools & Resources
OWL Purdue, Grammarly Premium, Mendeley/Zotero for citation management, university writing center for feedback
Career Connection
Essential for success in research-oriented roles, journalism, publishing, and securing placements in academia and content development where high-quality writing is paramount.
Engage in Peer Learning and Scholarly Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in classroom discussions, seminars, and literary society activities. Organize peer-led study sessions to clarify complex literary theories and texts. Present short papers or reviews to peers to build confidence in academic discourse.
Tools & Resources
Departmental literary club, seminar rooms, online collaborative platforms for group studies
Career Connection
Enhances communication, argumentation, and critical thinking skills, crucial for interviews, teaching roles, and collaborative projects in any professional field.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Specialized Literary & Linguistic Fields- (Semester 3)
Dive deeper into specific areas of interest like Postcolonial Literature, Gender Studies, or Linguistics by taking relevant electives and exploring supplementary readings. Attend specialized workshops and webinars to gain insights into current research trends in India.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on specific literary theories, Sahitya Akademi publications, relevant academic conferences (e.g., EFLU, JNU events)
Career Connection
Develops a niche expertise, making graduates more competitive for specialized research projects, content roles, or academic positions focused on these areas.
Undertake Short Research Projects/Internships- (Semester 3)
Seek opportunities for short research projects under faculty mentorship or pursue internships at publishing houses, content development firms, or NGOs focusing on education/literacy in India. This provides practical application of theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, department faculty for research opportunities, professional networking platforms like LinkedIn
Career Connection
Offers practical exposure, builds a professional network, and provides valuable experience for resume building, directly impacting placement prospects in India''''s publishing and media industries.
Participate in Essay Competitions and Academic Conferences- (Semester 3)
Actively write and submit essays to inter-collegiate or national literary competitions. Attend and present papers at student-level academic conferences to showcase research and receive feedback, enhancing academic visibility.
Tools & Resources
Notices from English departments of other universities, literary magazines, departmental bulletin boards
Career Connection
Boosts academic profile, refines presentation skills, and provides networking opportunities with scholars, crucial for those aiming for M.Phil/Ph.D. or research careers.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Dissertation Excellence and Publication- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to developing a robust dissertation, seeking regular feedback from advisors. Explore the possibility of converting parts of the dissertation into publishable articles in peer-reviewed journals, especially those with an Indian focus.
Tools & Resources
Research labs, university research ethics committee, reputable academic journals in India (e.g., Journal of Commonwealth Literature, Indian Literature)
Career Connection
A strong dissertation and potential publication significantly enhances credentials for academic positions, research grants, and advanced studies (M.Phil/Ph.D.) in India and abroad.
Strategize for NET/JRF and Competitive Exams- (Semester 4)
Begin intensive preparation for UGC NET/JRF, SET, and other competitive exams relevant to higher education and civil services in India. Join coaching classes or study groups, focusing on both Paper 1 (General Aptitude) and Paper 2 (English Literature).
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, online coaching platforms, dedicated study material for UGC NET English
Career Connection
Cracking NET/JRF is a gateway to Assistant Professorships in Indian colleges/universities and opens avenues for Ph.D. fellowships, while other exams lead to government roles.
Build Professional Network and Personal Branding- (Semester 4)
Network with faculty, alumni, and professionals in fields like publishing, media, and education. Create a professional online presence (LinkedIn) highlighting academic achievements, research interests, and skills. Attend career fairs and alumni meets.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, university alumni association, career guidance cell, departmental events
Career Connection
Facilitates job searches, provides mentorship opportunities, and helps identify potential employers for roles in content, media, public relations, and teaching in the Indian market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree with English as a Core/Main subject or an equivalent degree from any recognized University (As per MG University regulations)
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN101C01 | Evolution of Literary Criticism and Theory | Core | 4 | Classical criticism, Romantic criticism, Russian Formalism, New Criticism, Structuralism, Post-structuralism |
| EN101C02 | Indian English Literature | Core | 4 | Beginnings of Indian English writing, Major novelists and poets, Dramatists, Indian diaspora literature, Post-independence literature |
| EN101C03 | Chaucer to the Augustans | Core | 4 | Medieval period, Renaissance literature, Elizabethan poetry, Metaphysical poets, Restoration drama, Augustan age literature |
| EN101C04 | Twentieth Century British Literature | Core | 4 | Modernism, Post-War literature, Dystopian fiction, Stream of consciousness, Absurdist drama, Contemporary British writing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN102C05 | Shakespeare | Core | 4 | Elizabethan theatre, Shakespearean tragedies, Comedies, Histories, Problem plays, Sonnets |
| EN102C06 | The Romantics and the Victorians | Core | 4 | Romantic poetry, Gothic novel, Victorian prose, Major Victorian novelists, Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Decadence |
| EN102C07 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Puritan literature, Transcendentalism, American Renaissance, Modern American fiction, Harlem Renaissance, Contemporary American writing |
| EN102C08 | Literatures in English: The Postcolonial and the New | Core | 4 | Postcolonial theory, African literature, Caribbean literature, Australian literature, Canadian literature, New Literatures |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN103C09 | Literary Theory from Plato to Postmodernism | Core | 4 | Classical theories, Romanticism, Marxist criticism, Psychoanalysis, Feminism, Postmodernism |
| EN103E01 | Gender Studies | Elective | 4 | Feminist literary criticism, Queer theory, Masculinity studies, Representation of gender, Body and identity, Gender and power |
| EN103C11 | Linguistics and English Language Teaching (ELT) | Core | 4 | Phonetics and phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, Sociolinguistics, ELT methodologies |
| EN103C12 | Literary Research and Methodology | Core | 4 | Research design, Data collection, Citation styles, Academic writing, Thesis structure, Research ethics |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN104C13 | Critical Thinking and Academic Writing | Core | 4 | Argumentation, Logic, Essay writing, Report writing, Critical analysis, Academic integrity |
| EN104C14 | Dissertation | Core | 4 | Research proposal development, Literature review, Data analysis, Thesis writing, Viva voce, Independent research |
| EN104E03 | Regional Indian Literature in English Translation | Elective | 4 | Bhasha literature, Translation studies, Major regional writers, Social movements, Cultural contexts, Folk traditions |
| EN104E04 | World Literature | Elective | 4 | Concept of World Literature, Literary movements across continents, Major authors from diverse cultures, Cross-cultural comparisons, Translation and adaptation |




