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B-A in Comparative Literature at Jadavpur University
Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Comparative Literature at Jadavpur University Kolkata?
This Comparative Literature program at Jadavpur University focuses on analyzing literary works across diverse languages, cultures, and national boundaries. It offers a unique interdisciplinary perspective, moving beyond traditional linguistic barriers to explore universal themes, influences, and interactions in literature. The program is particularly relevant in India, a multilingual nation with rich literary traditions, providing a framework to understand its complex literary landscape and engage with global literary currents.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for culturally curious fresh graduates with a passion for reading and critical thinking, seeking to delve deeper into the nuances of global and Indian literary traditions. It also suits individuals aspiring for careers in academia, research, publishing, translation, journalism, or cultural institutions. Students with strong analytical skills and an open mind towards diverse perspectives will thrive, preparing them for intellectually stimulating career paths.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse career paths in India and abroad, including literary criticism, academic research, translation, content creation, archival work, and cultural policy. With strong analytical and communication skills, they are well-suited for roles in NGOs, media houses, and educational sectors. Starting salaries in related fields in India typically range from INR 3-5 LPA for freshers, growing significantly with experience, especially in specialized translation or academic roles.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Diverse Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Actively seek out and read literary works from various cultures and languages, even in translation, beyond the prescribed syllabus. Join university reading clubs or online forums like Goodreads groups focused on World Literature to discuss different texts and interpretations.
Tools & Resources
University Library, NPTEL courses on literature, Project Gutenberg, Goodreads
Career Connection
Broadens understanding of literary traditions, essential for comparative analysis and foundational for careers in academia, criticism, and publishing.
Master Academic Writing and Research Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing strong essay writing, critical analysis, and basic research skills. Attend workshops on academic integrity, citation styles like MLA or APA, and effective argumentation. Practice summarizing complex literary theories and applying them to texts.
Tools & Resources
University Writing Centre, Purdue OWL, Zotero/Mendeley, Library Databases
Career Connection
Crucial for success in higher studies, research, journalism, and any role requiring clear, structured communication.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Exploration- (Semester 1-2)
Take advantage of generic elective courses (GEs) to explore subjects beyond literature, such as history, philosophy, sociology, or film studies. Actively look for connections between literary texts and broader cultural, social, and political contexts discussed in other disciplines.
Tools & Resources
University course catalog, Guest lectures from other departments, Interdisciplinary seminars
Career Connection
Develops a holistic, comparative perspective vital for roles in cultural studies, policy-making, and media, offering a unique edge.
Intermediate Stage
Participate in Literary Translation Projects- (Semester 3-5)
Seek opportunities to translate short literary pieces (poetry, short stories) from regional Indian languages to English, or vice versa, under faculty guidance or in collaboration with peers. Attend translation workshops and submit works to university literary magazines.
Tools & Resources
Online dictionaries, Language exchange partners, Faculty mentors in translation studies, University literary magazines
Career Connection
Builds practical skills highly valued in publishing, cultural exchange programs, and professional translation roles, a growing sector in India.
Join and Contribute to Academic Conferences/Seminars- (Semester 3-5)
Attend national or regional literary conferences, seminars, and departmental colloquia. Start by presenting reviews of research papers or small segments of your own analytical work. Network with scholars and gain exposure to ongoing research in the field.
Tools & Resources
Jadavpur University''''s Department event calendar, Calls for papers from other universities, Academic journals
Career Connection
Essential for aspiring academics and researchers, enhances public speaking, networking, and the ability to articulate complex ideas effectively.
Develop a Strong Theoretical Framework- (Semester 3-5)
Deepen your understanding of literary theories (Marxism, Feminism, Postcolonialism etc.) by reading foundational texts beyond summaries. Apply these theories rigorously to diverse literary works, contrasting their utility and limitations across different cultural contexts.
Tools & Resources
Primary theoretical texts, Critical commentaries, Specialized journals in literary theory, Faculty consultation
Career Connection
Sharpens critical thinking and analytical capabilities, highly valued in research, higher education, and even analytical roles in consulting or policy.
Advanced Stage
Undertake an Independent Research Dissertation- (Semester 6)
Dedicate significant effort to your final year dissertation, choosing a unique topic that allows for deep comparative analysis. Work closely with your supervisor, conducting thorough research, structuring your argument, and refining your academic writing.
Tools & Resources
University library''''s digital archives, Specialized databases (JSTOR, MLA International Bibliography), Supervisor guidance
Career Connection
Showcases independent research capability, a key requirement for postgraduate studies, research positions, and high-level analytical roles.
Explore Professional Internships in Cultural Sector- (Semester 6 (during or post-semester))
Seek internships at publishing houses, cultural foundations, literary agencies, museums, or NGOs focused on language and arts. This provides real-world experience in content development, editing, project management, or cultural programming.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Online internship platforms (LinkedIn, Internshala), Direct outreach to cultural organizations
Career Connection
Bridging academic knowledge with practical application, these internships are invaluable for securing entry-level positions and building a professional network in the arts and humanities.
Prepare for Higher Studies and Competitive Exams- (Semester 5-6)
If pursuing academia, begin preparing for NET/SET exams for lectureship or GRE/TOEFL for international postgraduate admissions. Identify specific universities and programs that align with your specialization and start working on statement of purpose and research proposals.
Tools & Resources
Online test prep resources, Mock tests, University faculty for guidance on application essays, Alumni network
Career Connection
Directly enables entry into Master''''s and Ph.D. programs, paving the way for careers as professors, researchers, or specialized literary professionals.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- No eligibility criteria specified
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: For 6-credit papers: 10 marks (approx. 16.67%); For 2-credit papers: 10 marks (approx. 25%), External: For 6-credit papers: 50 marks (approx. 83.33%); For 2-credit papers: 30 marks (approx. 75%)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMPLIT 01 | Introduction to Comparative Literature I | Core | 6 | Nature, Scope, and Definition of Comparative Literature, Historical Overview of the Discipline, Theories of Influence and Analogy, Literary History and Periodization, Literature and Other Arts, Translation Studies Basics |
| COMPLIT 02 | Literary Genres I (Poetry and Drama) | Core | 6 | Poetry: Lyric, Epic, Ballad, Sonnet, Poetic Devices and Forms, Drama: Tragedy, Comedy, Farce, Melodrama, Evolution of Dramatic Forms, Indian and Western Poetic Traditions |
| AECC 1.1 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution and Control Measures, Social Issues and the Environment, Human Population and the Environment |
| GE 1 | Generic Elective 1 | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMPLIT 03 | Introduction to Comparative Literature II | Core | 6 | Comparative Poetics and Aesthetics, Interdisciplinary Approaches to Literature, World Literature and Canon Formation, Postcolonial Literature in Comparative Context, Literary Movements and Periods, Reception Studies |
| COMPLIT 04 | Literary Genres II (Fiction and Criticism) | Core | 6 | Fiction: Novel, Short Story, Novella, Narrative Techniques and Forms, Literary Criticism: Classical and Romantic, Modern and Contemporary Criticism, Forms of Literary Argumentation |
| AECC 2.1 | English Communication / MIL Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Language of Communication, Reading Skills and Comprehension, Writing Skills: Paragraph, Essay, Report, Listening and Speaking Skills, Presentation Techniques |
| GE 2 | Generic Elective 2 | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMPLIT 05 | Literary Theory and Criticism I | Core | 6 | Formalism and New Criticism, Structuralism and Semiotics, Post-structuralism and Deconstruction, Reader-Response Criticism, Theories of Language and Text |
| COMPLIT 06 | Indian Literary Traditions I | Core | 6 | Vedic and Upanishadic Literature, Indian Epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata), Classical Sanskrit Drama and Poetics, Bhakti and Sufi Traditions, Folk and Oral Literary Traditions |
| COMPLIT 07 | European Classical and Medieval Literature | Core | 6 | Greek Epic (Homer, Hesiod), Greek Tragedy (Sophocles, Aeschylus), Roman Epic (Virgil), Medieval European Romance and Allegory, Dante Alighieri''''s Inferno, Chaucer''''s Canterbury Tales |
| SEC 1 | Skill Enhancement Course 1 (Choices: Academic Writing / Translation Practice / Publishing) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | |
| GE 3 | Generic Elective 3 | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMPLIT 08 | Literary Theory and Criticism II | Core | 6 | Marxist Literary Theory, Feminist Criticism and Gender Studies, Postcolonial Theory and Subaltern Studies, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Queer Theory and Ecocriticism |
| COMPLIT 09 | Indian Literary Traditions II | Core | 6 | Medieval Bengali Literature (Charyapada, Mangalkavya), Modern Indian Poetry (Tagore, Nazrul, etc.), Indian Novel in Regional Languages, Dalit Literature and Resistance, Modern Indian Drama |
| COMPLIT 10 | European Renaissance and Enlightenment Literature | Core | 6 | Shakespearean Drama and Sonnets, Cervantes'''' Don Quixote, Milton''''s Paradise Lost, Moliere''''s Comedies, Enlightenment Thinkers (Voltaire, Rousseau), Rise of the Novel |
| SEC 2 | Skill Enhancement Course 2 (Choices: Digital Humanities / Creative Writing / Research Methodology) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | |
| GE 4 | Generic Elective 4 | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMPLIT 11 | Modernism and Postmodernism | Core | 6 | Modernist Poetry (Eliot, Pound), Modernist Novel (Joyce, Woolf), Absurdist Drama (Beckett, Ionesco), Postmodern Fiction and Theory, Metafiction and Intertextuality, Narrative Experiments |
| COMPLIT 12 | Folklore and Oral Traditions | Core | 6 | Definitions and Theories of Folklore, Myths, Legends, and Folktales, Rituals, Proverbs, and Riddles, Oral Narratives and Performance Studies, Folklore in India, Adaptations and Retellings |
| DSE 1 | Discipline Specific Elective 1 (Choices: Translation Studies Advanced / Gender and Literature / Indian Poetics) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | |
| DSE 2 | Discipline Specific Elective 2 (Choices: African-American Literature / Postcolonial Studies / Children''''s Literature) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMPLIT 13 | Cultural Studies | Core | 6 | Theories of Culture and Society, Popular Culture and Mass Media, Identity, Representation, and Power, Subcultures and Counter-Cultures, Cultural Production and Consumption, Indian Cultural Landscape |
| COMPLIT 14 | Research Methodology and Dissertation | Core | 6 | Principles of Literary Research, Research Design and Ethics, Data Collection and Analysis Methods, Academic Writing and Citation Styles, Thesis/Dissertation Writing, Presentation of Research Findings |
| DSE 3 | Discipline Specific Elective 3 (Choices: Literature and Philosophy / Ecology and Literature / Science Fiction and Fantasy) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | |
| DSE 4 | Discipline Specific Elective 4 (Choices: Disability Studies / Diaspora and Migration Studies / Theatre Studies) | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 |
