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M-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 M.A. in Comparative Literature program at Jadavpur University focuses on the intricate relationships between literatures across cultures, languages, and historical periods. It offers a critical lens to study diverse textual traditions, from classical Indian epics to contemporary global narratives. The program stands out for its deep engagement with both Indian and Western literary theories, fostering a nuanced understanding of global literary phenomena. In India, there is a growing demand for nuanced cultural analysis, interdisciplinary research, and cross-cultural communication specialists.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for humanities graduates, especially those with a B.A. Hons in Literature (English, Bengali, Sanskrit, etc.), History, Philosophy, or Sociology, who possess a keen interest in literary theory, cultural studies, and interdisciplinary approaches. It suits individuals aspiring to academic careers, research, or roles in publishing, cultural journalism, and content creation, seeking to deepen their analytical and interpretive skills. Working professionals in media or education looking for advanced literary expertise also find this program beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including academia (Ph.D. and teaching positions), research institutions, publishing houses, cultural policy think tanks, translation services, and media organizations. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience, especially in academia or specialized research. The program also prepares students for competitive exams like NET/SET and offers a strong foundation for higher research degrees abroad.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Immerse in Foundational Theories and Texts- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with the core theories of Comparative Literature, Indian Poetics, and foundational world literatures. Beyond classroom readings, dedicate time to reading primary texts referenced in the syllabus from various linguistic traditions (in translation where necessary). Form study groups to discuss complex theoretical concepts and literary movements, ensuring a strong conceptual base.
Tools & Resources
Jadavpur University Central Library, Project Gutenberg, Comparative Literature Studies Journal, Peer discussion forums
Career Connection
A solid theoretical grounding is crucial for critical analysis, research, and for excelling in academic roles or advanced literary criticism, essential for M.A. placements and further Ph.D. studies.
Develop Interdisciplinary Reading Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Given Comparative Literature''''s interdisciplinary nature, make a conscious effort to read widely beyond core literary texts. Explore academic works in philosophy, history, sociology, and cultural studies that intersect with your literary readings. Attend inter-departmental seminars and lectures within Jadavpur University to broaden your intellectual horizons and connect literary studies with other humanities disciplines.
Tools & Resources
JU''''s various departmental seminars, JSTOR, Project MUSE (via JU library access), Cross-disciplinary reading lists suggested by faculty
Career Connection
Fosters a holistic understanding crucial for roles in cultural research, policy analysis, and any field requiring multifaceted analytical perspectives, enhancing problem-solving skills.
Hone Academic Writing and Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on developing clear, concise, and academically rigorous writing skills. Pay attention to citation styles (e.g., MLA, Chicago) and proper research methodology. Regularly seek feedback from professors on essays and presentations, and revise work based on their suggestions. Practice summarizing complex arguments and formulating original research questions.
Tools & Resources
JU Writing Centre (if available), Academic writing workshops, MLA Handbook, Grammarly Premium, Feedback sessions with faculty
Career Connection
Excellent academic writing is foundational for success in higher education, publishing, journalism, and any research-oriented career, significantly improving chances for good grades and strong dissertations.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Specialization and Dissertation Development- (Semester 3-4)
In Semesters 3 and 4, make informed choices for your optional papers, aligning them with a specific area of comparative literature you wish to specialize in (e.g., Postcolonial, Gender Studies, Digital Humanities). If opting for a dissertation, actively work on your research proposal, literature review, methodology, and data analysis. Regular meetings with your supervisor and participation in research colloquia are paramount for successful completion.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research clusters, Specific faculty expertise, Advanced research databases (JSTOR, MLA International Bibliography), JU library''''s digital resources
Career Connection
Specializing deepens expertise, which is crucial for academic career paths, entry into PhD programs, and roles requiring expert literary analysis or cultural critique. A strong dissertation acts as a significant portfolio piece.
Develop Professional Writing and Presentation Portfolio- (Semester 3-4)
Beyond academic essays, cultivate a portfolio of professional writing pieces, such as book reviews, cultural critiques, or articles for literary magazines. Practice presenting your research findings clearly and engagingly in departmental seminars or student-led conferences. Seek feedback not only on content but also on communication style and effectiveness.
Tools & Resources
University publications, Local literary journals in Kolkata, Professional writing workshops, Public speaking clubs, LinkedIn for showcasing work
Career Connection
Essential for careers in journalism, publishing, content development, and public relations, enhancing your marketability for placement in India''''s vibrant media and cultural sectors.
Strategic Career Exploration and Networking- (Semester 3-4)
Actively explore career opportunities by attending university career fairs, alumni interactions, and workshops on CV building and interview skills. Network with alumni working in academia, publishing, media, and cultural organizations. Consider short-term internships in areas like editing, content creation, or translation to gain practical exposure and identify potential career paths post-graduation.
Tools & Resources
JU Career Counseling Cell, Alumni network platforms, LinkedIn, Job portals focused on humanities (e.g., H-Net Job Guide), Professional literary organizations
Career Connection
Directly impacts placement success and helps in identifying suitable job roles, preparing for interviews, and building a professional network for long-term career growth in India.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Applicants must have a B.A. (Honours) degree in Comparative Literature / English / Bengali / Hindi / Sanskrit / Philosophy / History / Political Science / Sociology / Economics / Film Studies / Drama Studies / Journalism with a minimum of 50% marks in Honours (or 55% in Honours for other subjects) OR a B.A. (General/Pass) degree with a minimum of 55% marks overall. All candidates must have 50% marks in aggregate in the B.A. examination.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 72 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CL 1.1 | Foundations of Comparative Literature (Indian, Western) | Core | 4 | Nature and scope of Comparative Literature, History of the discipline, World literature concept, Orientalism and its critique, Indian and Western critical paradigms |
| CL 1.2 | Literary Theory and Criticism (I) | Core | 4 | Classical Greek criticism (Aristotle, Longinus), Roman criticism (Horace), Indian Poetics (Rasa, Dhvani, Alankara), Mimetic and expressive theories, Early modern critical thought |
| CL 1.3 | Literature of the Indian Subcontinent (I) | Core | 4 | Ancient Indian literature (Vedic, Puranic), Indian Epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata), Classical Sanskrit Drama, Early Bengali literature, Folk traditions and oral narratives |
| CL 1.4 | Literature of the World (I) | Core | 4 | Ancient Greek literature (Homer, Tragedians), Roman literature (Virgil, Ovid), Medieval European literature, Epic traditions across cultures, Renaissance drama and poetry |
| CL 1.5 | Research Methodology and Bibliography | Core | 4 | Types of research (qualitative, quantitative), Hypothesis formulation, Data collection methods, Research ethics and plagiarism, Bibliography and citation styles (MLA) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CL 2.1 | Modern Literary Theories (II) | Core | 4 | Russian Formalism and New Criticism, Structuralism and Post-structuralism, Deconstruction and Reader-Response Theory, Marxist and Psychoanalytic criticism, Feminist and Postcolonial theories |
| CL 2.2 | Literature of the Indian Subcontinent (II) | Core | 4 | Bhakti and Sufi literature, Colonial and Post-colonial Indian writing, Modern Indian Novel and Short Story, Indian Poetry movements, Dalit and Adivasi literatures |
| CL 2.3 | Literature of the World (II) | Core | 4 | Enlightenment literature, Romanticism and Realism, Symbolism and Modernism, Existentialism and Absurdism, Postmodernism and contemporary trends |
| CL 2.4 | Cultural Studies | Core | 4 | Culture, ideology, and hegemony, Popular culture and media studies, Representation and identity, Postcolonialism and subaltern studies, Cultural institutions and practices |
| CL 2.5 | Translation: Theory and Practice | Core | 4 | Theories of translation (linguistic, cultural), Concepts of equivalence and untranslatability, Literary translation challenges, Machine translation and localization, Practice of translation across genres |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CL 3.1 | Postcolonial Literature | Optional | 4 | Colonial discourse and its critique, Hybridity and diaspora, Subaltern studies and voice, Nativism and national identity, Resistance and liberation narratives |
| CL 3.2 | Gender Studies and Literature | Optional | 4 | Feminist literary criticism, Queer theory and sexuality studies, Masculinity studies, Women''''s writing and representation, Gender and performance |
| CL 3.3 | Modern Bengali Literature | Optional | 4 | Tagore and Bengali Modernism, Post-Tagore era poetry and prose, Bengali novel and short stories, Drama and theatre traditions, Contemporary Bengali literary trends |
| CL 3.4 | Dalit and Adivasi Literatures | Optional | 4 | Aesthetics of protest, Marginalized voices and representation, Autobiography as resistance, Oral traditions and storytelling, Literature of oppression and assertion |
| CL 3.5 | American Literature | Optional | 4 | American Transcendentalism, Harlem Renaissance, Beat Generation and counterculture, Post-war American novel, African-American literature and voices |
| CL 3.6 | European Literature (e.g., French, German, Russian) | Optional | 4 | Major literary movements (Existentialism, Romanticism), Key authors and their works, Cultural and historical contexts, Impact of translated literature, Specific genres and forms |
| CL 3.7 | Children''''s Literature | Optional | 4 | History and evolution of children''''s literature, Genres (fantasy, adventure, educational), Pedagogical aspects and moral dilemmas, Cross-cultural perspectives in children''''s books, Impact on child development |
| CL 3.8 | Literature and the Visual Arts | Optional | 4 | Interart studies and Ekphrasis, Film and literature adaptations, Photography and narrative, Graphic novels and comics, Iconography and visual symbolism |
| CL 3.9 | Dissertation/Project Work | Optional | 4 | Research proposal development, Literature review and data collection, Analytical framework and methodology, Thesis writing and structuring, Presentation and viva-voce preparation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CL 4.1 | Ecology and Literature (Ecofeminism, Environmental Studies) | Optional | 4 | Ecocriticism and environmental humanities, Nature writing and pastoral traditions, Anthropocene and ecological crisis, Environmental justice and indigenous narratives, Literary representations of nature and environment |
| CL 4.2 | Digital Humanities | Optional | 4 | Digital textual analysis and stylometry, Data visualization for literary studies, Electronic literature and hypertext, Digital archiving and preservation, Computational criticism and digital pedagogy |
| CL 4.3 | Literature and Philosophy | Optional | 4 | Existentialism and phenomenology in literature, Postmodern philosophy and narrative, Ethics and aesthetics in literary texts, Narrative and truth claims, Philosophical poetry and prose |
| CL 4.4 | Literature and Performance Studies | Optional | 4 | Theatre studies and dramatic theory, Performance art and live aesthetics, Rituals and performativity, Orality and storytelling traditions, Body in performance and adaptation studies |
| CL 4.5 | African Literature | Optional | 4 | Oral traditions and griot narratives, Colonial impact and post-independence literature, Negritude movement, Apartheid literature and resistance, Contemporary African literary voices |
| CL 4.6 | East Asian Literature (e.g., Chinese, Japanese, Korean) | Optional | 4 | Classical epics and poetry forms (Haiku, Tanka), Modern novels and short stories, Theatre traditions (Kabuki, Noh, Peking Opera), Cultural revolutions and their literary impact, Contemporary East Asian literary trends |
| CL 4.7 | Partition Literature | Optional | 4 | Historical context of Indian partition, Trauma, memory, and displacement, Communal violence and human narratives, Representation of women in partition texts, Narrative strategies of witnessing |
| CL 4.8 | Graphic Narratives and Comics Studies | Optional | 4 | History and evolution of comics, Visual storytelling and sequential art, Superhero narratives and mythology, Manga and global comics traditions, Autobiographical and journalistic comics |
| CL 4.9 | Dissertation/Project Work | Optional | 4 | Advanced research design and execution, In-depth textual analysis, Critical argument development, Thesis refinement and defense, Original contribution to the field |
