

M-A-MALAYALAM in Malayalam at Kuriakose Elias College, Mannanam


Kottayam, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Malayalam at Kuriakose Elias College, Mannanam Kottayam?
This M.A. Malayalam program at Kuriakose Elias College focuses on a comprehensive and critical study of Malayalam language, literature, culture, and linguistics. It provides a deep dive into classical and modern literary forms, critical theories, and research methodologies. The program is vital for preserving and promoting the rich literary heritage of Kerala and fostering scholarly inquiry into regional linguistic and cultural traditions, meeting the demand for language experts and researchers in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates holding a Bachelor''''s degree in Malayalam or a related field, seeking to establish a strong academic and research foundation. It also caters to aspiring educators, linguists, cultural researchers, and content developers who wish to deepen their understanding of Malayalam. Individuals passionate about the regional literature and language, and those aiming for careers in academia or media, will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including university lecturing, content writing, journalism, translation, archival management, and cultural research. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3 LPA to 6 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program fosters critical thinking, research acumen, and a nuanced appreciation of language, preparing students for M.Phil. or Ph.D. studies and positions in cultural organizations.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Deep Dive into Classics- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with ancient and modern Malayalam literary texts. Form study groups to discuss critical interpretations and historical contexts, focusing on understanding the evolution of the language and its literary forms.
Tools & Resources
MGU Library digital archives, ''''Sahithya Charithram'''' by Ullur S. Parameswara Iyer, Critical essays, MGU e-resources
Career Connection
Builds a strong foundation for literary analysis, crucial for academia, research, and high-quality content creation.
Master Academic Writing & Research Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Pay meticulous attention to coursework like ''''Padana Gaveshana Reethikal''''. Practice academic essay writing, referencing, and basic research methodologies. Seek feedback on assignments to refine scholarly communication skills.
Tools & Resources
MGU research guidelines, Style guides for academic writing (e.g., MLA for humanities), University writing centers
Career Connection
Essential for pursuing higher studies (M.Phil/Ph.D), academic publications, and any role requiring structured reporting.
Engage in Departmental Seminars & Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, workshops, and literary discussions. Present papers on selected topics to improve public speaking and intellectual exchange, fostering peer learning and critical engagement with diverse perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Department notice boards, MGU seminar schedules, Online academic discussion platforms
Career Connection
Enhances presentation skills, builds academic network, and sharpens analytical abilities, valuable for teaching and research roles.
Intermediate Stage
Specialized Elective Exploration- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose electives like Dalit Sahithyam or Sthree Sahithyam based on career interests. Conduct in-depth independent study beyond classroom lectures, potentially leading to small-scale research papers.
Tools & Resources
Elective course textbooks, Specialized journals, MGU faculty mentorship in chosen areas
Career Connection
Develops expertise in niche areas, making graduates more attractive for specialized research positions, policy analysis, or focused content development.
Project-Based Learning & Research Initiation- (Semester 4)
Begin working on the project component (ML4PR01) early. Choose a topic that aligns with your passion and potential career path. Consult faculty advisors regularly, focusing on structured research and rigorous data analysis.
Tools & Resources
MGU library''''s research databases, Zotero/Mendeley for citation management, Thesis writing software, MGU ethical guidelines
Career Connection
Provides practical research experience, crucial for academic research, think tanks, or advanced roles in media and publishing.
Network with Literary & Cultural Figures- (Semester 3-4)
Attend literary festivals, book launches, and cultural events in Kerala. Connect with prominent Malayalam writers, critics, and academicians. Building a professional network can open doors for mentorship, internships, and future collaborations.
Tools & Resources
Kerala Sahitya Akademi events, Literary society meetings, Social media professional groups
Career Connection
Facilitates industry insights, potential job leads, and collaboration opportunities in publishing, media, and cultural organizations.
Advanced Stage
Targeted Skill Development for Career- (Semester 4)
Identify specific career goals (e.g., teaching, translation, journalism) and acquire relevant skills. If aiming for teaching, practice pedagogical methods. For translation, gain proficiency in English-Malayalam translation.
Tools & Resources
UGC NET preparation materials, Online translation tools, Courses on journalism ethics and techniques, MGU career guidance cell
Career Connection
Directly enhances employability for specific roles, demonstrating readiness for the professional world.
Intensive Viva Voce & Thesis Defense Preparation- (Semester 4)
Prepare thoroughly for the final Viva Voce (ML4VV01) by reviewing all core subjects and being ready to articulate your project findings concisely and confidently. Practice defending your research in mock viva sessions.
Tools & Resources
All course notes, Project report, Mock interview sessions with faculty or peers
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking, communication, and defense skills, vital for job interviews, academic discussions, and professional presentations.
Early Career Planning & Application- (Semester 4)
Begin applying for jobs or Ph.D. programs well before graduation. Tailor CVs and cover letters to specific opportunities. Seek guidance from the college''''s placement cell or career counselors for interview preparation and application strategies.
Tools & Resources
Online job portals (e.g., Naukri, LinkedIn), University career services, Faculty recommendations, MGU recruitment events
Career Connection
Maximizes chances of securing a desirable position or admission into higher studies immediately after completing the M.A. program.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. degree with Malayalam as a core subject or an equivalent degree as per Mahatma Gandhi University regulations
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ML1C01 | Adhunika Kavitha (Modern Poetry) | Core | 4 | History of modern Malayalam poetry, Major poets and movements, Romanticism and Realism, Modernism and Post-modernism, Critical analysis of selected poems |
| ML1C02 | Pazhanchola Sahithyam (Ancient Literature) | Core | 4 | Early Malayalam literary forms, Ramacharitam, Krishnagatha, Thunchath Ezhuthachan''''s works, Manipravalam literature, Critical study of ancient texts |
| ML1C03 | Sahithya Vimarshanam (Literary Criticism) | Core | 4 | Principles and schools of criticism, Indian literary theories (Rasa, Dhwani), Western critical theories (Structuralism, Post-structuralism), Aesthetics and literary evaluation, Application of critical methods |
| ML1C04 | Malayala Vyakaranam (Malayalam Grammar) | Core | 4 | Phonology and Morphology, Syntax and Semantics, Historical development of Malayalam grammar, Grammatical theories and structures, Paniyan''''s works and modern perspectives |
| ML1C05 | Thulanamoolaka Sahithyam (Comparative Literature) | Core | 4 | Concepts of comparative literature, Inter-literary relationships and influences, Translation studies and adaptation, Parallel studies in Indian and global contexts, Methodologies of comparative literary research |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ML2C06 | Kadha Sahithyam (Fiction Literature) | Core | 4 | Evolution of Malayalam novel and short story, Major novelists and short story writers, Narrative techniques and structural analysis, Themes and social relevance in fiction, Post-modern trends in Malayalam fiction |
| ML2C07 | Nataka Sahithyam (Drama Literature) | Core | 4 | History and development of Malayalam drama, Sanskrit drama tradition and Western influence, Modern theatre movements and playwrights, Dramatic elements and performance studies, Critical analysis of major plays |
| ML2C08 | Padana Gaveshana Reethikal (Study and Research Methodologies) | Core | 4 | Principles of literary research, Research design and data collection methods, Documentation and citation styles, Thesis writing and presentation skills, Ethical considerations in research |
| ML2C09 | Bhashashasthram (Linguistics) | Core | 4 | Branches of linguistics (Phonetics, Phonology), Morphology, Syntax, and Semantics, Historical and comparative linguistics, Sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics, Applied linguistics concepts |
| ML2C10 | Theranjedutha Kavithakal (Selected Poems) | Core | 4 | Detailed study of prescribed poems, Poetic styles and narrative techniques, Themes and philosophical underpinnings, Social and cultural relevance of poems, Literary analysis and interpretation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ML3C11 | Gadya Sahithyam (Prose Literature) | Core | 4 | Evolution of Malayalam prose, Essays, travelogues, biographies, Memoirs and critical prose, Major prose writers and stylistic analysis, Modern trends in non-fiction |
| ML3C12 | Folklore Padanam (Folklore Studies) | Core | 4 | Concepts and theories of folklore, Folk genres (myths, legends, ballads), Rituals, folk arts, and oral traditions, Folklore collection and analysis methods, Malayalam folklore and cultural identity |
| ML3C13 | Dhrushya Kala Padanam (Visual Arts Studies) | Core | 4 | Literature and visual arts interconnections, Film studies and cinematic narratives, Theatre studies and performance analysis, Photography and digital media in literature, Critical approaches to visual culture |
| ML3C14 | Sanskrit Sahithyam (Sanskrit Literature) | Core | 4 | Major Sanskrit literary works and authors, Kalidasa, Bhasa, and classical Sanskrit drama, Sanskrit poetry and prose traditions, Influence of Sanskrit on Malayalam literature, Classical aesthetics and poetics |
| ML3E01 | Dalit Sahithyam (Dalit Literature) | Elective | 4 | Dalit identity and aesthetics, History of Dalit writing in Malayalam, Major Dalit writers and their works, Social movements and protest literature, Themes of marginalization and emancipation |
| ML3E02 | Sthree Sahithyam (Women''''s Literature) | Elective | 4 | Feminist literary criticism and gender studies, Women''''s writing in Malayalam literature, Themes of patriarchy, identity, and resistance, Challenges faced by women writers, Representation of women in literature |
| ML3E03 | Malayala Bhasha Gaveshana Reethikal (Malayalam Language Research Methods) | Elective | 4 | Advanced linguistic research methods, Dialectology and geographical linguistics, Historical linguistics and language change, Computational linguistics applications, Data analysis in language research |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ML4C15 | Nadodi Vijnaneeyam (Indigenous Knowledge Systems) | Core | 4 | Traditional knowledge systems in Kerala, Oral traditions and cultural practices, Ethnobotany, ethnomedicine, indigenous arts, Relationship with Malayalam literature, Preservation and revival of local knowledge |
| ML4C16 | Bhava Sahithyam (Devotional/Emotional Literature) | Core | 4 | Bhakti movement in Malayalam, Spiritual and devotional literature, Sufi traditions and mystic poetry, Emotional expression in ancient texts, Literary representations of devotion |
| ML4E04 | Malayala Vyaakarana Padanam (Advanced Malayalam Grammar) | Elective | 4 | In-depth study of grammatical theories, Historical evolution of Malayalam grammar, Modern approaches to linguistic analysis, Syntax and semantics in advanced context, Error analysis and prescriptive grammar |
| ML4E05 | Prasadhana Kala (Publishing/Editorial Arts) | Elective | 4 | Editing techniques and proofreading, Publishing process and book production, Media studies and content creation, Digital publishing and e-content development, Translation for publishing industry |
| ML4E06 | Prayogika Bhashashasthram (Applied Linguistics) | Elective | 4 | Language teaching methodologies, Lexicography and dictionary making, Forensic linguistics and legal applications, Computational linguistics tools, Language policy and planning |
| ML4PR01 | Project | Core | 4 | Research proposal development, Data collection and primary/secondary analysis, Thesis writing and structuring, Presentation skills and academic defense, Independent scholarly investigation |
| ML4VV01 | Viva Voce | Core | 4 | Oral examination of course knowledge, Defense of the project research, Comprehensive understanding of Malayalam literature, Linguistic theories and cultural studies, Articulation of scholarly perspectives |




