

BA in Literature at National College (Autonomous)


Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Literature at National College (Autonomous) Tiruchirappalli?
This BA English Literature program at National College, Tiruchirappalli, focuses on a comprehensive study of English language and literature across various historical periods and cultural contexts. It delves into critical analysis, literary theory, and different literary forms, preparing students for diverse roles in academia, media, and communication, which are increasingly sought after in the evolving Indian job market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a passion for reading, writing, and critical thinking who aspire to careers in teaching, journalism, content creation, or civil services. It also suits individuals looking to enhance their communication and analytical skills, providing a strong foundation for further postgraduate studies in literature or related humanities fields.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue career paths such as content writer, editor, journalist, academic researcher, teacher, or public relations specialist in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 LPA, with significant growth potential up to INR 8-12 LPA with experience. The program strengthens analytical and communication skills highly valued across sectors.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Reading Foundation- (undefined)
Engage actively with prescribed texts and explore additional literary works from various periods. Utilize the college library and online resources like Project Gutenberg to broaden reading horizons beyond the syllabus and understand literary movements. Join a book club or start one to discuss interpretations and foster peer learning.
Tools & Resources
College Library, Project Gutenberg, Goodreads, Literary criticism websites
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking, broadens literary knowledge essential for advanced studies and content creation roles, and improves comprehension skills vital for competitive exams.
Master English Grammar and Communication- (undefined)
Dedicate time to consistent grammar practice and focus on improving both written and spoken English. Participate in college debates, elocution contests, and group discussions to hone communication skills. Seek feedback from English faculty on essays and presentations regularly. Focus on the ''''English for Communication'''' and ''''Grammar and Usage'''' subjects rigorously.
Tools & Resources
Grammar books (e.g., Wren & Martin), Online grammar exercises, Toastmasters (if available locally), College language lab
Career Connection
Strong communication is paramount for any career path, especially in content, journalism, teaching, and corporate communications, enhancing employability and professional growth.
Cultivate Academic Writing Skills- (undefined)
Focus on structuring essays, citing sources correctly, and developing coherent arguments. Attend workshops on academic writing and seek guidance from professors for clarity and conciseness. Practice summarizing complex literary texts and presenting your analysis effectively in written assignments.
Tools & Resources
Purdue OWL, Grammarly, Academic style guides (MLA/APA), Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Essential for higher education, research, publishing, and any role requiring structured reporting and analytical documentation, giving a professional edge.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Literary Criticism and Theory- (undefined)
Actively participate in discussions on literary criticism and theory. Read extensively on different critical approaches (e.g., feminism, post-colonialism, structuralism). Apply these theories to interpret texts, going beyond surface-level understanding. Form study groups to dissect complex theoretical concepts.
Tools & Resources
Literary theory textbooks, Academic journals (e.g., JSTOR), Online lectures by literary critics, Discussion forums
Career Connection
Develops advanced analytical capabilities, crucial for literary research, academic careers, and sophisticated content development, allowing for nuanced perspectives.
Seek Internships and Practical Exposure- (undefined)
Look for internships in publishing houses, media organizations, content writing agencies, or NGOs during summer breaks. Even unpaid internships offer invaluable practical experience. Document your work, build a portfolio of articles or creative pieces, and network with professionals.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, Internshala, Local media companies/publishers
Career Connection
Provides real-world application of literary skills, helps identify career interests, builds professional networks, and significantly boosts resume value for placements.
Participate in Co-curricular Activities- (undefined)
Join the college literary club, debating society, or editorial board for the college magazine. Organize literary events, participate in inter-collegiate competitions, and contribute to departmental newsletters. These activities enhance teamwork, leadership, and event management skills.
Tools & Resources
College clubs and societies, Departmental events, Inter-collegiate festivals
Career Connection
Develops soft skills highly valued by employers, such as leadership, communication, and organizational abilities, providing a holistic profile for job applications.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Research Project or Dissertation- (undefined)
Choose a specific area of interest within literature and embark on an independent research project under faculty guidance. This culminates in a dissertation or detailed research paper, demonstrating advanced analytical, research, and writing skills. This aligns with the ''''Research Methodology'''' subject.
Tools & Resources
Faculty supervisors, Academic databases, Research software (e.g., Zotero for citations)
Career Connection
Essential for postgraduate studies, academic research, and roles requiring in-depth analytical capabilities. Showcases expertise and commitment to a specialized area.
Prepare for Higher Education or Competitive Exams- (undefined)
If pursuing an MA in English or civil services, begin preparing for entrance exams (e.g., NET, SET, UPSC, TNPSC). Focus on general knowledge, current affairs, and advanced English literature concepts. Join coaching classes if necessary and practice mock tests regularly.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Coaching institutes, Online test series, Current affairs journals
Career Connection
Directly impacts admission to prestigious postgraduate programs or securing coveted government positions, accelerating career progression in India.
Build a Professional Portfolio and Network- (undefined)
Compile your best academic essays, creative writing samples, internship reports, and project work into a well-organized digital portfolio. Attend career fairs, alumni meets, and industry webinars to expand your professional network. Utilize LinkedIn to connect with literary professionals and potential employers.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Personal website/blog, Behance (for creative writing), College alumni network
Career Connection
A strong portfolio and network are critical for showcasing capabilities, finding job opportunities, and receiving referrals in a competitive job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in Higher Secondary Examination (H.Sc.) or an equivalent examination.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TLA22A | Part-I Tamil / Other Languages | Language | 3 | Poetry, Grammar, Prose, Essay Writing, Letter Writing |
| EGC221 | Part-II English for Communication | Language | 3 | Basic Grammar, Vocabulary, Paragraph Writing, Reading Comprehension, Functional English |
| 22UENC1 | History of English Literature - I (Anglo-Saxon to the Restoration Period) | Core | 4 | Anglo-Saxon Period, Middle English Period, The Renaissance, The Elizabethan Age, The Puritan Age, The Restoration Age |
| 22UEAC1 | Introduction to Literary Forms | Core | 4 | Poetry, Drama, Prose, Fiction, Literary Terms |
| 22UEGC1 | Grammar and Usage | Generic Elective | 2 | Parts of Speech, Tenses, Sentence Structure, Punctuation, Common Errors |
| 22VAH11 | Value Added Course | Value Added Course | 2 | Personality Development, Communication Skills, Ethics, Time Management, Leadership |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TLA22B | Part-I Tamil / Other Languages | Language | 3 | Ancient Literature, Modern Literature, Grammar, Translation, Communication |
| EGC222 | Part-II English for Enrichment | Language | 3 | Advanced Grammar, Essay Writing, Report Writing, Listening Skills, Oral Communication |
| 22UENC2 | History of English Literature - II (Neo-Classical to Romantic Period) | Core | 4 | The Neo-Classical Age, Age of Dryden, Age of Pope and Swift, Age of Johnson, Pre-Romantic Age, The Romantic Age |
| 22UEAC2 | Indian Writing in English | Core | 4 | Early Indian English Writers, Major Indian Novelists, Indian English Poetry, Indian English Drama, Themes in Indian Writing |
| 22UEGC2 | Media Studies | Generic Elective | 2 | Introduction to Mass Media, Print Media, Electronic Media, New Media, Media Ethics |
| 22VAH22 | Value Added Course | Value Added Course | 2 | Digital Literacy, Environmental Awareness, Yoga and Wellness, First Aid, Financial Literacy |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TLA22C | Part-I Tamil / Other Languages | Language | 3 | Literary Criticism, Short Stories, Drama, Journalism, Creative Writing |
| EGC223 | Part-II English for Empowerment | Language | 3 | Resume Writing, Interview Skills, Group Discussions, Presentation Skills, Soft Skills |
| 22UENC3 | History of English Literature - III (Victorian to Modern Period) | Core | 4 | The Victorian Age, Victorian Poetry, Victorian Prose and Novel, The Modern Age, Modern Poetry and Drama, Modern Novel |
| 22UEAC3 | Literary Criticism - I | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism, Aristotle''''s Poetics, Longinus''''s On the Sublime, Philip Sidney, Neo-Classical Criticism |
| 22UENC4 | Shakespeare | Core | 4 | Shakespearean Comedy, Shakespearean Tragedy, Historical Plays, Sonnets, Themes in Shakespeare |
| 22ESV31 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Pollution, Natural Resources, Sustainable Development |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TLA22D | Part-I Tamil / Other Languages | Language | 3 | Ancient Texts, Contemporary Writing, Poetics, Literary Movements, Research Methodology |
| EGC224 | Part-II English for Employability | Language | 3 | Business Correspondence, Official Communication, Professional Etiquette, Conflict Resolution, Customer Service |
| 22UENC5 | English Poetry - I (Chaucer to the Romantics) | Core | 4 | Chaucer, Elizabethan Lyrics, Metaphysical Poets, Augustan Poetry, Pre-Romantics, Romantic Poets |
| 22UEAC4 | Literary Criticism - II | Core | 4 | Romantic Criticism, Coleridge, Wordsworth, Victorian Criticism, Matthew Arnold, Modern Criticism |
| 22UENC6 | Fiction - I (Eighteenth Century to Victorian) | Core | 4 | Rise of the Novel, Eighteenth Century Novelists, Gothic Fiction, Victorian Novelists, Social Realism, Psychological Novel |
| 22GEV41 | Gender Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Concepts of Gender, Gender and Society, Women''''s Movements, Gender Inequality, Gender Justice |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22UENC7 | English Poetry - II (Victorian to Contemporary) | Core | 4 | Victorian Poetry, Pre-Raphaelites, Modernist Poetry, War Poets, Post-Modern Poetry, Contemporary Trends |
| 22UENC8 | Fiction - II (Modern and Postmodern) | Core | 4 | Modernist Novel, Stream of Consciousness, Existentialism, Postmodern Fiction, Magic Realism, Contemporary Fiction |
| 22UENC9 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Early American Literature, American Renaissance, Transcendentalism, Modern American Writers, African American Literature, Contemporary American Fiction |
| 22UENC10 | World Literature (Translation Studies) | Core | 4 | Concept of World Literature, Translation Theories, Cultural Translation, Major Translated Works, Challenges in Translation, Impact of Translated Literature |
| 22UENDE1 | Discipline Specific Elective - I | Elective | 4 | Optional Subjects from a given list, Examples: Subaltern Studies, Film Studies, Dalit Literature, Varies based on student choice, Advanced literary concepts |
| 22UENDE2 | Discipline Specific Elective - II | Elective | 4 | Optional Subjects from a given list, Examples: Women''''s Writing, Postcolonial Studies, English Language Teaching, Varies based on student choice, Specialized literary fields |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22UENC11 | Literary Theory | Core | 4 | Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Deconstruction, Feminist Criticism, New Historicism, Postcolonial Theory |
| 22UENC12 | English Drama (Restoration to Modern) | Core | 4 | Restoration Comedy, Eighteenth-Century Drama, Romantic Drama, Victorian Drama, Modern Drama, Absurdist Theatre |
| 22UENC13 | Journalism and Communication Studies | Core | 4 | Principles of Journalism, Reporting and Editing, Feature Writing, Public Relations, Digital Journalism, Communication Models |
| 22UENC14 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research, Research Design, Data Collection, Literary Research Methods, Referencing Styles, Academic Writing |
| 22UENDE3 | Discipline Specific Elective - III | Elective | 4 | Optional Subjects from a given list, Examples: Children''''s Literature, Myth and Folklore, Science Fiction, Varies based on student choice, Advanced critical approaches |
| 22UENE1 | Skill Enhancement Course (Project / Internship / Entrepreneurship Development) | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Project Work, Internship Report, Business Plan, Skill Application, Presentation |




