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M-A-ENGLISH in General at Pondicherry University
Puducherry, Puducherry
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About the Specialization
What is General at Pondicherry University Puducherry?
This M.A. English program at Pondicherry University focuses on advanced study in English Literature, Literary Theory, Linguistics, and English Language Teaching. It provides a comprehensive understanding of literary periods, critical approaches, and language structures, equipping students with analytical and research skills vital for academic and professional growth in the Indian context.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in English Literature seeking to deepen their academic knowledge or pursue research. It also suits aspiring educators, content writers, and professionals in publishing and media looking to enhance their literary and linguistic expertise for diverse roles within the Indian job market.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as college lecturers (after NET/SLET), content developers, editors, technical writers, and researchers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities exist in academia, publishing houses, media companies, and corporate communications across India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Cultivate Strong Reading and Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on extensive reading of prescribed texts and supplementary literary works. Actively engage in critical analysis, identifying themes, literary devices, and historical contexts. Participate in classroom discussions and weekly essay writing to hone analytical capabilities.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Online literary databases like JSTOR or Project Gutenberg, Peer study groups, Academic writing workshops
Career Connection
Builds foundational analytical thinking, critical appraisal, and effective communication essential for research, content creation, and teaching roles.
Master Academic Writing and Research Basics- (Semester 1-2)
Develop proficiency in academic writing, including essay structure, argumentation, and correct citation (MLA/APA). Attend workshops on research methodology and use university resources for literature review. Practice paraphrasing and summarizing effectively to avoid plagiarism.
Tools & Resources
Writing Centre services, Purdue OWL, Zotero/Mendeley for citation management, Departmental seminars on research ethics
Career Connection
Crucial for postgraduate studies, research positions, content development, and any role requiring structured communication.
Engage with Peer Learning and Scholarly Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex literary theories and texts. Actively participate in departmental seminars, guest lectures, and student-led academic forums. Present short papers or reviews to develop public speaking and scholarly discourse abilities.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards for event announcements, Online collaborative platforms (e.g., Google Meet for study groups), Literary societies
Career Connection
Enhances critical thinking, communication, and networking, preparing students for collaborative academic or professional environments.
Intermediate Stage
Advanced Stage
Deepen Research for Dissertation and NET/SLET Preparation- (Semester 3-4)
Choose a research area early in Semester 3 and begin extensive literature review for the dissertation. Simultaneously, start preparing for national-level eligibility tests like NET/SLET, focusing on previous year papers and comprehensive revision of literary theories and periods.
Tools & Resources
University library, Research databases (JSTOR, MLA International Bibliography), UGC NET/SLET study materials, Online mock test platforms, Faculty mentorship for dissertation
Career Connection
Directly impacts eligibility for Assistant Professor roles (NET/SLET) and provides essential research skills for PhD programs and advanced content creation.
Gain Practical Experience and Industry Exposure- (Semester 3-4)
Seek internships in publishing houses, media companies, content writing firms, or educational institutions during semester breaks. Participate in workshops on technical writing, editing, or English Language Teaching (ELT) to acquire practical, industry-relevant skills.
Tools & Resources
University career counseling cell, Online internship platforms (Internshala, LinkedIn), Professional networking events, Departmental tie-ups for practical training
Career Connection
Bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands, enhancing employability and providing real-world experience.
Build a Professional Portfolio and Network- (Semester 3-4)
Compile a portfolio of academic essays, research papers, creative writing samples, or teaching materials. Attend conferences, seminars, and literary festivals to network with scholars, authors, and industry professionals. Actively engage in departmental events and alumni interactions.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn profile, Personal website/blog, University alumni association, Literary magazines for submissions, Conference announcements
Career Connection
Showcases capabilities to potential employers/PhD supervisors, opens doors for collaborations, and establishes a professional identity within the field.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed the B.A. Examination in English/B.A. General English/B.A. English Literature with a minimum of 50% marks of Pondicherry University or any other University recognized by the University Grants Commission as equivalent thereto.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 76 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (for theory courses), 50% (for Dissertation/Project, Viva-Voce, and Soft Skills courses), External: 60% (for theory courses), 50% (for Dissertation/Project, Viva-Voce, and Soft Skills courses)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 401 | Early English Literature | Core | 4 | Old English Literature, Anglo-Norman Period, Middle English Literature, Geoffrey Chaucer, Elizabethan Sonnets, Renaissance Poetry |
| ENGL 402 | Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism (Plato, Aristotle, Horace), Longinus and Rhetoric, English Renaissance Criticism (Sidney), Neoclassical Criticism (Dryden, Johnson), Romantic Criticism (Wordsworth, Coleridge), Victorian Criticism (Arnold) |
| ENGL 403 | Indian Writing in English | Core | 4 | History of Indian English Literature, Indian English Poetry, Indian English Fiction, Indian English Drama, Major Authors (Tagore, R.K. Narayan, Kamala Das), Themes in Indian English Writing |
| ENGL 404 | Phonetics and Linguistics | Core | 4 | Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, Pragmatics, Language Families and Evolution |
| SSIC 401 | Soft Skills I | Soft Skill | 2 | Effective Communication, Presentation Skills, Group Discussion Techniques, Interview Skills, Public Speaking, Interpersonal Skills |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 405 | Restoration and Eighteenth Century English Literature | Core | 4 | Restoration Drama and Comedy of Manners, Augustan Poetry and Satire (Pope, Swift), Rise of the Novel (Defoe, Richardson, Fielding), Age of Enlightenment, Sentimentalism, Gothic Fiction |
| ENGL 406 | Literary Theory | Core | 4 | Structuralism and Semiotics, Post-Structuralism and Deconstruction, Feminist Literary Criticism, Postcolonial Theory, New Historicism, Psychoanalytic Criticism |
| ENGL 407 | New Literatures in English | Core | 4 | Postcolonial Literatures, African Literature, Caribbean Literature, Canadian Literature, Australian Literature, Diasporic Writing |
| ENGL 408 | Methods of Teaching English | Core | 4 | Approaches to Language Teaching, Communicative Language Teaching, Task-Based Learning, Teaching Language Skills (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking), Material Development and Evaluation, Classroom Management |
| SSIC 402 | Soft Skills II | Soft Skill | 2 | Employability Skills, Resume and Cover Letter Writing, Emotional Intelligence, Conflict Resolution, Professional Etiquette, Time Management |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 501 | Romantic and Victorian English Literature | Core | 4 | Romanticism (Poetry, Prose), Victorian Age (Poetry, Novel), Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Tennyson and Browning, Dickens and Eliot, Social Concerns in Victorian Literature |
| ENGL 502 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research, Research Design and Types, Data Collection Methods, Quantitative and Qualitative Research, Report Writing and Documentation, Plagiarism and Ethics in Research |
| ENGL 503 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Colonial and Early American Literature, Transcendentalism, American Renaissance, Modern American Fiction, American Poetry, Post-War American Literature |
| ENGL 504 | Literary Forms (Elective I Option) | Elective | 4 | Poetry (Types, Forms, Devices), Drama (Tragedy, Comedy, Modern Forms), Fiction (Novel, Short Story), Prose (Essays, Biographies), Critical Approaches to Forms, Genre Studies |
| ENGL 505 | Women''''s Writing (Elective I Option) | Elective | 4 | Feminist Literary Criticism, Women Poets and Novelists, Autobiographies by Women, Gender and Representation in Literature, Intersectionality, Body and Identity |
| ENGL 506 | Dalit Literature (Elective I Option) | Elective | 4 | Dalit Identity and Experience, Social Justice and Protest Literature, Marathi Dalit Writing, Dalit Poetry, Dalit Autobiographies, Themes of Marginalization and Resistance |
| ENGL 507 | English Language Teaching (Elective II Option) | Elective | 4 | Historical Approaches to ELT, Teaching Language Skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing), Classroom Management, Error Analysis, Materials Evaluation and Design, Assessment in ELT |
| ENGL 508 | Translation Studies (Elective II Option) | Elective | 4 | Theories of Translation, Types of Translation (Literary, Technical, etc.), Cultural Aspects of Translation, Translating Poetry and Prose, Machine Translation, Role of Translator |
| ENGL 509 | Film Studies (Elective II Option) | Elective | 4 | Film Theory and Criticism, Narrative in Film, Auteur Theory, Genre Studies in Cinema, Indian Cinema, Documentaries and Experimental Films |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 510 | Modern and Postmodern English Literature | Core | 4 | Modernism (Poetry, Novel, Drama), Stream of Consciousness, Absurdist Drama, War Poets, Postmodernism (Characteristics, Theorists), Experimental Fiction and Metafiction |
| ENGL 511 | Literature and Gender | Core | 4 | Gender Theories in Literature, Feminist Readings, Masculinity Studies, Queer Theory, Representation of Gender in Texts, Sexuality and Identity |
| ENGL 512 | Dissertation | Project | 4 | Formulation of Research Problem, Comprehensive Literature Review, Methodology and Data Analysis, Thesis Writing, Presentation of Research Findings, Ethical Considerations |
| ENGL 513 | Viva-Voce | Project | 0 | Defense of Dissertation, Subject Knowledge Assessment, Communication and Argumentation Skills, Critical Thinking, Research Clarity, Originality of Work |
| ENGL 514 | English for Specific Purposes (Elective III Option) | Elective | 4 | ESP Needs Analysis, ESP Course Design, Business English, Technical English, Legal English, Medical English |
| ENGL 515 | Children''''s Literature (Elective III Option) | Elective | 4 | History of Children''''s Literature, Genres (Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Picture Books), Didactic Literature, Moral and Psychological Development, Children''''s Classics, Contemporary Children''''s Literature |
| ENGL 516 | Contemporary Indian Literature (Elective III Option) | Elective | 4 | Regional Indian Literatures, Contemporary Indian Fiction, Contemporary Indian Poetry and Drama, Themes of Identity and Migration, Urbanization and Globalization in Indian Context, Post-Liberalization Indian Writing |
