

MA-ENGLISH-LANGUAGE-AND-LITERATURE in English Language And Literature at Sree Sankara College, Kalady


Ernakulam, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is English Language and Literature at Sree Sankara College, Kalady Ernakulam?
This MA English Language and Literature program at Sree Sankara College, affiliated with M.G. University, offers a comprehensive exploration of literary traditions, critical theories, and linguistic studies. It aims to foster advanced analytical skills, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for the nuances of language and literature. In the Indian context, this specialization is vital for academic, media, and communication sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for humanities graduates seeking advanced literary knowledge, aspiring academics, and those aiming for careers in publishing, journalism, content creation, or teaching. It also suits individuals passionate about English literature and language who wish to deepen their understanding, providing a strong foundation for doctoral studies or professional roles requiring sophisticated communication abilities.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as university lecturers, content writers, editors, journalists, public relations specialists, and civil servants. Entry-level salaries range from INR 3-5 LPA, potentially growing to INR 8-15 LPA with experience. The program enhances research skills, critical analysis, and effective communication, highly valued in both academic and corporate settings across India.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Reading Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with core literary texts from Chaucer to Postmodernism, focusing on understanding historical contexts and literary movements. Utilize college library resources and online archives like Project Gutenberg for wider reading. Join literature reading clubs to discuss interpretations and broaden perspectives.
Tools & Resources
College Library, Project Gutenberg, Literary criticism journals, Reading groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation in literary history and movements is crucial for academic writing, teaching, and critical analysis roles in media or publishing.
Master Critical Thinking & Academic Writing- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in seminars and discussions on literary theories. Practice writing argumentative essays and critical analyses using MLA/APA formats. Seek feedback from professors to refine your analytical and scholarly writing skills. Focus on clarity, coherence, and evidence-based arguments.
Tools & Resources
MLA/APA Style Guides, Grammarly/QuillBot for editing, Professor feedback sessions, Peer review groups
Career Connection
Superior critical thinking and academic writing skills are invaluable for research, content development, journalism, and any profession requiring persuasive communication.
Enhance Language Proficiency & Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Regularly practice advanced English grammar, vocabulary, and effective communication. Engage in public speaking and presentation opportunities provided by the department. Consider joining debate clubs or extempore speaking events to boost confidence and articulation.
Tools & Resources
Thesaurus.com, Vocabulary.com, Toastmasters (if available), College debate society
Career Connection
Exceptional command over English and effective communication are paramount for teaching, media, public relations, and corporate communication roles.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Specializations & Electives- (Semester 3-4)
Thoughtfully choose electives in Semesters 3 and 4 that align with your career interests (e.g., ELT for teaching, Technical Writing for content roles). Actively pursue additional online courses or workshops in your chosen area to gain specialized knowledge.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Coursera/edX for specialized topics, Departmental workshops, Guest lectures
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge through electives directly prepares you for niche roles and gives you a competitive edge in specific industries like ELT, publishing, or digital content.
Engage in Research Projects & Academic Conferences- (Semester 3-4)
Collaborate with faculty on minor research projects or prepare papers for internal college symposiums. Attend literary festivals, academic conferences, or workshops outside the college to network and stay updated on current literary scholarship and trends in India.
Tools & Resources
UGC-CARE List of Journals, JSTOR, EBSCOhost (institutional access), Local literary festivals
Career Connection
Research experience is crucial for PhD aspirations, think tank roles, and demonstrates analytical rigor valued by employers for problem-solving.
Gain Practical Experience through Internships- (Semester 3-4)
Seek internships in relevant fields such as publishing houses, content writing agencies, media organizations, or educational institutions. Even short-term internships provide valuable exposure to industry practices and build a professional network. Leverage alumni connections for opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, LinkedIn, College placement cell, Alumni network
Career Connection
Internships bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands, often leading to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations for future job applications.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation & Viva Voce- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant time to your Dissertation, ensuring original research, thorough analysis, and impeccable academic writing. Prepare meticulously for the Viva Voce, being ready to articulate your research findings, methodology, and theoretical framework confidently.
Tools & Resources
Research guides, Statistical software (if applicable), Presentation tools (PowerPoint), Mock viva sessions
Career Connection
A well-executed dissertation is a strong portfolio piece for academic roles and demonstrates high-level research capabilities valuable in any advanced professional setting.
Prepare for Career Advancement & Higher Studies- (Semester 4)
Actively explore post-MA options, whether it''''s PhD admissions (UGC-NET/JRF preparation) or specific job roles. Tailor your CV/resume and cover letters, and practice interview skills. Attend career counseling sessions offered by the college.
Tools & Resources
UGC-NET study materials, Career counseling services, Mock interview platforms, Job portals (Naukri, LinkedIn)
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition post-MA, whether entering academia or securing a competitive industry position in India.
Cultivate a Professional Network- (Throughout the program, intensifying in Semester 4)
Regularly connect with professors, alumni, and industry professionals through LinkedIn, conferences, and college events. A strong network can open doors to mentorship, job opportunities, and collaborative projects, crucial for long-term career growth in India''''s dynamic job market.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Alumni association events, Professional literary/academic associations
Career Connection
Networking provides insights into industry trends, potential job leads, and professional development opportunities, significantly enhancing career prospects.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.A. English Language and Literature or any Bachelor''''s degree (B.A./B.Sc.) with not less than 45% marks in Part I+II+III together (for M.G. University affiliated colleges). Relaxation in marks for SC/ST/OEC candidates as per university rules. Admission criteria may include an entrance examination conducted by the university.
Duration: 4 Semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN010101 | Chaucer to the Augustans | Core | 4 | Old English and Middle English Literature, Chaucer''''s Poetry and Prose, Elizabethan Drama and Poetry, Metaphysical Poets and Puritanism, Neoclassical Literature and Augustan Age, Restoration Comedy and Satire |
| EN010102 | Romantics and Victorians | Core | 4 | Romantic Movement and Poetry, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Keats, Shelley, Byron, Victorian Prose and Essayists, Victorian Poetry: Tennyson, Browning, Arnold, Victorian Novel and Social Issues, Pre-Raphaelites and Aestheticism |
| EN010103 | History and Theory of Western Literary Criticism | Core | 4 | Classical Criticism: Plato, Aristotle, Longinus and Horace, Renaissance and Neoclassical Criticism, Romantic and Victorian Criticism, New Criticism and Russian Formalism, Structuralism and Post-structuralism |
| EN010104 | Indian Writing in English | Core | 4 | Early Indian English Fiction and Poetry, Modern Indian English Novel, Indian English Drama, Post-Independence Indian English Literature, Subaltern and Dalit Writings, Indian Diaspora Literature |
| EN010105 | English Language: History, Structure and Usage | Core | 4 | History of the English Language, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Lexicology, Syntax and Sentence Structure, Semantics and Pragmatics, Stylistics and Discourse Analysis |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN010201 | Modern and Postmodern Literatures | Core | 4 | Modernism and Avant-garde Movements, W.B. Yeats, T.S. Eliot, Ezra Pound, Modern Novel: Joyce, Woolf, Lawrence, Postmodernism and its Characteristics, Absurdist Theatre and Experimental Fiction, Contemporary Poetry and Fiction |
| EN010202 | Shakespeare | Core | 4 | Elizabethan Age and Theatre, Shakespearean Tragedies (e.g., Hamlet, Othello), Shakespearean Comedies (e.g., Twelfth Night), History Plays and Roman Plays, Shakespeare''''s Sonnets and Poetic Devices, Critical Approaches to Shakespeare |
| EN010203 | American Literature | Core | 4 | Colonial and Early American Literature, Transcendentalism and American Renaissance, Modern American Poetry (e.g., Frost, Williams), American Novel (e.g., Hemingway, Faulkner), African American Literature, Contemporary American Fiction and Drama |
| EN010204 | Women''''s Writing | Core | 4 | Feminist Literary Theories, Suffragette Movement and Early Feminism, Modern Women Writers (e.g., Virginia Woolf), Contemporary Feminist Fiction and Poetry, Indian Women Writers, Gender and Representation in Literature |
| EN010205 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research and Types, Formulating Research Questions and Hypothesis, Literature Review and Data Collection Methods, Academic Writing and Citation Styles (MLA, APA), Plagiarism and Research Ethics, Preparing a Research Proposal |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN010301 | Literatures in English: From the Postcolonies | Core | 4 | Postcolonial Theory and Concepts, African Literature, Caribbean Literature, Canadian and Australian Literature, South Asian Postcolonial Writing, Hybridity, Diaspora, and Identity |
| EN010302 | English Language Teaching | Core | 4 | History and Principles of ELT, Approaches and Methods in ELT (e.g., CLT), Teaching Language Skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing), Material Development and Lesson Planning, Language Assessment and Evaluation, Teacher Roles and Learner Styles |
| EN010303 | Literary Theory after the 1970s | Core | 4 | Post-structuralism and Deconstruction, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Feminist and Gender Theories, Postcolonial Theory and Cultural Studies, New Historicism and Ecocriticism, Reader-Response and Reception Theory |
| EN010304 | Elective I | Elective | 4 | Regional Literatures in Translation, Travel Writing, Dalit Literature, Children''''s Literature, Bio-text and Life Narratives, Narrative Fiction |
| EN010305 | Elective II | Elective | 4 | Translation Studies, Graphic Narratives, Eco-criticism, Science Fiction, Digital Humanities, Academic Writing |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN010401 | Literary Theory and Critical Practice | Core | 4 | Marxist Literary Criticism, Psychoanalytic Approaches to Literature, Feminist and Gender-based Criticism, Postcolonial Readings of Texts, Deconstruction and Reader-Response Theory, Applying Critical Theories to Literary Texts |
| EN010402 | Elective III | Elective | 4 | Cultural Studies, Film Studies, Environmental Studies, Subaltern Studies, Digital Humanities, Publishing Studies |
| EN010403 | Elective IV | Elective | 4 | Technical Writing, Creative Writing, Academic Writing, Rhetoric and Stylistics, Discourse Analysis, Editing and Proofreading |
| EN010404 | Dissertation with Viva Voce | Project | 8 | Dissertation Proposal Development, Extensive Literature Review, Methodology and Research Design, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Editing, Oral Defense (Viva Voce) of Research |




