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PHD-ENGLISH in English Literature at Sree Sankara College, Kalady
Ernakulam, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is English Literature at Sree Sankara College, Kalady Ernakulam?
This English Literature PhD program at Sree Sankara College, affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University, offers advanced research opportunities in diverse literary and cultural domains. It focuses on critical inquiry, theoretical engagement, and scholarly contributions to the evolving landscape of English studies in India. The program emphasizes both foundational research methodologies and specialized literary analysis, catering to the growing academic and research demands within the Indian educational sector.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with an MA in English, M.Phil. scholars, and academicians aspiring to deepen their research expertise and contribute significantly to literary scholarship. It attracts individuals passionate about critical theory, cultural studies, comparative literature, and Indian English writing. Candidates looking for a rigorous academic journey leading to teaching positions, research roles, or literary criticism careers in India will find this program suitable.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue esteemed careers as university professors, researchers, literary critics, editors, and cultural commentators in India. The doctoral degree significantly enhances academic credentials, leading to higher pay scales and leadership roles in educational institutions. Opportunities also exist in publishing houses, think tanks, and cultural organizations. The program nurtures analytical rigor and independent thought, highly valued in diverse professional spheres.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodologies and Academic Writing- (First 6-12 months (Coursework period))
Thoroughly engage with the coursework on Research Methodology, understanding qualitative and quantitative approaches. Develop robust academic writing skills, focusing on clarity, coherence, and adherence to scholarly conventions. Participate actively in seminars and discussions to refine your theoretical understanding.
Tools & Resources
MGU PhD Coursework Syllabus, MLA/APA style guides, Zotero/Mendeley for citation management, academic writing workshops, peer review groups
Career Connection
Strong methodological grounding and polished writing are crucial for producing high-quality research papers, securing publications, and excelling in academic roles.
Deep Dive into Literary Theories and Critical Frameworks- (First 1-2 years)
Beyond the coursework, independently explore a wide range of literary theories (e.g., Postcolonial, Feminist, Deconstruction, Marxism) and critical approaches. Identify theories most relevant to your potential research interests. Attend guest lectures and workshops on contemporary literary criticism.
Tools & Resources
Standard literary theory anthologies (e.g., Literary Theory: An Anthology by Rivkin and Ryan), JSTOR, Project MUSE for critical essays, departmental reading groups
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is indispensable for original research, offering new perspectives on texts, and establishing scholarly credibility in the field of English Literature.
Cultivate a Robust Reading and Note-Taking Habit- (Ongoing throughout the program)
Develop a systematic approach to extensive reading, both within and beyond your initial areas of interest. Practice effective note-taking, summarizing key arguments, and identifying potential research gaps. Regularly review your notes to connect ideas and formulate research questions.
Tools & Resources
Digital note-taking apps (Evernote, OneNote), physical notebooks, MGU library resources, inter-library loan facilities, online academic databases
Career Connection
Efficient reading and organized notes are fundamental to building a comprehensive literature review, identifying research problems, and sustaining long-term scholarly work.
Intermediate Stage
Actively Engage with Your Research Supervisor- (Years 2-3)
Maintain regular and productive communication with your research supervisor. Prepare thoroughly for meetings, presenting progress, discussing challenges, and seeking constructive feedback on your research design, literature review, and initial chapters.
Tools & Resources
Scheduled meetings, email communication, shared document platforms (Google Docs), supervisor''''s recommended readings
Career Connection
Effective mentorship is critical for navigating the PhD journey successfully, refining your research, and learning professional academic practices.
Present Research at Conferences and Seminars- (Years 2-4)
Begin presenting your ongoing research at departmental seminars, national conferences, and research colloquia. This builds confidence, receives peer feedback, and helps in networking. Aim for at least one presentation per year.
Tools & Resources
Conference alert websites (e.g., CFPs.net), university research grants for travel, professional academic associations (e.g., IACLALS, EFSLE)
Career Connection
Conference presentations are vital for disseminating your research, building an academic profile, and preparing for future job talks and lectures.
Seek Publication Opportunities for Research Chapters- (Years 3-4)
Convert well-developed chapters or significant findings from your thesis into publishable articles. Target peer-reviewed journals, both national and international, relevant to your field. Understand the submission and review process.
Tools & Resources
UGC CARE List journals, Scopus/Web of Science indexed journals, journal submission guidelines, academic writing support from university
Career Connection
Publications are a primary metric for academic hiring and promotion in India, demonstrating research productivity and scholarly impact.
Advanced Stage
Master Thesis Writing and Editing- (Final year)
Dedicate significant time to drafting, revising, and rigorously editing your entire thesis. Ensure logical flow, consistent argumentation, adherence to stylistic guidelines, and impeccable grammar. Seek feedback from your supervisor and trusted peers.
Tools & Resources
Thesis writing guides, grammar checkers (Grammarly), professional editing services (if budget allows), university writing center support
Career Connection
A well-written and polished thesis is the ultimate culmination of your PhD, a key factor in successful defense, and a testament to your scholarly rigor.
Prepare for Viva Voce and Defense- (Months leading up to defense)
Systematically prepare for your viva voce examination. Anticipate potential questions, practice articulating your research arguments concisely, and be ready to defend your methodology and findings. Conduct mock vivas with peers or mentors.
Tools & Resources
Previous viva questions (if available), departmental guidance on defense procedures, mock presentation sessions
Career Connection
A strong viva performance is crucial for successfully earning your doctorate and demonstrating your expertise to external examiners, often potential employers.
Strategize for Post-PhD Career Pathways- (Final 6-12 months)
Begin actively planning your post-PhD career well before submission. Network with faculty, explore academic job postings (Assistant Professor, Postdoctoral Fellow), prepare your CV, teaching philosophy statement, and cover letters. Consider non-academic roles where your research and analytical skills are valuable.
Tools & Resources
University career services, academic job portals (facultypositions.in, higheredjobs.com), LinkedIn, faculty mentors, networking at conferences
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition into the job market, maximizing opportunities in academia, research, or related professional fields in India and abroad.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master’s degree in English or a related subject with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade); relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/Differently abled candidates; often requires UGC-NET/JRF, SET, GATE qualification or University Entrance Test.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (full-time) including coursework; coursework typically 1 semester
Credits: 10 (for coursework) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester semester
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGRM01 (Indicative) | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research: Objectives, Approaches, Quantitative and Qualitative Research, Research Design and Methods, Data Collection, Analysis, and Interpretation, Report Writing, Academic Ethics, and Plagiarism |
| ENGES02 (Indicative) | English Studies | Core | 4 | Literary Theory and Criticism, Cultural Studies and Subaltern Studies, Indian English Literature, Postcolonial Literatures, New Trends and Debates in English Studies |
| ENGAR03 (Indicative) | Area of Research | Core | 2 | In-depth Study of the Chosen Research Area, Review of Existing Literature and Current Scholarship, Identification of Research Gaps and Problem Statement, Formulation of Research Questions/Hypotheses, Presentation of Research Proposal and Justification |
