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B-A-HONOURS in Functional English at ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) DEVAGIRI
Kozhikode, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Functional English at ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) DEVAGIRI Kozhikode?
This Functional English program at St. Joseph''''s College, Devagiri, focuses on developing advanced English language proficiency for diverse professional applications. It uniquely blends linguistic theory with practical communication skills, making graduates highly adaptable for roles in media, corporate communication, and academia within the vibrant Indian job market. The curriculum is designed to meet the evolving demands for skilled communicators.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates seeking entry into journalism, content creation, or corporate communication roles. It also suits working professionals looking to upskill their communication abilities for career advancement, and individuals transitioning into industries requiring strong English language skills. Candidates with a keen interest in linguistics, literature, and media studies are particularly well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including content writer, editor, journalist, public relations specialist, or language trainer. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The program aligns with industry demands for strong communication, critical thinking, and digital content creation, paving the way for steady growth in various Indian companies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Basic Communication & Grammar- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in communication workshops and grammar drills. Utilize online platforms like Grammarly or Purdue OWL for improving writing. Join college debate clubs or public speaking groups to overcome initial inhibitions and build foundational confidence.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Purdue OWL, College Debate Clubs
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals in communication and grammar are non-negotiable for any role requiring English proficiency, laying the groundwork for professional success in content writing, journalism, or corporate communication.
Engage with Diverse Readings- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond prescribed texts, explore current affairs, literary works, and academic articles. Discuss readings with peers and faculty to broaden perspectives and enhance critical thinking. This habit improves comprehension and expands vocabulary, crucial for high-level writing.
Tools & Resources
The Hindu, The Indian Express, Academic Journals
Career Connection
A broad knowledge base is essential for content creators, journalists, and public relations specialists to produce informed and engaging material, and for general competitive exams like UPSC.
Cultivate Academic Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on improving essay structure, argumentation, and referencing from the first year. Seek feedback from professors on assignments and rewrite to refine skills. Understand different citation styles (MLA/APA) early on for academic integrity.
Tools & Resources
University Writing Center, Online style guides, Feedback from professors
Career Connection
Proficiency in academic writing translates directly to producing professional reports, proposals, and content in corporate and media settings, making graduates valuable assets.
Intermediate Stage
Seek Practical Media and Business Exposure- (Semesters 3-5)
Apply for internships with local newspapers, content marketing agencies, or corporate communication departments during semester breaks. Volunteer for college magazine or department newsletters. This provides real-world application of theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, Local media houses, College publications
Career Connection
Direct industry experience enhances resumes, builds professional networks, and often leads to pre-placement offers or faster entry into relevant fields post-graduation.
Develop Specialized Communication Skills- (Semesters 3-5)
Participate in workshops on specific areas like public relations, technical writing, or scriptwriting. Practice translation exercises to bridge language gaps. Focus on building a portfolio of diverse writing samples, including news articles, blogs, and reports.
Tools & Resources
Udemy/Coursera courses, Translation apps/software, Personal blog
Career Connection
Specialized skills make graduates highly competitive for niche roles in media, corporate communications, translation services, and content strategy across various industries in India.
Network and Attend Industry Events- (Semesters 3-5)
Connect with alumni and professionals on LinkedIn. Attend webinars, seminars, and conferences related to media, linguistics, or corporate communications. Participate in inter-collegiate competitions to gain exposure and build confidence.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Industry associations (e.g., Public Relations Council of India), College event calendars
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, internship opportunities, and valuable career insights, significantly boosting placement prospects and long-term career growth.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Capstone Project with Industry Relevance- (Semesters 6)
Choose a final year project that addresses a real-world problem in media, corporate communication, or language services. Collaborate with external organizations if possible. This demonstrates applied knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
Tools & Resources
Research databases, Industry mentors, Project collaboration platforms
Career Connection
A well-executed, industry-relevant project serves as a powerful portfolio piece, showcasing practical skills to potential employers and enhancing employability for advanced roles.
Intensive Placement and Civil Service Preparation- (Semesters 6)
Dedicate time to mock interviews, group discussions, and aptitude tests. For civil service aspirants, focus on current affairs, general knowledge, and essay writing. Leverage college placement cells and external coaching resources for targeted preparation.
Tools & Resources
College Placement Cell, Online test platforms (e.g., IndiaBix), UPSC/KPSC study materials
Career Connection
Focused preparation is critical for securing placements in top companies or cracking competitive exams like UPSC, leading to stable and prestigious career paths.
Develop Digital Proficiency and Personal Branding- (Semesters 6)
Learn advanced digital tools for content creation, SEO, and social media management. Create a professional online presence through a personal website, LinkedIn profile, and curated social media activity. Showcasing digital skills is vital in today''''s job market.
Tools & Resources
Canva, WordPress, LinkedIn Learning, Google Analytics
Career Connection
Digital literacy and a strong personal brand are indispensable for roles in digital marketing, content strategy, and public relations, providing a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving Indian job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in Plus Two or equivalent examination as per Calicut University regulations
Duration: 6 Semesters
Credits: 103 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN1A01 | Literature and Contemporary Issues | Common Course | 4 | Environment and Human Existence, Human Rights and Social Justice, Gender and Society, War and Peace, Globalization and Identity |
| ML1A07 | Malayalam / Hindi / Arabic / Sanskrit | Common Course (Second Language) | 4 | Literary Forms, Grammar and Usage, Cultural Contexts, Translation Principles, Communication Skills |
| EN1B01 | Fundamentals of Communication | Core | 4 | Communication Process and Elements, Types of Communication, Barriers to Communication, Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication, Active Listening Skills |
| EN1C01 | Journalism: Principles and Practices | Complementary | 4 | Introduction to Journalism, News Reporting and Writing, Editing and Proofreading, Photojournalism and Design, Media Ethics and Law |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN2A03 | Readings from the Frontiers of Knowledge | Common Course | 4 | Science and Technology, Social Sciences and Humanities, Arts and Culture, Philosophy and Thought, Future Studies and Innovations |
| ML2A08 | Malayalam / Hindi / Arabic / Sanskrit | Common Course (Second Language) | 4 | Advanced Grammar, Prose and Poetry, Translation Practice, Cultural Readings, Language Proficiency |
| EN2B02 | Basic English Grammar | Core | 4 | Parts of Speech, Tenses and Aspects, Voice and Narration, Sentence Structure, Punctuation and Spelling |
| EN2C02 | Advanced English Grammar | Complementary | 4 | Complex Sentence Structures, Modals and Conditionals, Phrasal Verbs and Idioms, Common Grammatical Errors, Stylistics and Register |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN3A05 | Readings on Indian Constitution, Secularism and Sustainable Environment | Common Course | 4 | Indian Constitution and its Features, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Secularism in India, Environmental Issues and Challenges, Sustainable Development Goals |
| EN3A06 | Literature and Aesthetics | Common Course | 4 | Literary Theories, Poetics and Drama, Prose and Fiction, Critical Appreciation, Aesthetic Principles |
| EN3B03 | Public Speaking and Presentation Skills | Core | 4 | Principles of Public Speaking, Speech Preparation and Delivery, Presentation Techniques, Visual Aids and Body Language, Group Discussions and Debates |
| EN3C03 | Introduction to Linguistics | Complementary | 4 | Nature of Language, Branches of Linguistics, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology and Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN4A07 | Culture and Civilisation | Common Course | 4 | Cultural Studies, Diversity and Identity, Indian Culture and Heritage, Western and Global Cultures, Intercultural Communication |
| EN4A08 | Academic Writing | Common Course | 4 | Research Process and Ethics, Essay and Report Writing, Referencing Styles (MLA, APA), Avoiding Plagiarism, Critical Thinking in Writing |
| EN4B04 | Principles of Translation | Core | 4 | Introduction to Translation Studies, Types and Techniques of Translation, Cultural Issues in Translation, Machine Translation Basics, Literary and Technical Translation |
| EN4C04 | Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology | Complementary | 4 | Speech Organs, International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), Consonants and Vowels, Stress and Intonation, Connected Speech Phenomena |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN5B05 | English for Media | Core | 4 | Media Landscape in India, News Writing and Reporting, Feature Writing and Interviews, Script Writing for Broadcast, Media Ethics and Social Responsibility |
| EN5B06 | English for Professional Communication | Core | 4 | Business Letters and Emails, Report Writing, Minutes of Meetings, Resume and Cover Letter Writing, Professional Etiquette |
| EN5B07 | English for Business | Core | 4 | Business Terminology, Market Research and Analysis, Branding and Advertising, Business Presentation Skills, Negotiation and Persuasion |
| EN5B08 | English for the Workplace | Core | 4 | Office Communication Strategies, Interpersonal Skills, Conflict Resolution, Teamwork and Collaboration, Workplace Ethics and Culture |
| EN5D01 | English for Career | Open Course | 2 | Interview Skills, Resume Building, Group Discussion Techniques, Aptitude Test Preparation, Personal Grooming |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN6B09 | Soft Skills | Core | 4 | Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Time Management and Stress Management, Leadership and Team Building, Problem-Solving and Decision Making, Emotional Intelligence and Adaptability |
| EN6B10 | English for Human Resources | Core | 4 | HR Policies and Practices, Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Performance Appraisal, Industrial Relations |
| EN6B11 | English for Civil Services | Core | 4 | Current Affairs Analysis, General Studies and GK, Essay Writing for UPSC, Comprehension and Precis Writing, Public Administration Concepts |
| EN6B12 | Digital Writing | Core | 4 | Web Content Writing, Blogging and Vlogging, Social Media Content Creation, SEO Writing, Digital Storytelling |
| EN6B13 | Project | Core | 2 | Research Methodology, Data Collection and Analysis, Project Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Literature Review |
| EN6E01 / EN6E02 / EN6E03 | Elective: Introduction to Film Studies OR Introduction to Indian English Literature OR English Language Teaching (ELT) | Elective | 3 | Film History and Theory, Indian English Authors, ELT Methodologies, Genre Analysis, Language Teaching Skills |
